Louisiana Father Killed While Picking Up Son at Church Daycare After Carjacker Opened Fire, Police Say
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Police say a 36-year-old father waiting to pick up his son from daycare was shot and killed outside a church parking lot in New Orleans after a man allegedly tried to carjack him and opened fire.
The victim, identified as Carl Morgan, was a sous chef at Brennan’s Restaurant, and by all accounts, a devoted father whose life centered around his young child.
Gunfire Erupts Outside Church Daycare
According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), officers responded around 5 p.m. Tuesday to reports of gunfire in the 3600 block of Bienville Street in the city’s Mid-City neighborhood.
When first responders arrived, they found shell casings and multiple cars riddled with bullet holes in the parking lot of a church and nursery located in the 3400 block of Canal Street. Moments later, officers discovered Morgan’s body near his vehicle. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
NOPD Chief of Detectives Nicholas Gernon told reporters that investigators quickly determined Morgan had been the victim of a carjacking attempt.
Suspect Found Shot in the Head
Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Raymond Wells, who was found hours later inside Morgan’s stolen car on the side of Interstate 10.
Wells had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities said they are still working to determine who shot Wells, with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office leading that portion of the investigation.
Despite his grave injuries, investigators secured a first-degree murder warrant against Wells.
“The victim was simply in the parking lot picking up his child from nursery when Mr. Wells tried to carjack him and subsequently killed him,” Gernon said during a press briefing. “It was a truly horrible scene and a horrible crime.”
Witnesses: Suspect “Up to Something” Before Shooting
Detectives believe Wells may have been breaking into cars or prowling the neighborhood moments before the fatal shooting.
“Some individuals saw [Wells] and for some reason he opened fire on them,” Gernon explained. “Then he fled to the back side of the church where he encountered our carjacking victim.”
Authorities say they are reviewing video footage and witness statements to trace Wells’ actions leading up to the shooting.
Community and Family Devastated
At Brennan’s Restaurant, where Morgan worked as a sous chef, colleagues remembered him as a dedicated father and hard worker who balanced his career with caring for his son.
“What was most important was his son and how much of a dad he was,” said Christian Pendleton, Brennan’s general manager. “He was deeply loved by everyone here, and our hearts are broken.”
Morgan’s killing has left New Orleans residents shaken, with many calling for stronger measures to address violent carjackings and gun crime across the city.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the incident or Wells’ movements before the shooting to contact Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. For ongoing coverage of crime and justice news across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.