RUSTON, Louisiana — A tragic shooting on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2025, in Ruston, Louisiana, left one man dead and five others injured in the parking lot of the Y2 Kuts Barbershop, located at 302 South Farmerville Street. The deceased victim has been identified as 30-year-old Deontrell Marquis Hunter, a resident of Ruston. Hunter’s death and the subsequent injuries of five other individuals have left the community in shock and raised concerns over escalating violence linked to familial disputes.

The Ruston Police Department (RPD) was already in the area responding to reports of a large crowd gathered near the barbershop when the gunfire erupted shortly before 10:00 p.m. Officers, who were already on high alert, immediately rushed to the scene and began rendering first aid to the victims. Despite their efforts, Hunter succumbed to his injuries, making it the latest tragic incident of violence in the city.

A Violent Easter Evening: The Shootout at Y2 Kuts Barbershop

According to Chief Eric Watson of the Ruston Police Department, the shooting appears to have been the culmination of an ongoing dispute among extended family members. Preliminary investigations indicate that the argument began earlier in the day during a gathering at Mayfield Park, and tensions continued to rise throughout the afternoon and evening, ultimately leading to the violent altercation outside the barbershop.

Witnesses report hearing multiple gunshots, suggesting that the situation may have involved an exchange of gunfire between several individuals. Law enforcement authorities believe that multiple people were armed with handguns, and the chaotic nature of the incident made it difficult to immediately assess the full scope of the violence. Five additional victims, all of whom were described as sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, were transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment, some by private vehicles.

Authorities have indicated that the injuries sustained by the victims appear to be superficial, but the emotional trauma from the violence is profound. The shooting’s aftermath has rattled the community, particularly because it occurred on Easter Sunday, a time typically reserved for family gatherings and peaceful reflection. The Ruston Police Department is continuing to gather evidence and review surveillance footage from the barbershop and surrounding areas to piece together the events that led up to the deadly exchange of gunfire.

The Deceased: Deontrell Marquis Hunter’s Background and Criminal History

Deontrell Hunter, who was tragically killed in the shooting, had a history with law enforcement that dates back to 2011. His criminal record includes several arrests, with one of the most notable being a charge for attempted second-degree murder in 2019. More recently, Hunter had been arrested earlier this year after allegedly crashing a stolen vehicle on Tech Farm Road, which further complicates the nature of his involvement in the shooting.

While the details of Hunter’s role in the Easter night violence remain unclear, his criminal background suggests a history of run-ins with the law, which may have played a role in the escalation of the conflict. Despite his troubled past, family and friends who knew Hunter have expressed their shock at his death, with many highlighting that he had a family and children who are now left to deal with the aftermath of the violence.

The investigation will likely explore Hunter’s involvement in the dispute, including whether he was one of the individuals who was armed and engaged in the exchange of gunfire. Law enforcement officials have yet to confirm whether Hunter was the intended target of the shooting or if the gunfire was part of a broader conflict involving multiple parties.

The Investigation: A Family Feud Turned Deadly

Chief Watson has stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities working diligently to gather all available evidence. The shooting’s link to an ongoing family dispute is a key focal point of the investigation, with police working to identify all individuals involved and determine the exact sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation.

Witnesses to the shooting have been questioned, and authorities are relying on surveillance footage, including footage from nearby businesses and street cameras, to help piece together the details. The Ruston Police Department is also requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information relevant to the case come forward, as even small details could prove crucial to solving the crime.

“We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward,” said Chief Watson. “No detail is too small, and any piece of information could help us get to the truth.”

The violence at Y2 Kuts Barbershop is a tragic example of how tensions within families, when left unresolved, can spiral into life-threatening situations. The fact that this altercation took place in a public space, with multiple people caught in the crossfire, underscores the dangers of escalating conflicts and the far-reaching consequences of gun violence.

The Impact on the Community: Grief and Reflection

The shooting has left the Ruston community reeling, as residents and business owners struggle to comprehend the events that unfolded on Easter Sunday. For many, Y2 Kuts Barbershop is more than just a place for haircuts; it is a community gathering spot where people come to socialize, relax, and support one another. The violence that erupted outside the barbershop has shattered the sense of safety and community that Ruston residents have long enjoyed.

In the wake of the shooting, friends, family members, and community leaders have spoken out about the tragedy, urging both the public and law enforcement to work together to prevent further violence. Local churches have offered support to the victims’ families, and several community members have called for better conflict resolution programs and outreach to prevent such violent outbursts in the future.

One local business owner, who has been a part of the Ruston community for over 20 years, expressed sadness at the escalating violence in the area. “It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen in our town,” the business owner said. “We need to come together as a community to address these issues and make sure something like this never happens again.”

In addition to the grief felt by the community, questions remain about how to address the root causes of violence, particularly in relation to family disputes. Experts in family dynamics and conflict resolution believe that providing better resources for families to address their issues before they escalate is key to preventing future tragedies.

A Look at Gun Violence and Crime in Louisiana

The shooting in Ruston is part of a broader pattern of gun violence in Louisiana. In recent years, the state has experienced an uptick in violent crimes, including shootings, many of which are tied to interpersonal conflicts and gang violence. According to the Louisiana State Police, the number of violent crimes in the state has steadily increased, particularly in urban areas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

While Ruston, a smaller city, has not seen the same level of violent crime as larger cities, the incident at Y2 Kuts Barbershop serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by firearms and the potential for violence even in more suburban or rural areas. The accessibility of firearms, combined with unresolved conflicts, has created a volatile situation that law enforcement agencies are struggling to contain.

Experts argue that addressing the issue of gun violence in Louisiana requires a multifaceted approach that includes stricter gun control measures, increased community policing, and better mental health support for individuals at risk of violence. The tragedy in Ruston highlights the importance of implementing proactive measures to reduce gun violence and prevent conflicts from escalating into deadly encounters.

The Legal Proceedings: Justice for Deontrell Hunter and the Injured Victims

As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are working to gather evidence and interview all individuals involved in the altercation. The primary suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified by police, is believed to have been one of the individuals who engaged in the gunfire exchange with Hunter and the others.

If investigators determine that the shooting was the result of a family dispute that escalated into violence, authorities may pursue charges related to domestic violence, as well as charges related to the use of firearms in a public space. The legal process will likely involve multiple stages, including the identification and charging of those responsible for the shooting, followed by court hearings and potential trials.

For the family of Deontrell Hunter, as well as for the five other individuals who were injured during the shootout, the path to justice will be long and emotional. Many are hoping that the legal system will bring accountability and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held to account.

The Road Ahead: Preventing Future Violence and Ensuring Public Safety

As Ruston works through the aftermath of this tragic shooting, the broader community will be left reflecting on how to prevent future violence. Local leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations will need to collaborate on creating safer environments and finding solutions to reduce conflict before it escalates into violence. For the victims and their families, the road to recovery is just beginning, but they can take solace in the outpouring of support from those who care about them.

The shooting at Y2 Kuts Barbershop serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the importance of intervention before situations spiral out of control. By focusing on conflict resolution, mental health support, and responsible firearm practices, communities like Ruston can work toward reducing violence and ensuring a safer future for all.

Conclusion: The Memory of Deontrell Hunter

The tragic loss of Deontrell Hunter and the injuries sustained by others in the Easter Sunday shooting have left the community of Ruston shaken. As law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the hope is that justice will be served and that the lessons learned from this tragedy will help prevent similar incidents in the future. The memory of Hunter and the ongoing support for the victims highlight the resilience of the Ruston community, which is determined to heal and grow stronger in the face of adversity.