ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Family members and those who knew and loved Yvonne Abernethy are heartbroken following her death. Abernethy was shot and killed outside her apartment complex early Tuesday morning.
Abernethy was only 25 years old when she died. Rev. Kenny Irby said he was shocked because Abernethy had her whole life ahead of her.
“Devastated — there's no other description,” Irby said.
Irby said his congregation is close-knit and Abernethy was a dedicated member.
“Everybody in the church and people in the community knew her as ‘Von,’" Irby said.
He said she often expressed her faith through song and dance. He called her a rising leader in her community taken too soon.
“She was a wonderfully humble young lady who was eager to learn and always willing to serve,” Irby said.
Irby said the murder also shines a light on a bigger issue which is an epidemic of gun violence.
“How do these guns become so prevalent in our community,” Irby said.
St. Pete police said Abernathy's family heard gunshots and found her dead outside her unit at the Reserve at Lake Pointe apartment complex. Police are calling Abernethy's homicide targeted. Irby believes the killer was not a stranger.
“This was an acquaintance. My understanding is that she and her dad had reported the individual and were pursuing a restraining order,” Irby said.
Irby stressed how important it is to check in with the people you love and to educate them about the consequences that come with pulling a trigger.
“We need to acknowledge it and we need to provide the resources and support to individuals in need,” Irby said.
The St. Petersburg Police Department said a different agency arrested a person of interest and is being held on unrelated charges. So far, investigators said they have not arrested anyone in connection with Abernethy’s death.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the St. Pete Police Department.