In the summer of 2022, a night of violence at a Louisville gas station tragically cut short the life of 40-year-old Lavonne Cooper. On the evening of July 22, a shooting broke out at Boone's Marathon gas station located in the Portland neighborhood on North 22nd Street. Responding to the call at approximately 9:30 p.m., Louisville Metro Police officers discovered Cooper at the scene, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services rushed her to the University of Louisville Hospital, but her injuries proved to be fatal, and she was pronounced deceased.
The incident left another woman wounded. This second victim, who was inside the gas station at the time of the shooting, sustained a gunshot wound to her arm. She was able to transport herself to Jewish Hospital for treatment of her non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into the deadly shooting quickly pointed to a suspect. Three days after the incident, police arrested 40-year-old LaTodd Allen in connection with the homicide.
Allen was charged with murder, first-degree assault, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. According to the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, Allen admitted to firing multiple shots at Cooper, with the fatal wounds being to her neck and face. He also disposed of the firearm he used in the shooting prior to his arrest. Subsequently, LaTodd Allen pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in the death of Lavonne Cooper and the injury of the second victim. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Allen will not be eligible for probation.
