In Loving Memory of Capt. Devin “Curly” Boutte: A Life of Service, Courage, and Community Devotion
IBERVILLE PARISH, La. — July 6, 2025 — The City of St. Gabriel is reeling in grief following the devastating loss of Capt. Devin “Curly” Boutte, a respected officer of the St. Gabriel Police Department whose sudden and tragic passing early Sunday morning has left the entire community in mourning.
Capt. Boutte, age 34, was discovered in his home on Legion Drive under deeply troubling circumstances. According to local authorities, he was the victim of a fatal stabbing, prompting an immediate and ongoing investigation. His untimely death has cast a heavy shadow over not only the department he served but also the neighborhoods and families he protected with unwavering dedication.
As the news rippled across the city and state, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the public—each bearing witness to the extraordinary legacy of a man whose life was rooted in service, sacrifice, and sincere love for his community.
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
From his earliest days on the force, Devin Boutte—known to many affectionately as “Curly” for his signature hair and bright spirit—was a standout figure in the law enforcement community. But his reputation was built on far more than a recognizable nickname. He was a man of principle, deeply admired for his courage, professionalism, and the empathy he brought to the badge.
He rose quickly through the ranks, earning the respect of his peers and the trust of city leaders. His promotion to the role of Captain was seen not just as recognition of his capabilities, but as a reflection of the community’s confidence in his heart, his vision, and his ability to lead with integrity.
What set Capt. Boutte apart was not just his skill in policing—it was the humanity with which he carried himself. Whether responding to emergency calls, attending community events, mentoring youth, or consoling grieving families, he offered more than protection. He offered presence. He showed up, not because it was required, but because he truly believed in the mission of building a safer, more compassionate St. Gabriel.
Devotion to Family and Brotherhood
Beyond his role in uniform, Devin Boutte was a devoted son, a proud father, and a loyal friend. He often spoke of how important family was in shaping his character and grounding his life. Friends describe him as someone who lit up when talking about his children and whose eyes softened whenever his mother’s name came up in conversation.
Those who worked closely with him say he treated his fellow officers like family, too. The bond of brotherhood in the St. Gabriel Police Department was made stronger through his encouragement, humility, and leadership. Younger officers saw in him a mentor, someone who had walked the hard roads but never lost his compassion. Veterans of the force found in him a brother who never forgot the core values of service and unity.
“He never turned his back on anyone,” one fellow officer shared. “He led from the front, and he always had your six—on the job and off. He wasn’t just a great cop, he was a great man.”
The Morning That Changed Everything
The quiet of Legion Drive was shattered in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, when a 911 call summoned emergency responders to Capt. Boutte’s home. What they found was heartbreaking. Despite their immediate efforts, it was clear that nothing more could be done. Capt. Boutte had succumbed to multiple stab wounds inside his own residence.
The scene prompted a full-scale response from local and state authorities. The investigation was swiftly initiated by Iberville Parish officials, with assistance from state law enforcement agencies. As of now, no suspect has been publicly named, though officials have confirmed that the case is being treated with the highest priority.
St. Gabriel’s Police Chief released a brief but emotional statement: “We are heartbroken. Capt. Boutte was not only a member of our department, he was our family. We will not rest until justice is fully served, and we will support his loved ones every step of the way.”
A City United in Grief
News of the tragedy spread quickly throughout St. Gabriel and beyond. Within hours, residents began gathering outside the police department, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at a growing memorial near the station’s flagpole. Social media became a stream of tributes, with the hashtag #JusticeForCurly trending across Louisiana.
Churches held impromptu prayer circles. Local schools opened their gyms to host grief counselors and provide spaces for reflection. Children who once saw Capt. Boutte at school assemblies or community events now stood beside their parents, clutching photos and lighting candles in silence.
City Hall lowered its flag to half-staff, and a black ribbon was tied to the gates of the police department. Business owners placed signs in their windows, expressing sympathy and solidarity. One local café, where Capt. Boutte was a regular, wrote on its chalkboard: “Coffee’s on us today for anyone wearing blue. We remember Curly.”
Remembering His Community Impact
It’s impossible to quantify the impact Capt. Boutte had on St. Gabriel. From organizing toy drives at Christmas to advocating for restorative justice initiatives, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him. He believed in second chances, in bridging divides between law enforcement and the public, and in the power of showing up—consistently, compassionately, and with purpose.
He was known for his sense of humor as much as his deep sense of duty. He could lighten a tense room with a smile, calm a frightened child, and speak to people in a way that made them feel seen.
One resident recalled a time when a neighborhood dispute nearly escalated, but Capt. Boutte arrived and defused the situation—not with force, but with words, empathy, and mutual respect. “He didn’t just patrol our streets. He protected our peace.”
Seeking Answers, Pursuing Justice
While the grief remains raw, so too does the city’s call for justice. Investigators are combing through evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing potential witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward and assist in the case.
Community leaders have made it clear: silence is not an option. Capt. Boutte dedicated his life to serving and protecting this city. Now, it is the city’s turn to serve and protect his memory.
Reward funds are being established for tips leading to an arrest. Vigils are planned, including a citywide procession and public memorial service. Police departments from across the state are expected to attend, showing solidarity and honoring one of their own.
A Lasting Legacy
The loss of Capt. Devin “Curly” Boutte is more than a tragedy—it is the departure of a light that once guided an entire community. Yet his spirit endures. In every act of kindness inspired by his example, in every child who dreams of becoming a leader like him, and in every community effort sparked by his service, his legacy lives on.
Plans are already in motion to rename a stretch of Legion Drive in his honor. A scholarship fund will be created in his name to support aspiring public servants and law enforcement officers from St. Gabriel. And perhaps most importantly, his life will continue to be the standard by which others in the department measure leadership, empathy, and courage.
Final Reflections
As the sun sets over Iberville Parish and the community prepares for memorial services, one truth remains undeniable: Capt. Boutte left this world far too soon, but he also left it better than he found it.
He taught others to lead with love, to protect with compassion, and to serve with purpose. He was the kind of officer every city dreams of having—and the kind of human being every heart longs to know.
May his memory be a blessing. May justice be swift. And may his legacy guide this city, and all who knew him, toward healing, unity, and continued service to others.
