Reginald Dawayne Cossett Jr., a 23-year-old male, was found in a Baton Rouge park in early September 2019, suffering from gunshot wounds. At the time he was discovered, Cossett was still alive and able to tell police that he had been sleeping in a vehicle in the Gardere area when he was awakened by men shooting at him. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on September 5, 2019.
The investigation into Cossett's death led authorities
from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office to identify 18-year-old Antoine Carpenter as a suspect. Evidence gathered by police, including video footage and cell phone records, placed Carpenter with Cossett around the time of the shooting. Further video evidence showed a silver Chevrolet Equinox fleeing the scene shortly after the incident. Authorities believe this vehicle was driven by Carpenter and was later intentionally set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Following the investigation, Antoine Carpenter was arrested and is facing charges of principal to first-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, armed robbery, and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Reginald Cossett Jr.
