On September 17, 2021, a family gathering in New Roads, Louisiana, turned into a scene of tragedy, ending the life of 25-year-old Gerell Deshawn Hollins. That evening, several members of the Hollins family had come together at a residence on Delta Place Road. An argument broke out involving an intoxicated Gerell Hollins and other relatives.
The verbal dispute escalated dramatically when his cousin, Morris J. Hollins, produced a firearm.
Morris shot Gerell nine times, causing his death at the scene. In the midst of the chaos, another cousin, Howard Hollins, was fatally shot in the back as he attempted to flee. Gerell's father, Gregory Hollins, who was standing near his son, was also wounded, sustaining a gunshot to the hip. A stray bullet from the incident also struck a neighboring home.
Law enforcement had reportedly been called to the residence prior to the shooting due to the ongoing arguments. Three days after the shooting, on September 20, 2021, Morris J. Hollins surrendered to authorities and was arrested. He was subsequently charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In January 2023, a Pointe Coupee Parish jury found Morris Hollins guilty on all counts after a three-day trial. For the two counts of second-degree murder, he received a mandatory life sentence in prison. He was also sentenced for the other charges, with all sentences to run concurrently.
