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Community mourns woman who was shot in apartment

Yvonne Abernethy was only 25 when she was shot and killed at the Lake Pointe Apartments early Tuesday morning.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Family members and people who knew and loved Yvonne Abernethy are deeply saddened by her death. Abernethy was shot and killed outside her apartment complex early Tuesday morning.

Abernethy was only 25 years old when she was killed. Rev. Kenny Irby said he was shocked by the killing because Abernethy still had her whole life ahead of her.

“Devastated, there is no other description,” said Reverend Irby.

Reverend Irby said his congregation was close-knit and Abernethy was a dedicated member.

“Everyone in the church and the people in the community knew her as ‘Von,’” said Reverend Irby.

He said she often expressed her faith through song and dance. He called her an emerging leader in her community who was taken from her too soon.

“She was a wonderfully humble young lady, eager to learn and always willing to help,” said Reverend Irby.

Reverend Irby said the killing also sheds light on a larger problem, the epidemic of gun violence.

“How can these weapons be so prevalent in our community?” said Reverend Irby.

St. Pete police said Abernathy’s family heard gunshots and found her dead outside her apartment. Police are calling Abernathy’s murder a targeted killing. Reverend Irby believes the killer was not a stranger.

“This was an acquaintance. As far as I know, she and her father had reported the person and were trying to get a restraining order,” said Reverend Irby.

Reverend Irby stressed the importance of reaching out to those you love and educating them about the consequences of pulling a trigger.

“We need to acknowledge it and provide the resources and support needed to those in need,” said Reverend Irby.

St. Petersburg police said a suspect had been arrested by another agency and was being held on other charges.

So far, investigators have said they have not made any arrests in connection with Abernethy’s death. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact St. Pete Police.