James Harrell, a 44-year-old male, was fatally shot on June 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The incident, which police believe was a planned attack, unfolded in the front of Harrell's home. On that early evening, Harrell and his girlfriend were reportedly being followed by her ex-boyfriend, Andre Franklin. An argument ensued between the couple and Franklin at a stoplight before they drove their separate ways.
Later, Franklin allegedly reappeared at Harrell's residence on David Drive.
An armed confrontation occurred, during which Franklin is accused of opening fire on Harrell, killing him at the scene around 5:30 p.m. Following the shooting, Franklin allegedly chased after his ex-girlfriend and Harrell's son, firing at them as well. He then reportedly caught the woman, struck her multiple times, and forced her into his vehicle at gunpoint before fleeing. He later released her, and she was able to report the incident to the Baker Police Department.
Through witness interviews and video surveillance, detectives identified Andre Franklin, 42, as the suspect. On June 3, 2025, U.S. Marshals and Baton Rouge Police detectives arrested Franklin. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and felon in possession of a firearm. Franklin has a prior criminal history that includes drug-related offenses.
