On December 22, 2025, the city of New Iberia was shaken by the fatal shooting of Anthony Brian Thomas, a 34‑year‑old resident of nearby Jeanerette. Family members and witnesses identified him as the victim of the violence that unfolded that evening, a tragedy that disrupted the ordinary rhythms of life in this historic Louisiana region.
The events occurred in central New Iberia, a city whose cultural landscape reflects centuries of French and Spanish influence. Normally, its streets carry the cadence of everyday routines, but on that night the atmosphere was pierced by gunfire, leaving behind a scene of chaos and sorrow.
Police reports indicate that officers were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. following multiple calls about shots fired near South Hopkins Street and Johnston Street. As they canvassed the area, they were alerted to a shooting victim in the 500 block of Johnston. Responding officers found Thomas collapsed in the roadway, gravely injured.
Emergency medical crews from Acadian Ambulance attempted resuscitation alongside law enforcement, but despite their efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity and classified the death as homicide, initiating a formal investigation that, as of now, has not produced a suspect or clear motive.
The location of the shooting—a residential corridor where homes and small businesses intermingle—has long been a place where neighbors share both celebrations and hardships. The sudden violence has unsettled the community, prompting the New Iberia Police Department to issue appeals for information.
Authorities have encouraged residents to provide tips through Iberia Crime Stoppers at 337‑364‑TIPS, or anonymously via online platforms such as P3Tips.com and the P3 Tips mobile application. Detectives continue to reconstruct the timeline of that Monday evening, stressing that public cooperation is essential to uncovering the circumstances behind the fatal encounter.
The New Iberia Police Department has reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and thorough. Meanwhile, residents of both Jeanerette and New Iberia are left to reflect on the fragility of safety in communal spaces. The story of Anthony Brian Thomas has become a call for solidarity, urging communities to support one another as they confront the emotional weight of loss during a season meant for togetherness.
