Darrell Simmons III, a 19-year-old male, was fatally shot in his Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home on the evening of May 22, 2022. The tragic event unfolded at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Old Hermitage Parkway in the Gardere area. Simmons and his girlfriend were reportedly leaving his residence when they were confronted by her ex-boyfriend, who then forced his way inside.
The alleged assailant, identified as 24-year-old Robert Brown Jr.
of Slidell, is accused of shooting Simmons multiple times upon entering the home. After the initial shooting, Brown allegedly held Simmons' girlfriend and her sister, who had come downstairs after hearing the gunshots, at gunpoint for approximately 45 minutes. During this time, Brown is reported to have paced around the living room and kitchen, continuing to point the firearm at the two women. It is further alleged that Brown shot Simmons several more times as he lay wounded on the kitchen floor. Simmons succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the extended ordeal, Brown reportedly stole marijuana from the residence and fled. Law enforcement was contacted by the two women after Brown left the scene. While responding to the incident, firefighters noticed a man changing his clothes in a wooded area near the home. Authorities later discovered discarded dark clothing, a wallet containing Robert Brown's identification, and two handguns in that vicinity.
Robert Brown Jr. was subsequently located and arrested in Marrero by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department on an outstanding warrant related to the Gardere shooting. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The motive for the attack is believed to be related to Brown's previous relationship with Simmons' girlfriend, which had lasted for about a year and a half.
