In the early morning hours of February 22, 2025, the body of 35-year-old Reynard Cennett, a male resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was discovered by a passerby near a walking path in New Orleans' City Park. First responders arrived at the 1000 block of Harrison Avenue shortly after 7:00 a.m. to find Cennett unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.
At the time of his death, Cennett was facing serious legal troubles.
In October 2024, he was arrested on charges of malfeasance in office and sexual battery. These charges stemmed from his employment as a youth instructor at the Bridge City Center for youth. Following his arrest, his employment was immediately terminated. The case was handed over to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department for further investigation.
The New Orleans Police Department led the homicide investigation into Cennett's death. Their efforts led to the identification of a suspect, and on March 13, 2025, an arrest was made in connection with the murder.
Authorities arrested 21-year-old Mckenzie Fair and charged her with the second-degree murder of Reynard Cennett. At the time the arrest warrant was issued, Fair was already incarcerated at the Orleans Justice Center on unrelated charges. She was rebooked to include the murder charge. The investigation into the motive for the homicide is ongoing.
