A beloved son, father, and friend, Tyrone Young Sr. was a 24-year-old Black man whose life was tragically cut short in New Orleans, Louisiana. Known affectionately as "Mister" by his loved ones, his death on Saturday, October 15, 2011, left a profound void in the lives of his family and community.
Tyrone was the son of Kimberlin Young and Tyrone Brousseau and the stepson of Louis Roby. He was a cherished grandson to Theodore and Betty Young. A devoted father, he left behind his young son, Tyrone Young Jr., and his daughter, Thomanika Walker. He was a brother to D'Sean, Tevin, Anthony, and Brandon Young, Matthew Hawthrone, Rodney Williams, Gerald Barnes, Nicole Penn, and Lorielle Roby. His obituary paints a picture of a large, close-knit family, also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends remembered him as a "real cool guy" who would always call to check in on them.
In online tributes, friends expressed deep sorrow and disbelief, with one writing, "Mister, I'm hurting so bad lil bro! I cannot believe you are gone!" Another friend recalled him as a "lil brother and friend," saying, "We lost a good young man that was truly loved."
The specific circumstances of Tyrone's death have not been publicly detailed by law enforcement. While his passing is recorded as a homicide, information regarding the time, location, and manner of his death has not been released. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) handles homicide investigations within the city. In 2011, the city of New Orleans was grappling with a high homicide rate, a challenge that Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas publicly addressed as a "culture of violence." That year, the city's police force was also undergoing significant scrutiny and reform efforts in partnership with federal agencies following a number of high-profile cases of police misconduct in the years after Hurricane Katrina.
The investigation into Tyrone Young's murder remains open, but authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest. There have been no announcements of arrests or charges in connection with the case. The lack of resolution leaves his family and community with unanswered questions about the violent end to such a young life.
In the days following his death, friends and family gathered to mourn and celebrate his life. A visitation was held on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home on Jackson Avenue, followed by a funeral service officiated by Rev. Morgan Leverett. He was laid to rest in Providence Memorial Park. In the guest book, his godmother and aunt, Anita Brousseau-Martin, wrote, "Sitting here wondering when was the last time i seem my nephew/godson. It hurt so bad, but I know God is able to see me through."
More than a decade later, the case of who killed Tyrone Young Sr. remains unsolved. His children have grown up without their father, and his family continues to await justice. The memory of "Mister" is preserved by those who loved him, who remember his voice, his friendship, and the good times they shared. As of November 2026, no reward or specific tip line has been publicized in connection with this case. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities would urge anyone with information to come forward.
