Dear Reader,

I am reaching out today under circumstances of immense personal tragedy and subsequent hardship, hoping to find a measure of guidance and support as my family navigates an unimaginable period. My name is LaWanda Young, and I am writing to you with a heart still fractured by an profound loss.

On July 22nd, my exceptional son, Justin Howard, was tragically taken from us in a devastating car accident on Highland Road in Baton Rouge. Justin was more than just a son; he was the bedrock of our family, a young man of unparalleled integrity and potential. A graduate with honors, he embodied diligence and respect in every aspect of his life. His absence has left an irreparable void, and I am still grappling with the sheer impossibility of life without his radiant presence.

Justin also played an extraordinary role in the life of his younger brother, Tyler. He stepped into a father-figure role, raising Tyler as his own, especially as I navigated my own health challenges. With Justin gone, the impact on our family, particularly on Tyler, who adored him unconditionally, is indescribable.

Before this tragedy struck, Justin and I shared a beautiful, tangible dream. Our two-bedroom home was becoming too small for our growing needs, and we were planning to add a much-needed third room. It was a shared vision for our family's future, a testament to Justin's commitment to creating a comfortable and safe environment for us all. Upon his passing, I discovered he had a life insurance policy—a detail he had kept quiet. This unexpected resource, intended to secure our future, offered a fragile flicker of hope: the chance to fulfill our shared dream and honor his memory. Specifically, Justin often gave up his room for Tyler, understanding his need for personal space, and my deepest desire was to complete this expansion, creating a dedicated haven for Tyler.

However, our path to healing was brutally interrupted by a cruel deception. I hired a contractor, who, knowing the tragic source of these funds, initially appeared empathetic and understanding. I entrusted him with a $10,000 deposit, believing he would help us build upon Justin's legacy. What followed was a nightmare of escalating demands, ultimately leading to him swindling over $30,000 from me. Worse still, he abandoned the project, leaving our home severely compromised. It is now exposed to the elements and infested with pests, creating an incredibly unsafe environment. This situation is particularly distressing as my four-year-old son, who lives with special needs and possesses a remarkable artistic spirit, is now forced to reside in these hazardous conditions. It is beyond comprehension how someone could prey on a family already drowning in grief.

This individual's actions were not merely incompetent; they were maliciously fraudulent. He submitted elaborate fake invoices and receipts, masquerading as legitimate transactions, to justify payments for work that was either never performed or grossly misrepresented. To add insult to injury, he deliberately caused damage to parts of my home, then attempted to claim these as pre-existing issues, demanding further payments for "repairs." This outrageous and illegal conduct has completely shattered any trust I had. I have already reported this egregious fraud to the authorities, and criminal charges are actively being pursued. I am steadfast in my resolve to ensure he is held accountable and prevented from inflicting such pain on other vulnerable families.

Despite these overwhelming personal and financial struggles, I am fighting relentlessly to remain strong for my boys. Yet, I find myself at a crossroads, feeling profoundly lost and unsure of where else to turn. My immediate and desperate need is to secure the necessary resources to complete the repairs and make my home safe and stable for my children.

I have compiled further details about my situation and the ongoing legal actions against the contractor, which you can access here: https://www.wbrz.com/news/grieving-mom-hires-contractor-for-dream-project-materials-paid-for-missing?fbclid=IwZnRzaANuXIpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiJhT9VVVL-z70WNB45HJOvfC9munJ23ZVJZAkbl3j1-xS9rX7-pwf75GgNl_aem_U1kTKiPaDK3VPJ5yCllAuQ

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to consider my difficult story. I am earnestly seeking a path forward and welcome any advice, assistance, or strategic guidance you might be able to offer.

With deepest gratitude,

Lawanda Young