A heartbreaking twist has emerged in the case of a father who was tragically killed during a carjacking while picking up his son from daycare.
On September 30, 36-year-old Carl Morgan was fatally shot outside a daycare on Canal Street in New Orleans as he arrived to collect his young son.
According to police, the alleged shooter, 21-year-old Raymond Wells, fled the scene in Carl’s vehicle around 5:15 p.m. local time, leaving both Carl and his son, Silas, behind in the daycare parking lot.
An eyewitness told WVUE that teachers quickly ushered the children back inside the daycare after hearing the gunshot. Thankfully, Carl’s son and the other children were unharmed.
In a surprising twist, police have now shared a new update in the case — just 15 minutes after the alleged carjacking, the suspected gunman, Raymond Wells, was discovered with a gunshot wound inside the stolen car.
The vehicle had come to a stop on Interstate 10 in Metairie, where officers found Wells unresponsive behind the wheel.
On October 1, NOPD Deputy Chief Nicholas Gernon announced that Raymond Wells had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was in “extremely grave condition” in the hospital.
Gernon stated that Wells would face a first-degree murder charge if he recovered.
However, on Sunday, October 5, NOPD spokesperson Karen Boudrie confirmed to local outlets NOLA.com and WVUE that Wells had died earlier that morning.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office is set to conduct an autopsy on Wells as police continue their investigation into the incident.
Deputy Chief Gernon stated that Wells was reportedly seen attempting to break into vehicles near Bienville Street before encountering Carl. During the confrontation, witnesses observed Wells, who may have opened fire.
According to Gernon, those witnesses are cooperating with investigators as authorities work to determine whether anyone else may have fired back at Wells.
Carl’s grieving family and friends remembered him as a devoted father and passionate chef who “lived loud, laughed hard, and never did anything halfway.”
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The French Quarter restaurant Brennan’s honored their late sous chef in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing:
“Carl’s senseless and untimely death is heartbreaking.
Carl was a devoted father, loving partner, cherished son, and friend to all. His remarkable talent, positive energy, and immeasurable impact will be sorely missed at Brennan’s.”
A GoFundMe campaign created to support Carl’s partner, Lisa, and their son has raised over $48,000 so far.
The fundraiser described him as someone who “brought heat, hustle, and heart to everything he touched — from the food he created to the people he loved,” adding that Carl was celebrated for his fierce passion, sharp edge, and unwavering loyalty.
“We lost our friend far too soon, and the shock still hasn’t faded. Losing someone with his kind of energy and presence leaves a void you can truly feel. He wasn’t just a chef — he was a force of nature who pushed, inspired, mentored, and brought life to every kitchen he entered.”
The tribute continued: “Above all else, Carl was a family man. His son, Silas, was his world — his reason, his pride, and his heartbeat. Beside him always was Lisa, his partner in life — his rock, his love, and his best friend.
Every long day, every bit of effort, and every ounce of passion Carl poured into his work was for them. Together, they were his home and his purpose.”
