The comedy world is mourning the loss of Reginald “Reggie” Carroll, a Baltimore-based comedian who tragically died after being shot in Southaven, Mississippi, on August 20th. Carroll, 52, was known for his appearances on “Showtime at the Apollo” and had been touring with Katt Williams on his “Heaven on Earth” tour.
Southaven police responded to a shooting on Burton Lane and found Carroll critically wounded. Despite emergency treatment at a Memphis hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have arrested Tranell Marquise Williams, 38, a security guard who had been working on the tour, and charged him with murder.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the case, the shooting occurred in a building that houses Onyxx Owll LCC, a company described as the official merchandise site for Katt Williams. According to Fox 13 Memphis, the business received a notice of eviction shortly after the shooting due to "criminal activity" on the premises. The notice, addressed to multiple occupants including Tranell Williams, cited a violation of the lease agreement.
Investigators have not yet revealed a possible motive for the shooting, but have stated that it was an “isolated” incident. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to Carroll's death.
The tragic death of Reginald Carroll has sent shockwaves through the comedy community. Mo’Nique, the Oscar-winning actress, paid tribute to Carroll, calling him a “brother” in comedy. The circumstances surrounding his death, particularly the connection to the Katt Williams merchandise site and the subsequent eviction, raise many questions that investigators are working to answer.
Related Incidents
This incident follows other recent tragedies in the comedy world, including the death of comedian Perry Kurtz in an L.A. hit-and-run in 2024, highlighting the dangers and vulnerabilities faced by performers.