On a summer evening in Lake Charles, Louisiana, a dispute over a small quantity of marijuana tragically escalated, leading to the death of 19-year-old Carlos Ross Jr. The incident unfolded on Saturday, July 7, 2018, in the 4400 block of 5th Avenue. Ross was transported to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital by a private vehicle after sustaining gunshot wounds.
Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries in the emergency room.
The investigation into the shooting, which was quickly ruled a homicide, led detectives to identify a suspect. The following day, on Sunday, July 8, 2018, Joey Duran Whitted, 34 years old at the time, was apprehended in Baton Rouge in connection with the fatal shooting. Authorities stated that the confrontation that led to Ross's death stemmed from an alleged robbery attempt. It was reported that Ross, wearing a mask, tried to rob Whitted of the marijuana he was dealing. In response, Whitted allegedly shot Ross.
Following his arrest, Whitted was transported back to Calcasieu Parish. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in the death of Carlos Ross Jr. A bond for Whitted was set at $1 million. The swift arrest brought a suspect into custody, marking the beginning of the legal proceedings in a case that cut short the life of a young man with a passion for boxing and dreams for the future.
