A beloved New Orleans chef was shot and killed in broad daylight while waiting to pick up his young son from daycare.
Carl Morgan, a sous chef at the famed Brennan’s restaurant, was outside the Abeona House Child Discovery Center in Mid-City around 5 p.m. Tuesday when 21-year-old Raymond Wells allegedly opened fire. Witnesses say Wells shot Morgan, dumped his body in the parking lot, and sped off in the chef’s car.
Police later found Wells inside the stolen vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities have not confirmed who shot him, but he remains in critical condition and faces a first-degree murder charge if he survives.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. One man said Wells appeared to randomly open fire, his weapon even jamming mid-attack. Police believe the suspect had been roaming the neighborhood, attempting multiple carjackings and shooting at passersby before targeting Morgan.
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| Carl Morgan, New Orleans chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up young son |
The daycare parking lot has since become a memorial site, with community members leaving flowers and messages in Morgan’s honor.
Morgan was well-known in the city’s culinary scene and was scheduled to represent Brennan’s at the upcoming Fried Chicken Fest. His colleagues described him as a dedicated chef and a kind soul.
“He was such a good human,” said Christian Pendleton, Brennan’s general manager. “He was a dad waiting to pick up his son at daycare. None of this is ever okay.”
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| Carl Morgan, New Orleans chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up young son |
Morgan leaves behind his partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, and their 2-year-old son.
“I don’t know what to think,” Lienberger said. “We love him very much, and I’ll do my best to make sure he’s remembered in everything we do. I wish he was here.”
Police have not released further details on Wells’ background or how he came to be terrorizing the streets before the fatal carjacking.
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| Carl Morgan, New Orleans chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up young son |
