Crime
43-year-old Brandon Taylor killed in New Orleans terror attack
New Orleans, LA – Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook from Terrytown with a passion for rap music, was one of the 14 people tragically killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack early Wednesday morning.
Known for his quiet demeanor and deep love for music, Taylor was engaged to 38-year-old Heather Genusa, who was by his side during the horrific event.
The couple had been enjoying a night out in the French Quarter, spending time in a Bourbon Street club before the attack occurred. According to Genusa, Taylor stepped outside and was standing near a boom lift parked in the 300 block of Bourbon Street when a speeding pickup truck crashed into him.
“No one should ever have to die like that. He didn’t deserve it,” said Genusa, her voice filled with emotion.
Taylor’s 75-year-old mother, Mary Guerrera, described her son as a Christian man with a deep love for music and a kind heart.
“It’s been very difficult,” Guerrera said on Friday. “I’m pretty devastated, and I’m just trying to get through this.”
Taylor, born and raised in Marrero, was the youngest of Guerrera’s two sons and a graduate of John Ehret High School.
“He was my entire life,” said Genusa. “Brandon was my everything, and I lost it all.”
The night turned deadly just after 3:15 a.m. when the white pickup truck, driven by the suspected terrorist, sped into the crowded street. Genusa recalled narrowly dodging the truck herself, only to witness the unimaginable.
“The truck ran into the crane, and I’m pretty sure Brandon was right before the crane. He was the very last victim to be hit,” she said, her voice breaking.
When she reached Taylor, his body was draped over the front of the truck. His legs were broken, and he was struggling to breathe.
Genusa moved him to the ground and attempted rescue breathing, holding on to hope.
“I prayed over [Brandon], and I told him to never give up, to keep fighting the entire time,” she said.
Medical personnel arrived after what felt like an eternity, and Taylor was transported by ambulance. Genusa never saw him again.
Taylor’s passion for music was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed rapping and attending concerts, earning the nickname “Lazy” in his musical endeavors, according to Genusa.
O’Kieth Gibson, Taylor’s best friend since childhood, remembered him as a man deeply connected to music, whether he was performing or simply enjoying it.
Taylor’s death leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends, particularly Genusa, who described him as her world.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, which claimed 14 lives and injured several others. The driver of the truck, who also shot and wounded two New Orleans police officers, was killed by law enforcement at the scene.
The loss of Brandon Taylor is a profound reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on Bourbon Street and its impact on the lives of so many. His family and loved ones are now left to mourn a life taken far too soon.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.