Crime
Brandon Cross arrested in Qulture Bistro nightclub shooting that killed security guard Melvin Gibson
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye has released new details regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at a local nightclub over the weekend.
The incident took place at the Qulture Bistro on Sunday, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to multiple others.
Sheriff Joye confirmed that Brandon Cross has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
According to Florence County Detention Center records, Cross was booked on Tuesday evening.
The Florence County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 39-year-old Melvin Gibson of Florence, who was working as a security guard at the nightclub at the time of the incident.
Coroner Keith von Lutcken also confirmed that six additional individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting.
Their conditions have not been disclosed.
Gibson’s family described him as a devoted father of four, a dedicated worker, and a kind-hearted individual who treated everyone with respect.
According to Sheriff Joye, the violence stemmed from a confrontation between Gibson and a group of individuals who had previous conflicts with him.
The group attempted to gain entry into the Qulture Bistro but were denied access by Gibson, who recognized them and viewed them as a potential threat.
Following the refusal, the group reportedly returned to the parking lot, retrieved three firearms, and initiated a shootout.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in Gibson being fatally struck.
Sheriff Joye indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional arrests are likely as detectives work to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
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.