In a tragic incident in New Orleans, a local chef was fatally shot by a carjacker while waiting to pick up his young son from daycare. Carl Morgan, a dedicated father and sous chef at the well-known Brennan’s restaurant, was targeted by the carjacker, later identified as 21-year-old Raymond Wells. Witnesses reported that Wells shot Morgan, left his body in the parking lot, and then sped away in Morgan’s car.
Luke Gower, a local resident who witnessed the incident, recounted the chilling scene. He described seeing a man, later identified as Wells, walking nearby before suddenly opening fire on Morgan’s car. Gower, who was next in line at the daycare, expressed his shock and relief at having narrowly escaped the violent incident.
The crime scene was located at the parking lot of the Abeona House Child Discovery Center. New Orleans Police Department Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon described the incident as a “truly horrible scene and a horrible crime.” Morgan was a beloved figure in the community, and his sudden death has left many in shock and mourning.
In a surprising twist, the suspect, Wells, was later discovered by police inside the stolen vehicle, critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head. The circumstances surrounding his injury remain unclear. If Wells recovers, he will face charges of first-degree murder, according to police. Prior to the fatal shooting of Morgan, Wells had reportedly been seen in the neighborhood, carjacking other vehicles and shooting at pedestrians.
The sound of gunfire prompted quick action from teachers at the daycare center, who swiftly moved all children indoors, according to Shawn Anglim, the pastor at a nearby church. The parking lot where Morgan was found has since become a makeshift memorial, with community members gathering to pay their respects.
Morgan’s colleagues at Brennan’s restaurant have expressed their grief and shock at his untimely death. Christian Pendleton, the restaurant’s general manager, remembered Morgan as a “good human” and a dedicated father. Morgan is survived by his partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, and their two-year-old son.
Lienberger expressed her devastation at the loss of Morgan, vowing to ensure his memory lives on in their son’s life. Morgan was scheduled to represent Brennan’s at the upcoming Fried Chicken Fest. In his honor, the restaurant plans to serve his popular fried chicken sandwich, a dish that Pendleton said customers always looked forward to.