ASCENSION PARISH, La. (WAFB) - A teenager in Ascension Parish was arrested this week on a murder charge after allegedly killing another teen, intensifying concerns about youth and violent crime in the community.

In response, local leaders gathered in Gonzales for a “call to action” meeting aimed at tackling the issue head-on.

Among those leading the effort was Eldridge LeBlanc, founder of the nonprofit LEAD, which stands for Love, Educate, Advocate, Dream. The organization mentors young people in hopes of steering them away from violence and incarceration.

For LeBlanc, the mission is personal. Sixteen years ago, on Sept. 4, 2009, he was arrested after a robbery attempt led to a deadly confrontation.

“I was set up to be robbed, and in one of those situations, one of the attackers was sh

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