Abbeville Police make arrest in connection to first homicide of year

The city’s first homicide of the year has resulted in a quick arrest.
Abbeville Police booked 17-year-old Shawn Jones of Abbeville Monday night for 2nd-Degree murder in connection to the shooting death of Trevor Petry, 36.
According to Abbeville Police Lt. David Hardy, officers responded Friday, Jan. 8, around 11:15 p.m., to complaints of a subject having been shot on Clover Street.
“When they got there they found a male subject who they identified as Trevor Petry,” Hardy said.
Petry suffered one gun-shot wound to the back. Paramedics transported Petry to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“Throughout the weekend we worked the investigation,” Hardy said.
Heavy winds and rain affected the investigation’s early stages.
“We didn’t really have a scene to work with because of the monsoon,” Hardy said of Friday’s inclement weather.
The investigation turned positive for police when tips began to roll in.
“We were able to make an arrest because the community got involved,” Hardy said. “People in the community were contacting us. It shows that it is an effective means to help solve cases like this.
“People came forward with information and that led to us making the arrest.”
Along with 2nd-Degree Murder, police also charged Jones with Illegal Carrying of a Firearm, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm and Carrying a Firearm Within a Firearm Free Zone. Jones’ total bond has been set at $300,000. He is currently being held in the Vermilion Parish Correction Center.
Hardy could not say if there was a connection between Jones and Petry. Anyone with information on the case can contact Abbeville Police at 893-2511.
“We are still investigating,” Hardy said. “We are still looking at other individuals, not as far as the shooting, but some who may have more information about the shooting.”