In the late hours of a Friday evening, the life of 18-year-old Craig Haynes Jr. was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. On December 8, 2023, while driving northbound on Burnside Avenue in Gonzales, Louisiana, Haynes' vehicle was pierced by gunfire in what authorities have described as a drive-by shooting. The young man, a resident of Darrow, was struck by the hail of bullets in the area between Highway 30 and Worthy Road.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene
around 11:00 p.m. following reports of shots fired. Haynes was quickly transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his critical injuries. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Craig Haynes Jr., affectionately known as 'CJ,' succumbed to his wounds the following day, on Saturday, December 9, 2023. At the time of his death, he was employed at a Walmart in Gonzales.
The Gonzales Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide and has since been appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and capture of the person or persons responsible for this crime. Detectives have urged anyone with knowledge of the incident, the suspect, or the suspect's vehicle to come forward. To date, no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the shooting death of Craig Haynes Jr. The investigation remains ongoing as his family and community continue to seek answers and justice.
