Deontrell Marquis Hunter Fatally Shot and Five Others Injured in Easter Night Gunfire Outside Y2 Kuts Barbershop in Ruston: Community Shaken by Tragedy Linked to Family Dispute
A Community Shattered by Violence on Easter Sunday. In a devastating act of violence that shattered an otherwise peaceful Easter Sunday in Ruston, Louisiana, 30-year-old Deontrell Marquis Hunter was killed in a mass shooting that erupted in the parking lot of Y2 Kuts Barbershop, located at 302 South Farmerville Street. The incident, which unfolded around 10:00 p.m., left five other individuals with non-life-threatening injuries and has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Ruston Police Department.
Authorities say the shooting appears to have stemmed from a day-long family dispute that escalated into gunfire, marking one of the most violent and chaotic incidents in Ruston’s recent memory.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
According to Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson, officers were already in the area due to a large crowd reported gathering outside the barbershop. The area, known for being a central spot in the Ruston community, especially during holidays and weekends, had become increasingly tense throughout the day.
Witnesses report that the altercation began during a family gathering earlier at Mayfield Park. Sources close to the families involved suggest a verbal disagreement may have started over a personal matter between two extended relatives, escalating into a heated argument that carried on into the evening.
Several individuals left the park visibly agitated, according to accounts from multiple onlookers. Police believe tensions mounted as the same individuals encountered one another again later that night in the barbershop’s parking lot.
The Shooting Unfolds
By the time gunfire broke out at Y2 Kuts, numerous people had congregated in the lot and surrounding area. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene — yelling, sudden movement, and then the unmistakable sound of multiple gunshots ringing out in rapid succession.
“Everything happened so fast,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “One minute people were arguing, and the next we heard shots — so many shots. People started running in every direction.”
Officers in the area quickly responded and rendered emergency first aid to the wounded while calling in backup and emergency medical services. The response was swift, but for Deontrell Hunter, it was too late.
Hunter was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transported to the Lincoln Parish Coroner’s Office for autopsy and identification.
Victim Profile: Deontrell Marquis Hunter
Deontrell Hunter was a Ruston native with a complex history. At 30 years old, he had experienced a tumultuous life that included frequent encounters with the criminal justice system. His record includes arrests dating back to 2011, most notably a charge in 2019 for attempted second-degree murder, and another incident earlier in 2025 involving a stolen vehicle crash on Tech Farm Road.
Despite his legal troubles, some in the community saw Hunter as a man trying to turn a page. “He wasn’t perfect, but he loved his daughter and wanted to do better,” said a family friend. “He made mistakes, but so have a lot of people.”
Social media posts in the weeks leading up to the shooting showed Hunter spending time with family and celebrating small victories in his life, such as gaining employment through a local construction crew.
“He had a tough exterior, but there was a different side to Trell — the side only people close to him got to see,” said another acquaintance.
The Injured: Five Survivors, One Night of Terror
In addition to Hunter’s death, five other individuals were struck by bullets during the shooting. Police have not yet released the names of those injured but confirmed that none of their injuries were life-threatening.
All five were transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center. Some were driven in private vehicles in the moments immediately following the shooting, while others were transported by ambulance.
The nature of the injuries — described as “superficial” by authorities — range from bullet grazes to minor gunshot wounds to limbs. Police have confirmed that none of the injured have been detained or charged as of yet.
It remains unclear whether all five were intended targets, active participants in the altercation, or bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Investigation Underway
Chief Watson emphasized during a press briefing Monday morning that the investigation is still in its early stages.
“Our detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and trying to identify every individual who was at the scene when the shooting occurred,” Watson said. “We believe that multiple people were armed, and it’s possible that this was not a one-sided shooting.”
The Ruston Police Department has not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting, though they believe the event was not random and may involve known individuals with existing interpersonal conflicts.
Authorities are actively seeking more information from the public. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has access to video footage is urged to come forward. “Even the smallest detail may help us bring justice and provide closure to the victims and their families,” Watson added.
Surveillance and Community Cooperation
Detectives are currently reviewing several hours of surveillance footage from local establishments in the South Farmerville corridor. Footage from traffic cameras and nearby storefronts could be key in identifying shooters and clarifying the sequence of events.
Community leaders, pastors, and local activists have called for calm and cooperation. A vigil is being planned in memory of Deontrell Hunter and in solidarity with the injured survivors.
Pastor James Lockett of New Way Ministries emphasized the need for peace: “This is not who we are as a community. We cannot let violence define our children or our neighborhoods. We have to come together, not fall apart.”
Family Feud Turns Fatal
The suspected origins of the dispute point to a larger issue that police say they’ve seen far too often: unresolved personal and family conflicts boiling over in public spaces, sometimes with deadly consequences.
What began as a verbal spat among extended relatives in a family-friendly setting like Mayfield Park somehow transitioned into an armed confrontation hours later.
“This is tragic on so many levels,” said Lieutenant Karen DeVille, one of the lead investigators on the case. “It’s not just a crime scene — it’s a fractured family, a grieving mother, and five people who came inches from being killed.”
Criminal History and Second Chances
Much attention has been focused on Hunter’s criminal past. According to public records, his rap sheet included a variety of charges — from drug possession to assault. Yet friends insist that he was working to make a new life for himself.
“He had a history, sure, but people change,” said Hunter’s cousin, who asked not to be named. “He was trying. He didn’t deserve to die like this. Nobody does.”
There are questions circulating about whether Hunter was armed at the time of the shooting. Police have not confirmed this, but did indicate that “multiple handguns” were recovered from the scene and are being tested for fingerprints and ballistic matches.
Ruston Responds: Fear, Grief, and Determination
In the days following the shooting, the mood in Ruston has shifted from festive to fearful. Local business owners are calling for increased patrols, while residents are urging community organizations to intervene more directly in the lives of at-risk youth.
“People are scared. That barbershop is right in the middle of everything. We take our kids there. This has to stop,” said Carla Jennings, a nearby resident.
Others are more measured in their response, highlighting the need for investment in community mental health services, family counseling, and youth outreach programs.
“We need more than just police tape and press conferences,” said activist Lamar Dixon. “We need prevention. We need intervention.”
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Questions
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered:
- Who fired the first shot?
- Was this a planned confrontation or a spontaneous escalation?
- Were others involved who have yet to be identified?
Chief Watson has promised transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation. For now, though, a family mourns, five others heal, and a community seeks answers in the wake of senseless violence.
How You Can Help
Ruston PD urges anyone with tips — no matter how small — to contact them at (318) 255-4141. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the department’s website or Crime Stoppers.
A GoFundMe has been established to support Hunter’s family with funeral expenses, and community leaders are organizing a peace march this upcoming weekend.
Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads
What happened on Easter Sunday at Y2 Kuts Barbershop was more than a dispute gone wrong — it was a symptom of deeper issues facing families and communities not just in Ruston, but across the country. While law enforcement continues their investigation, it’s up to everyone — from city officials to next-door neighbors — to address the roots of this kind of violence and build a safer future.
