The Ruston community is mourning the loss of 30-year-old Deontrell Marquis Hunter, a local man whose life was tragically cut short in a shooting on Easter Sunday that also left four bystanders injured. The incident, which unfolded in the parking lot of Y2 Kuts barbershop on South Farmerville Street, has shaken the small Louisiana city and prompted a manhunt for the suspect, 23-year-old Zyheim T. Butcher of Bastrop. As authorities work to bring justice, the community grapples with the pain of loss and the ripple effects of violence.
The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on April 20, 2025, when Ruston Police Department officers, already in a nearby parking lot responding to a large crowd, heard gunfire erupt. They rushed to the scene at 302 South Farmerville Street, where they found Hunter fatally wounded and five others with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers immediately began administering first aid, but Hunter could not be saved. The injured bystanders were transported to a nearby hospital in private vehicles, and their conditions have been described as stable. The chaos of that evening has left residents searching for answers about what led to such a violent outburst.
Investigators have identified Butcher as the primary suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. He faces serious charges, including one count of second-degree murder for Hunter’s death, four counts of attempted second-degree murder for the injuries to bystanders, one count of a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of manufacture or possession of a machine gun. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a heated dispute among extended family members that began earlier that day at Mayfield Park, a local gathering spot. The argument, which reportedly involved multiple armed individuals, escalated into gunfire in the barbershop parking lot, turning a place of community into a scene of tragedy.
Hunter, known to friends and family as a vibrant member of Ruston, leaves behind a legacy of warmth and connection. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with community members remembering him as a devoted friend and a familiar face in the city’s close-knit circles. The four injured bystanders, whose identities have not been released, are recovering, but the emotional toll of the incident weighs heavily on their families and the broader community. Ruston, a city of about 22,000 residents, is unaccustomed to such high-profile acts of violence, making this event particularly jarring.
The Ruston Police Department is urging anyone with information about Butcher’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation is critical to resolving the case. They have provided a contact number, 318-255-4141, for tips, and are working diligently to piece together the events of that night. The investigation has revealed that multiple handguns were involved, highlighting concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the potential for disputes to escalate rapidly.
As the search for Butcher continues, Ruston residents are left to reflect on the fragility of peace in their community. The loss of Deontrell Marquis Hunter has sparked calls for unity and action to address underlying issues of violence and conflict resolution. For now, the city holds its breath, hoping for justice and healing in the wake of a tragedy that has touched so many lives.
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