Carl Morgan,a well-known New Orleans chef was fatally shot in a carjacking outside his young son’s daycare Tuesday afternoon, sparking shock and grief across the community.

 

Carl Morgan, a sous chef at Brennan’s restaurant, was waiting to pick up his 2-year-old son at Abeona House Child Discovery Center in Mid-City around 5 p.m. when police say 21-year-old Raymond Wells opened fire. Morgan was killed on the spot and his body left in the parking lot before the suspect fled in his vehicle.

Shortly afterward, police discovered Wells inside the stolen car with a gunshot wound to the head. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities said he will face first-degree murder charges if he survives.

Witnesses reported that Wells appeared to be randomly targeting vehicles and pedestrians in the area prior to the shooting. One bystander recalled the gunman’s weapon jamming before he turned on Morgan.

Carl Morgan, New Orleans chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up young son at daycare.

 

Morgan, who was preparing to lead Brennan’s booth at the upcoming Fried Chicken Festival, is remembered as a talented chef and devoted father. A growing memorial now marks the daycare parking lot where he was killed.

“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.”

Morgan leaves behind his partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, and their son. “We love him very much, and I will do my best to make sure he’s remembered in everything we do,” Lienberger said.

Police continue investigating Wells’ actions leading up to the shooting and whether he had prior arrests.