Six months after Reggie Carroll’s death, the case took a new turn when the accused shooter, Tranell Williams, broke his silence and released video he says supports a self-defense claim — yet the case still hasn’t reached a grand jury.
Early rumors attempting to link Katt Williams to the incident have been dismissed by authorities, who say the shooting stemmed from a private disagreement between two roommates.
On Aug. 20, 2025, officers from the Southaven Police Department responded to a shooting report in the Burton Lane neighborhood. When they arrived, they found Carroll, 52, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to Regional One Health in Memphis, where he later died.
Williams, 38, was arrested and charged with murder. At the time, he had been working security on Katt Williams’ tour. The shooting took place at a rental home on Burton Lane leased by Onyxx Owll LLC, the tour’s merchandise company. District Attorney Matthew Barton explained that the home was rented from an out-of-state business and had no ownership connection to Katt Williams.
After the shooting, Southaven police issued a 14-day eviction notice to Onyxx Owll LLC for the Burton Lane property, citing criminal activity. During an Aug. 27, 2025, news briefing, Barton stated that Williams fired several shots at Carroll using a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with slugs. “He used a shotgun with the deliberate design to effect the death of Reggie Carroll,” Barton said. Carroll sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The precise number has not been disclosed pending the medical examiner’s report.
Barton reiterated that the entertainer had no involvement in the shooting. “We have no reason to believe he was ever involved in any way, shape, or form,” he said. Carroll and Williams had been living together and were both working on the same tour, but investigators have not provided a clear motive.
Carroll had appeared on television shows including “Showtime at the Apollo” and “The Parkers,” a UPN spinoff of “Moesha.” In addition to producing and performing in the 2023 stand-up special “Knockout Kings of Comedy,” he also acted in the 2022 TV movie “Rent & Go.” His death led to tributes from Baltimore’s Club Mobtown Comedy and from Academy Award winner Mo’Nique, who collaborated with Carroll and called him her “brother in comedy.”
Carroll earned a reputation performing at comedy clubs across the country and was a respected figure in Baltimore’s comedy community. Known for his energetic stage presence, he developed strong relationships with established performers, including Mo’Nique. As the case proceeds, Williams remains out on bond with an ankle monitor. As of Feb. 27, 2026, the case has not yet gone before a grand jury, and no trial date has been set.