Carl Morgan, 36, fatally shot in New Orleans, Louisiana

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New Orleans Chef Killed in Daylight Carjacking While Picking Up Young Son

NEW ORLEANS (DailyKenn.com) — A beloved sous chef at the iconic Brennan's Restaurant was gunned down in a brazen carjacking Tuesday evening as he waited in his vehicle to pick up his 2-year-old son from a Mid-City daycare, authorities and loved ones said.

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Carl Morgan, 36, was fatally shot multiple times in the parking lot of the Abeona House Child Discovery Center on Canal Street around 5:15 p.m. Sept. 30. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with gunfire erupting without warning and daycare staff rushing children indoors for safety.

"He was a devoted father, loving partner, cherished son and friend to all," Brennan's said in a statement. "His remarkable talent, positive energy and immeasurable impact will be sorely missed."

Morgan, described by colleagues as a "gentle giant" and creative force in the kitchen, had been with Brennan's for years, where he honed his skills and shared his passion for cooking. His partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, told local media she wanted him remembered for "how much he cared about everyone he interacted with. He was a very loving person."

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Raymond Wells, fled the scene in Morgan's car. About 15 minutes later, authorities located the vehicle on Interstate 10 in Metairie, where Wells was found behind the wheel with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to University Medical Center in grave condition and died there early Friday, Oct. 3, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed.

Police said Wells had been spotted in the neighborhood earlier that evening, firing shots at other vehicles and attempting additional carjackings. Detectives secured a first-degree murder warrant against him before his death, but the Jefferson Parish coroner's office ruled his injury a suicide.

Wells' family expressed condolences to Morgan's loved ones, attributing his actions to untreated schizophrenia. "He had quit taking his medication two days before," his aunt, Dominique Wells, said. "If you see somebody is suffering, get them some help because it's important in the community."

The tragedy has left the New Orleans culinary community reeling. At the National Fried Chicken Festival over the weekend, Brennan's honored Morgan by serving his signature "Carl's Family Meal" sandwich — a crispy fried chicken thigh with chili lime mayo, house-made pickles and coleslaw from his grandmother's recipe. All proceeds went to his family, with Executive Chef Kris Padalino calling it a "mixed bag of emotions" without their colleague.

"A man lost his life. A child lost his father. A partner lost her love of her life, and we all lost a vibrant light in the city of New Orleans," said Shawn Anglim, pastor at the neighboring First Grace United Methodist Church.

The daycare has since bolstered security during pickup and drop-off times, and Morgan's death has renewed calls for addressing gun violence and mental health crises in the city. Friends noted his passion project was the Fried Chicken Festival, where he aimed to bring joy through food.

New Orleans police continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward.