In the city of Alexandria, Louisiana, a bright and cheerful 4-year-old boy named Londen Austin, who was known for his love of his Spider-Man motorcycle and smelling good, tragically lost his life on the evening of May 9, 2026. Londen, a Pre-K graduate from Alma Redwine Elementary School, was attending a birthday party on Houston Street. The celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable grief when Londen was struck by a bullet from a handgun.
He was rushed to a local hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries. The news of his sudden and senseless death sent shockwaves through his family and the wider community, leaving them grappling with the loss of a child described as smart, lovable, and goofy.
The investigation into the heartbreaking incident revealed that Londen and another 4-year-old child had been playing unsupervised inside the residence where the party was held. They discovered a loaded and illegally possessed stolen firearm. In their innocence, the children began to play with the weapon, which then discharged, leading to the fatal injury of young Londen. The Alexandria Police Department quickly launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this preventable tragedy, working in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. The focus of the investigation turned to how the children were able to gain access to a deadly weapon.
In the days following Londen's death, an arrest was made in connection with the case. On May 10, 2026, the Alexandria Police Department took 25-year-old Cartavis Austin, Londen's father, into custody. He was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. It was also revealed that Cartavis Austin was on parole at the time of the incident and had a prior criminal history that included a charge of attempted second-degree murder. Following his arrest, he was held on a $200,000 bond. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of unsecured firearms and the illegal possession of weapons, prompting the local police chief to issue a public plea for responsible gun ownership. The investigation into the tragic death of Londen Austin is ongoing, and as of now, there have been no public announcements regarding a conviction or sentencing in this case.
