On October 10, 2025, a St. James Parish Jury found 41-year-old Edward Young III of 2184 Levy Gaudet St. Lutcher, LA, guilty of the following charges:
-Attempted 1st Degree Murder of a Police Officer
-Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities
-Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Young was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Adam Koenig and Bruce Mohon.
Presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Cody Martin. Standing in for Judge Martin for trial was the Honorable Ad-Hoc Judge Kirk Vaughn.
On March 11, 2020, the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division was contacted by the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to an officer involved shooting in St. James Parish. Louisiana State Police detectives responded and led this investigation. The investigation revealed that two St. James Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives were conducting surveillance on Edward Youg III after receiving reports indicating that Young was engaged in illegal drug activity. Young approached the two detectives holding a handgun. After the detectives identified themselves as law enforcement officers, Young began to run through a residential neighborhood. While running, Young fired multiple shots at detectives who returned fire, striking Young in the leg. Young was successfully apprehended shortly after and was transported to University Medical Center where he was treated for injuries. Both detectives were unharmed. Upon release from medical treatment, Young was booked into the St. James Parish Jail.
Upon the jury returning a guilty verdict in this matter, Young who was out on bond at the time of his scheduled trial, was remanded into the custody of the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office where he was held awaiting sentencing.
On January 22, 2026, Edward Young III appeared before Judge Martin for sentencing. Young was sentenced to 25 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served. Based on Young’s extensive criminal history, the District Attorney’s Office intends to file a habitual offender bill in this matter.