Crime
Victim killed in Ruston shooting identified as 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter
Authorities in Ruston are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Easter Sunday in the parking lot of Y2 Kuts Barbershop, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to five others.
According to the Ruston Police Department (RPD), officers were already in the vicinity responding to reports of a large crowd gathered near the barbershop, located at 302 South Farmerville Street, when gunfire erupted around 10:00 p.m.
Officers rushed to the scene and immediately began rendering first aid to the victims.
Deontrell Marquis Hunter, 30, of Ruston, was identified as the deceased victim.
Five additional individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries, described by authorities as superficial wounds, and were transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center, some by private vehicles.
Initial witness accounts indicate the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute among extended family members, which reportedly began earlier in the day during a gathering at Mayfield Park.
Police believe the argument escalated throughout the day, ultimately culminating in gunfire later that evening.
Chief Eric Watson of the Ruston Police Department stated that the preliminary investigation suggests multiple individuals were armed with handguns, and that the situation may have involved an exchange of gunfire among several parties.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Chief Watson said Monday. “We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. No detail is too small.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Ruston Police Department at (318) 255-4141.
Hunter, the man fatally shot, had a criminal history with arrests dating back to 2011, including a 2019 charge for attempted second-degree murder.
Earlier this year, he was arrested after allegedly crashing a stolen vehicle on Tech Farm Road.
The Ruston Police Department continues to gather evidence and review surveillance footage as they work to identify all individuals involved in the Easter night violence.
ST. LOUIS, MO – A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed early Tuesday morning in the Tower Grove East neighborhood, prompting a homicide investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:20 a.m. on April 16 in the 2800 block of Minnesota Avenue, where they found a male victim lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim, later identified as Jamad Edwards, 16, of St. Louis, was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities initially believed the victim to be an adult male but later confirmed his age.
Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation, though as of Tuesday morning, no motive has been determined and no arrests have been announced.
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the St. Louis Homicide Division at (314) 444-5371. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous and potentially qualify for a cash reward can call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
The investigation remains active, and additional details will be released as they become available.