In the late evening of Monday, February 9, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded on the second floor of a parking garage at Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Caleb Carter. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office responded to the scene around 9:30 p.m. to find Carter with a fatal gunshot wound to the face. His friend, Chad Howard, also 20, remained at the location and informed deputies that he had accidentally shot Carter.
Following the shooting,
Howard allegedly threw the 9mm handgun used in the incident from the second floor of the garage. Deputies were alerted to the weapon's location and recovered it. Upon inspection, the firearm was discovered to have been reported stolen to the Baton Rouge Police Department. The investigation into the shooting is being handled as an accident.
Chad Howard was taken into custody at the scene and has since been booked on charges of negligent homicide, possession of stolen things, and obstruction of justice. The management of Perkins Rowe issued a statement expressing their condolences to the victim's family and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation led by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. They have assured the public that there is no active threat to the area. An online memorial has been established for Caleb Carter, where friends and family can share memories and light candles in his honor. His obituary notes his recent graduation from McKinley Senior High School and his certifications in HVAC and Millwright from BRCC.
