In the quiet town of Ruston, Louisiana, a day meant for celebration and family unity turned tragic on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, when gunfire shattered the evening calm outside Y2 Kuts Barbershop. The parking lot at 302 South Farmerville Street became the scene of a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 30-year-old Deontrell Marquis Hunter and left five others wounded, casting a shadow over a community known for its close-knit spirit. The incident, rooted in a family dispute that spiraled out of control, has left residents grappling with grief and authorities piecing together the events that led to such violence.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., Ruston Police Department officers were already in the area, responding to reports of a large crowd near the barbershop, when the sound of gunfire erupted. Officers rushed to the scene, where they found chaos and bloodshed. They immediately began administering first aid to the victims, working urgently to stabilize the injured. Hunter, a Ruston native, was pronounced dead at the scene, his life cut short in a moment of senseless violence. The five other victims, whose injuries were described as superficial, were quickly transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment. Some were taken by private vehicles, underscoring the frantic efforts to get help to those in need.
According to initial witness accounts, the shooting was the culmination of a simmering feud among extended family members that began earlier that day at Mayfield Park, a local gathering spot where families had come together to celebrate the holiday. What started as an argument, perhaps fueled by personal grievances or misunderstandings, festered throughout the day, escalating into a deadly confrontation by nightfall. Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson, addressing the public on Monday, revealed that the preliminary investigation points to multiple individuals being armed with handguns, suggesting the possibility of an exchange of gunfire among several parties. The complexity of the scene, with multiple shooters potentially involved, has made the investigation particularly challenging.
Chief Watson emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. “This is an active case, and we are working diligently to uncover the full truth of what happened,” he said. “We need the community’s help. If you saw something, heard something, or know something, please contact us. No detail is too small.” The police have provided a contact number, (318) 255-4141, for anyone who can assist in shedding light on the incident. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage from the area, hoping to identify all individuals involved and reconstruct the sequence of events.
The victim, Deontrell Marquis Hunter, was no stranger to law enforcement. His criminal history, which dates back to 2011, includes a 2019 charge for attempted second-degree murder, a serious offense that highlighted a troubled past. Earlier in 2025, Hunter was arrested after allegedly crashing a stolen vehicle on Tech Farm Road, an incident that added to his record. While these details paint a picture of a man entangled in legal troubles, they do not diminish the tragedy of his death or the pain felt by those who knew him. For his family and friends, the loss is profound, compounded by the public nature of the incident and the unresolved questions surrounding it.
The shooting has rattled Ruston, a town of about 22,000 residents, where such acts of violence are rare. Y2 Kuts Barbershop, a local business, is an unlikely backdrop for such a tragedy, known more for community conversations than conflict. The incident has sparked discussions about the underlying issues that may have contributed to the violence, including the accessibility of firearms and the challenges of resolving family disputes before they turn deadly. Community leaders have called for unity and healing, encouraging residents to come together in the wake of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the Ruston Police Department remains focused on bringing clarity and justice to the case. Detectives are working tirelessly, interviewing witnesses, analyzing forensic evidence, and following every lead. The community, meanwhile, mourns the loss of Hunter and prays for the recovery of the injured, hoping that answers will soon emerge to make sense of a night that turned a day of resurrection into one of sorrow. For now, Ruston holds its breath, waiting for resolution and seeking a path toward peace.