Baltimore comedian Reginald “Reggie” Carroll was fatally shot on August 20, 2025, at a residence in Southaven, Mississippi, where he had been staying while touring with fellow comedian Katt Williams. Carroll, 52, died from his injuries at Regional One Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, despite lifesaving efforts by officers and medical personnel.
Police arrested 38-year-old Tranell Marquise Williams in connection with Carroll’s murder. According to DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, “This was an incident between two roommates who knew each other.” Williams used a shotgun in the attack, and Carroll sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting occurred at a home on Burton Lane in Southaven, Mississippi. Both men were present at the scene when officers arrived, and Williams was arrested immediately. The district attorney confirmed that Williams and Carroll were roommates at the residence and had been traveling in the same comedy circles.
Williams had been working as a security guard on Katt Williams’ Heaven on Earth comedy tour, according to multiple sources. Carroll had also been participating in the tour as a performer. Social media posts from Carroll’s accounts showed him traveling earlier in the year as part of the touring production.
District Attorney Barton emphasized that while both men were associated with the comedy tour, Katt Williams was not involved in the incident. Barton stated that it was not Williams’ house and that the comedian was not present during the shooting. The home served as the address for Onyxx Owll LLC, a clothing line associated with Katt Williams merchandise.
Following the shooting, Southaven police posted a 14-day eviction notice on the Burton Lane property, citing criminal activity. The notice was addressed to Tranell Williams and other occupants. The home had been listed as Williams’ last known address and served as the registered address for the Williams merchandise company.
Carroll, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, had built a career performing stand-up comedy across the United States. He gained recognition through appearances on BET’s “ComicView” during its inaugural season in 1992 and later appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo.” His television credits included a role on “The Parkers,” a sitcom starring Mo’Nique, and he hosted and produced the 2023 stand-up special “Knockout Kings of Comedy.”
The comedian’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment community. Mo’Nique, who had worked with Carroll on various projects, reflected on their time together on tour. She indicated that their collaborations had been meaningful experiences and expressed gratitude for the positive memories they had shared.
Club Mobtown Comedy in Baltimore paid tribute to Carroll, describing him as one of the original supporters who had helped establish their venue. The comedy club noted that the Baltimore comedy community was deeply saddened by the loss of one of the city’s notable talents.
Carroll’s brother, Kempe Earle, and friend Gerald Kelly expressed their shock over the killing. Earle compared the experience to losing a close family member while they were away from home, noting that Carroll was in Southaven because he was working with Katt Williams. Kelly described feeling numb and frustrated while seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding Carroll’s death.
The investigation remains active, with authorities providing limited information due to the ongoing nature of the case. District Attorney Barton characterized the incident as isolated between the two individuals involved, emphasizing that it did not reflect broader violent crime issues in Southaven.
Neighbors in the Burton Lane area described their community as typically peaceful and quiet. Residents reported that the August 20 shooting marked the first instance of gun violence they had experienced in their neighborhood. Several neighbors confirmed hearing gunshots that day while children were playing outside.
Carroll’s family has requested privacy as they process the loss and work to confirm all details surrounding his death. His brother Jonathan Carroll thanked supporters for their condolences while asking the public to refrain from sharing details until all facts could be verified.
The case highlights the complex relationships within the touring comedy industry, where performers, security personnel, and support staff often work closely together while traveling across the country. Williams remains in custody facing murder charges as the investigation continues.