In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 35-year-old Dexter Lakoye Cormier Jr. was waiting for his food at a food tent set up in a parking lot on Greenwell Springs Road. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, and Cormier was one of six people struck by bullets. He was rushed to a local hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
A native of Baton Rouge who was living in Fort Worth, Texas, he was a self-employed entrepreneur and the primary caregiver for his father. He left behind two children and a fiancée.
Baton Rouge police officers who were at the scene were able to take two individuals into custody shortly after the shooting. The investigation led to the arrest of 24-year-old Michael Robinson and 30-year-old Tyrelle Hamilton. Robinson faced serious charges, including first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Hamilton was charged with obstruction of justice.
According to law enforcement, Robinson admitted to firing his weapon into the crowd. Investigators reported that Robinson claimed he started shooting after hearing another gunshot. In January 2026, the trial for Michael Robinson began with jury selection. During opening statements, the prosecution asserted that Robinson had told investigators, 'heard a gunshot and pulled out my gun and started shooting.' His charges in court were listed as second-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder.
