Maringouin Community Devastated by the Tragic Loss of 17-Year-Old Derrien Scott in Thursday Night Shooting
Maringouin, LA – October 17, 2025
The small, close-knit community of Maringouin, Louisiana, is reeling from a profound and heartbreaking tragedy following the death of 17-year-old Derrien Scott, who was killed in a shooting on Thursday evening. Known for its deep family roots and strong sense of togetherness, the town is now grappling with immense grief over the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
According to the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 7:15 p.m. on Thursday in a residential area of Maringouin. Upon arrival, they discovered Derrien suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel rendered aid and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. No arrests have been made as of Friday morning, and the investigation remains ongoing.
News of Derrien’s death has left the community in a state of shock and sorrow. Friends, family, classmates, and neighbors gathered through the night and into the early morning, standing in stunned silence, lighting candles, and holding one another close as they tried to make sense of the senseless violence.
Remembering Derrien: A Bright Light with a Big Future
Derrien Scott, a senior at Livonia High School, was widely known and deeply loved throughout Maringouin and the surrounding areas. He was a standout student-athlete, playing on the school’s football and basketball teams, and was admired for both his natural talent and strong leadership. Off the field, Derrien was equally impressive — a respectful, charismatic young man who always carried himself with kindness and maturity beyond his years.
“He had this amazing energy,” said Coach Reggie Thomas, who coached Derrien for three years. “He was the kind of kid you never had to tell twice. He worked hard, he listened, he led by example — not just on the team, but in life.”
Family members describe Derrien as a devoted son, a protective older brother, and a loyal friend. His mother, Tamika Scott, said her son had dreams of playing college football and studying kinesiology so he could one day return to his hometown and coach the next generation of athletes.
“He wanted to stay close to his roots,” Tamika shared tearfully. “He loved this town, this community. He never let the world change him — he was still our Derrien, just with big dreams and an even bigger heart.”
A Community in Mourning
As the town awoke Friday morning, word of Derrien’s death had already spread through homes, churches, and schools, triggering an emotional wave of mourning. At Livonia High, grief counselors were on hand to support students and staff reeling from the sudden loss of their classmate and friend.
“Derrien was more than just a student — he was part of our family,” said Principal Laura Jennings. “We are heartbroken. Today is one of the darkest days this school has ever faced.”
A memorial of flowers, balloons, sports jerseys, and handwritten notes quickly formed outside the school, while others gathered at the local community center and nearby churches to hold prayer vigils and offer support to the Scott family.
Local faith leaders have also stepped forward to guide the grieving town through this painful time. Reverend Calvin Broussard of New Zion Baptist Church offered these words: “We are angry, we are broken, but we are not alone. In our pain, we will not forget the joy that Derrien brought into our lives. And we will not let his life be remembered only for how it ended.”
Growing Concerns About Violence and Youth Safety
Thursday night’s shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence in small rural towns like Maringouin, where community members often feel insulated from the problems faced by larger cities. While violent crime in the area is relatively rare, this tragedy has sparked urgent calls for action.
“We cannot allow this to be the norm — not here, not anywhere,” said Iberville Parish Council Member Lisa Fontenot. “A 17-year-old should be planning prom, applying to college, dreaming of the future — not dying on our streets.”
Community organizations and local leaders are already discussing plans to strengthen youth outreach programs, increase after-school opportunities, and bring greater awareness to issues facing young people in Maringouin and the surrounding region.
Investigation Ongoing
The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office has stated that detectives are pursuing several leads in the case and are working diligently to bring justice to Derrien and his family. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting — whether through firsthand accounts, security footage, or other tips — to come forward immediately.
“We are committed to finding out exactly what happened and who is responsible,” said Sheriff Brett Stassi. “We owe that to Derrien, his family, and this grieving community.”
Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 687-5100 or through the Crime Stoppers hotline.
Honoring Derrien’s Memory
In the days ahead, Derrien Scott’s life will be remembered through more than just the grief of his loss — it will be honored through stories of his laughter, his perseverance, and the countless lives he touched.
Funeral arrangements are currently being made and will be shared by the Scott family in the coming days. In the meantime, a candlelight vigil will be held this Saturday evening at Maringouin Community Park, where friends and neighbors will gather to celebrate Derrien’s life and legacy.
The Scott family has established the Derrien Scott Memorial Fund, which will support funeral expenses and fund a future scholarship in Derrien’s name for student-athletes at Livonia High who embody the same passion and character he showed every day.
A Light Gone Too Soon
In a town where everyone knows each other by name, the loss of Derrien Scott is not just the loss of a student or an athlete — it’s the loss of a son of Maringouin. His memory now lives on in the stories shared by those who loved him, in the community that will never forget him, and in the commitment to make sure his death is not in vain.
As one classmate said through tears, standing by a growing memorial outside the school: “He had so much more to give. But he gave us everything he had while he was here.”
Rest in peace, Derrien. Your community will carry you forward.
Leave a Reply