In the early morning hours of Friday, February 2, 2024, a night out for a group of friends in Ruston, Louisiana, took a tragic turn, ending the life of 18-year-old Austin Johnson. A freshman business administration major at Louisiana Tech University from Bossier City, Johnson was in a vehicle with friends at the drive-thru of a Raising Cane's restaurant.
Inside the car, some of the occupants, including Johnson, were reportedly playing with toy guns.
The situation escalated tragically when 19-year-old Matthew Embry of Dubach allegedly picked up a real handgun, believing it to be unloaded. He pointed the weapon at Johnson's chest and fired a single shot. The incident occurred at approximately 1:48 a.m.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and Johnson was initially transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center. He was then airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The Ruston Police Department investigated the shooting and determined it to be accidental.
Following the investigation, Matthew Embry was arrested and charged with negligent homicide. He was subsequently booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with his bond set at $300,000. Authorities confirmed that Embry was not a student at Louisiana Tech University. The investigation into the tragic death of Austin Johnson remains ongoing.
