New Orleans, La. — A tragic series of events unfolded in New Orleans late last month when a 36-year-old father was fatally shot while picking up his young son from daycare, and the alleged gunman was found dead shortly after in a nearby parish.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has identified the victim as Carl Morgan, a beloved local chef known for his role at the iconic French Quarter restaurant Brennan’s. The suspect, 21-year-old Raymond Wells, was later found with a gunshot wound to the head inside the stolen vehicle on Interstate 10 in Metairie, about 15 minutes after the attack.
Deadly Shooting Outside Daycare on Canal Street
According to NOPD officials, the shooting occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 30 as Morgan was arriving at a daycare center on Canal Street to pick up his son. Witnesses told police that Wells approached Morgan, shot him, and fled the scene in Morgan’s vehicle, leaving the father and child behind.
Authorities believe the incident was a carjacking gone wrong, though investigators are still working to determine the exact motive.
Pastor Shawn Anglim, who leads First Grace United Methodist Church next to the daycare, told local outlet WVUE that teachers reacted quickly when they heard the gunfire.
“One of the teachers heard the gunfire on Bienville and said, ‘Let’s get inside,’” Anglim said. “They immediately moved all the children to safety.”
The daycare has since added extra security during pickup and drop-off times to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Suspect Found Minutes Later with Gunshot Wound
Roughly 15 minutes after the shooting, at about 5:30 p.m., Wells was discovered unresponsive in the same stolen vehicle on Interstate 10 in Metairie, just outside New Orleans city limits.
At the time, he was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital in “extremely grave condition,” according to NOPD Deputy Chief Nicholas Gernon, who spoke during a press briefing on Oct. 1.
Deputy Chief Gernon initially stated that if Wells survived, he would face first-degree murder charges. However, NOPD spokesperson Karen Boudrie later confirmed that Wells died on Oct. 5.
Investigators are still piecing together whether anyone may have fired back at Wells after he allegedly opened fire on bystanders near Bienville Street shortly before the fatal carjacking.
“Those individuals are cooperating with detectives,” Gernon said. “We’re trying to determine the sequence of gunfire and who may have been involved.”
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm Wells’ official cause of death.
Remembering Carl Morgan: A Father, Partner, and Chef
Friends, family, and colleagues have been mourning the loss of Carl Morgan, describing him as a devoted father, loving partner, and gifted chef who brought light to everyone around him.
Brennan’s Restaurant shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Morgan’s death “senseless and heartbreaking.”
“Carl was a devoted father, loving partner, cherished son and friend to all,” the post read. “His remarkable talent, positive energy and immeasurable impact will be sorely missed at Brennan’s.”
Morgan’s friends have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his partner Lisa and their young son Silas. The fundraiser has surpassed $45,000, with hundreds of community members contributing.
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“Carl wasn’t just a chef — he was a force,” the campaign description reads. “He pushed, inspired, mentored, and made every kitchen feel alive. But most of all, he was a family man. His son, Silas, was his world.”
Community Reacts to Tragic Loss
The shocking daylight shooting has left New Orleans residents shaken and reignited concerns about gun violence near schools and family areas. Community leaders have called for increased safety measures and mental health resources to help affected families heal.
Pastor Anglim said the church community is still processing the tragedy.
“A man lost his life. A child lost his father. A partner lost her love of her life, and we all lost a vibrant light in the city of New Orleans,” he told.
Ongoing Investigation
The NOPD and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding both deaths. Authorities have not confirmed whether Wells’ fatal gunshot wound was self-inflicted or caused by return fire.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the NOPD Homicide Unit or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
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