Topline: The suspect in the fatal shooting of Brennan’s sous chef Carl Morgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Published: October 8, 2025 10:00 am ET
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Left: Carl Morgan (via GoFundMe) Right: Raymond Wells (via Facebook)
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Raymond Wells, the man accused of fatally shooting Brennan’s sous chef Carl Morgan during a carjacking, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office.
Morgan, 36, was shot September 30 while picking up his two-year-old son from daycare in Mid-City. Police said Wells, 21, attempted to carjack Morgan and fled in the stolen vehicle.
Wells was later found inside Morgan’s car with a gunshot wound to the head. He died October 3 at 1:06 a.m. at University Medical Center, according to a statement from city officials cited by FOX 8 Live.
The coroner’s office determined that Wells died from a single intraoral gunshot wound, ruling the death a suicide. The New Orleans Police Department said Wells would have faced a first-degree murder charge had he survived.
Wells had a documented history of mental health struggles, according to family members cited by WWLTV. Relatives said he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced multiple psychiatric episodes in the past year. They also reported he had not been taking prescribed medication in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
Police said Wells had been seen earlier in the area firing at vehicles and attempting other carjackings. Witnesses described a chaotic scene outside the daycare as shots rang out. Teachers rushed children inside after hearing gunfire nearby.
Morgan was a longtime sous chef at the famed Brennan’s restaurant in the French Quarter. He was known for his culinary skill and dedication to his family. Brennan’s staff described him as a “devoted father, loving partner, cherished son, and friend to all.”
The restaurant honored Morgan at the Fried Chicken Festival the weekend following his death, serving his signature fried chicken sandwich with proceeds benefiting his family.
Morgan’s partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, told WDSU that he was a “very loving person” who bonded with others over food. She said she would do everything possible to keep his memory alive for their 2 year old son.
Funeral arrangements for Morgan and Wells are pending.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or use online chat services. If you are outside the U.S., local resources are available through international crisis hotlines.
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New Orleans Chef’s Alleged Killer Died by Suicide, Coroner Confirms
The suspect in the fatal shooting of Brennan’s sous chef Carl Morgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
By Kate Byrd
Published: October 8, 2025 10:00 am ET
Left: Carl Morgan (via GoFundMe) Right: Raymond Wells (via Facebook)
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Raymond Wells, the man accused of fatally shooting Brennan’s sous chef Carl Morgan during a carjacking, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office.
Morgan, 36, was shot September 30 while picking up his two-year-old son from daycare in Mid-City. Police said Wells, 21, attempted to carjack Morgan and fled in the stolen vehicle.
Wells was later found inside Morgan’s car with a gunshot wound to the head. He died October 3 at 1:06 a.m. at University Medical Center, according to a statement from city officials cited by FOX 8 Live.
The coroner’s office determined that Wells died from a single intraoral gunshot wound, ruling the death a suicide. The New Orleans Police Department said Wells would have faced a first-degree murder charge had he survived.
Wells had a documented history of mental health struggles, according to family members cited by WWLTV. Relatives said he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced multiple psychiatric episodes in the past year. They also reported he had not been taking prescribed medication in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
Police said Wells had been seen earlier in the area firing at vehicles and attempting other carjackings. Witnesses described a chaotic scene outside the daycare as shots rang out. Teachers rushed children inside after hearing gunfire nearby.
Morgan was a longtime sous chef at the famed Brennan’s restaurant in the French Quarter. He was known for his culinary skill and dedication to his family. Brennan’s staff described him as a “devoted father, loving partner, cherished son, and friend to all.”
The restaurant honored Morgan at the Fried Chicken Festival the weekend following his death, serving his signature fried chicken sandwich with proceeds benefiting his family.
Morgan’s partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, told WDSU that he was a “very loving person” who bonded with others over food. She said she would do everything possible to keep his memory alive for their 2 year old son.
Funeral arrangements for Morgan and Wells are pending.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
New Orleans Chef’s Alleged Killer Died by Suicide, Coroner Confirms
The suspect in the fatal shooting of Brennan’s sous chef Carl Morgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
By Kate Byrd
Published: October 8, 2025 10:00 am ET
Left: Carl Morgan (via GoFundMe) Right: Raymond Wells (via Facebook)
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Raymond Wells, the man accused of fatally shooting Brennan’s sous chef Carl Morgan during a carjacking, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office.
Morgan, 36, was shot September 30 while picking up his two-year-old son from daycare in Mid-City. Police said Wells, 21, attempted to carjack Morgan and fled in the stolen vehicle.
Wells was later found inside Morgan’s car with a gunshot wound to the head. He died October 3 at 1:06 a.m. at University Medical Center, according to a statement from city officials cited by FOX 8 Live.
The coroner’s office determined that Wells died from a single intraoral gunshot wound, ruling the death a suicide. The New Orleans Police Department said Wells would have faced a first-degree murder charge had he survived.
Wells had a documented history of mental health struggles, according to family members cited by WWLTV. Relatives said he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced multiple psychiatric episodes in the past year. They also reported he had not been taking prescribed medication in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
Police said Wells had been seen earlier in the area firing at vehicles and attempting other carjackings. Witnesses described a chaotic scene outside the daycare as shots rang out. Teachers rushed children inside after hearing gunfire nearby.
Morgan was a longtime sous chef at the famed Brennan’s restaurant in the French Quarter. He was known for his culinary skill and dedication to his family. Brennan’s staff described him as a “devoted father, loving partner, cherished son, and friend to all.”
The restaurant honored Morgan at the Fried Chicken Festival the weekend following his death, serving his signature fried chicken sandwich with proceeds benefiting his family.
Morgan’s partner, Lisa Marie Lienberger, told WDSU that he was a “very loving person” who bonded with others over food. She said she would do everything possible to keep his memory alive for their 2 year old son.
Funeral arrangements for Morgan and Wells are pending.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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