BATON ROUGE, LA — A deadly shooting Wednesday night has left a Baton Rouge neighborhood shaken as authorities confirmed the death of 53-year-old Huey Sonnier.
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 9 p.m. near the intersection of Navajo and Canonicus streets. Upon arrival, they discovered Sonnier suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The scene has since been cordoned off as investigators work to piece together what led to the fatal shooting. At this time, no arrests have been made, and police have not released details regarding potential suspects or motives.
“It’s just heartbreaking,” said a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “Huey was quiet, kept to himself, and didn’t deserve this.”
A Community Left in Mourning
Friends and residents of the area described Sonnier as a familiar face, someone who had lived in the neighborhood for years. Many woke Thursday morning to flashing lights and crime scene tape, now symbolic of yet another life lost to gun violence in Baton Rouge.
“This violence has to stop,” said Pastor Raymond Ellis of a nearby church. “Too many families are being destroyed — too many lives cut short.”
Police Urge Public to Come Forward
As the investigation continues, Baton Rouge Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
🕵️♀️ Contact BRPD Homicide Division: 225-389-4869
📞 Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): 225-344-7867
A Plea for Peace
Sonnier’s death adds to a growing list of violent incidents that have plagued the city in recent months, prompting renewed calls for community action, conflict resolution programs, and better support for at-risk neighborhoods.
“We cannot afford to become numb to this,” said Councilwoman Tanya Reed. “We owe it to victims like Huey to demand better — and to do better.”
As Baton Rouge police continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Huey Sonnier’s family and friends now face the difficult task of mourning a loved one taken too soon, hoping justice will follow.
Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help bring peace and accountability in the wake of this tragic loss.