A night out at a party on St. Roch Avenue in New Orleans turned tragic for a 32-year-old man. On August 3, 2024, Brandon Hayward was at a gathering at a bar in the 3100 block of the street when an argument broke out. The dispute quickly escalated, and shots were fired, fatally wounding Hayward. He was pronounced dead at the scene less than ten minutes after the altercation began.
His mother described the immense pain of losing her son to violence, stating that he was not a violent person.
To his friends, Brandon was known as a mentor who went by the nickname 'Fats,' a name that had stuck with him since childhood. His family remembered him as a comedian, an animal lover, and a talented visual and self-taught musical artist. He also worked as a sous chef for his mother's catering business, showcasing his culinary skills. His sudden and violent death left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
In the wake of the shooting, the New Orleans Police Department launched an investigation to find the person responsible for Brandon Hayward's death. Their efforts led them to identify Eric Garrison as the primary suspect in the homicide. On August 15, 2024, law enforcement located Garrison in Dallas, Texas, where he was taken into custody without incident. He is now facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Brandon Hayward.
