Crime
37-year-old Reggie Hunter killed in New Orleans car-ramming attack
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, was among the 10 victims tragically killed in the suspected terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Family members remembered him as a devoted father, a hardworking professional, and a cherished member of his community.
Hunter had just finished his work shift when he decided, on a whim, to head to New Orleans with his cousin to celebrate the new year and anticipate the Sugar Bowl.
“He came in from work and said, ‘Hey, the Sugar Bowl is tomorrow. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s go to the city,’” recalled his first cousin, Shirell Jackson. “It was just something so simple—‘Hey, cuz, wanna ride me to the city?’”
The celebration turned to horror when a truck, driven at high speed, plowed into the crowd on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m.
Hunter was struck and succumbed to his injuries, Jackson confirmed. His cousin, who was also hit, is among the 35 injured survivors and is currently hospitalized with severe internal injuries.
Hunter, born in California, spent most of his life in Baton Rouge and Independence, Louisiana. For the past six years, he worked as a warehouse manager, a role he approached with diligence and pride.
As a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Hunter had been looking forward to attending their ball, a highlight of his social calendar.
He was also deeply proud of his family, especially his 12-year-old son, whose achievements in the STEM field filled him with pride, and his 18-month-old son, the joy of his life.
Hunter’s family described him as a blend of charm and determination, a “pretty boy” who enjoyed staying active and spending time with loved ones. “He wanted to be in the gym with his homeboys and cousins,” Jackson said. “And he’d say, ‘I’m getting swole.’ I’d tease him, saying, ‘Where? You’re so little.’”
The family has faced tragedy before; Hunter’s mother was murdered in 2016. Jackson shared that this latest loss has reopened old wounds. “It’s hard,” she said. “It’s bringing back a lot.”
Hunter’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and resilience. His family and friends will remember him not only for his strength and ambition but also for his unwavering dedication to his children, his passion for fitness, and his zest for life.
As the community mourns, officials continue to investigate the attack that claimed his life, along with the lives of nine others. The family is holding onto cherished memories as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Police are actively searching for the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting that left two people dead and three others injured, including a young child, inside a Muskegon home on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities identified the two victims who died as 25-year-old Josh Fondren Jr. and 22-year-old Cori May, according to the Muskegon Police Department.
Investigators initially withheld the victims’ identities pending family notification.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. inside a residence near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and McLaren Street.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Fondren was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cori May and two additional 25-year-old men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
May later succumbed to her injuries, while the two men remained in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
A 4-year-old child was also injured during the incident.
Police said the child’s injuries were minor, and the child was expected to be released from the hospital.
Muskegon Police Chief Tim Kozal confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Kozal stated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act, and officials do not believe there is an immediate threat to the broader public.
In response to the recent surge of violence, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson issued a statement late Saturday night addressing the tragic impact on the community.
“Our community has been shaken by tragedies this week, with the apparent murder of Thomas ‘Tommy’ Stewart in his home in the 1400 block of Jiroch Street on Monday, and then Saturday’s mass shooting in a home in the 600 block of Jackson Avenue,” Johnson said.
The mayor urged residents with any information to come forward and also called for unity during this difficult time.
“Meanwhile, let’s hold the victims, their families, our neighbors, and all the first responders and medical professionals in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts,” Johnson said. “May our community come together in care for one another, as we navigate these traumatic events, and in pursuit of justice.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact:
- Muskegon Police Department: 231-724-6750
- Silent Observer (anonymous tips): 231-722-7463
The investigation remains underway.