Tragedy on Sherwood Forest: Father Killed in Cold Blood
BATON ROUGE, La. — What began as a quiet early morning turned into heartbreak and devastation after a senseless act of violence claimed the life of a father, leaving his family shattered. Around 2:38 a.m. Sunday morning, the peace of the 6000 block of South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, near Airline Highway, was violently disrupted when a car became the scene of a brutal double shooting.
Inside the vehicle sat 44-year-old Byron Howard and an unidentified passenger. According to police reports, both were ruthlessly shot multiple times while seated inside the car. First responders rushed them to a nearby hospital, but the efforts were tragically not enough to save Byron Howard. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, leaving behind grieving loved ones. The second victim continues to fight for life, currently listed in critical condition.
Police have yet to determine a motive or identify any suspects, and the community is left questioning how such a terrible act could happen to someone so loved.
A Daughter’s Broken Heart: “They Took My Dad From Me”
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching voice in this tragedy comes from Byron’s daughter, McKenzie, who now faces a life forever changed. Through trembling words sent via email to WAFB, McKenzie expressed the depth of her grief: “They took my dad from me, my one and only. I’m lost for words.”
McKenzie described the loss as something beyond comprehension, calling it a nightmare from which she cannot wake. “This is like a nightmare. My dad is gone and is never coming back. I couldn’t even say my last goodbye. All I can say is my dad is gone. This hits me hard.”
Her words echo the raw pain of a daughter who never expected to face such a cruel farewell, especially not so suddenly and violently. For McKenzie, this is more than just a news story—it’s a devastating personal loss that has left her world in ruins.
A Community Grieves While Answers Remain Elusive
The shooting has cast a dark cloud over Baton Rouge, as friends, family, and neighbors struggle to comprehend the senseless violence. There are no suspects, no explanations—only silence and sorrow. As police continue their investigation, the Howard family is left to grieve with no clear path toward justice.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the violence that continues to plague our streets, stealing fathers, brothers, and friends in the blink of an eye. McKenzie’s heart-wrenching plea is not just for her father—it’s for every life lost too soon and every family left behind in agony.
Anyone with information about this horrifying crime is urged to come forward. Justice delayed is pain prolonged, and Byron Howard’s family deserves answers.
