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.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.