An Abbeville mom is pleading for witnesses to give up information to police on her son's murder.
"My family is going through hell, but guess what, we're standing together and my baby's death will not be in vain," said Denise Boudreaux.
Right now, Abbeville Police are still working to solve 29-year-old James Darby's murder.
Police have identified suspects, but they're not releasing details because of the ongoing investigation.
Boudreaux says since her son's murder, her family has received threats, but they're not backing down until justice is served.
"I've gotten a message that they're going to shoot up his funeral," Boudreaux said. "Being afraid gives those killers the power. Aw man, I did this, they ain't going to say nothing. You can't be afraid. Jesus wasn't afraid and he died for all of us."
Tuesday evening, more than 30 shots were fired on Boudreaux's street. She and police believe it's retaliation for her speaking out about her son's death.
"Come see me. Don't hide," Boudreaux said. "You're man enough to do the crime, be man enough to do the time."
Boudreaux said her son lived a private life and loved his family. Often, he'd be seen wearing a cross from his brother who died two years ago.
"He told me, momma as long as I have this cross on, I'll be protected. He didn't have this cross on when this happened," Boudreaux said. "It's a hard pill to take to lose a child this way."
A block away from where Darby was murdered, there are police surveillance cameras, but police say they did not catch the suspects on camera.
"Hopefully we will get some assistance from people who have a camera system and recorded something," said Chief Bill Spearman.
The Chief said his department is working with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office task force to curb gun crimes. Abveville Police are also hoping to work with the ATF's safe streets program to bring more suspects through the federal system. Spearman said if that happens, those convicted of gun crimes will have to serve their full sentence and will not be given the opportunity for parole.
"If we don't take a stand against the people terrorizing these neighborhoods, we're never going to make Abbeville safe," Chief Spearman said.
Police say they still need the public's help to solve crimes. If you have any information, you can submit a tip anonymously, but police ask for you to give as much information as possible.
Darby's family is planning a vigil for him on Saturday night at 7:00 on Dutel Street.
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