Easter Tragedy in Ruston: One Dead, Four Injured in Barbershop Shooting

Easter Tragedy in Ruston: One Dead, Four Injured in Barbershop Shooting

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RUSTON, LA — On what should have been a quiet Easter night, a horrifying act of violence unfolded outside a local barbershop, leaving one man dead and four others wounded. It was just past 10 p.m. when the familiar hum of a Sunday evening was pierced by rapid gunfire at Y2 Kuts, a well-known barbershop nestled on a busy corner in Ruston.

Deontrell Marquis Hunter lay dying on the ground outside the shop, his life extinguished in a matter of seconds. He was just one of five people struck in the sudden and senseless attack. The others, bleeding and wounded, were caught in the hail of bullets for no reason other than their presence.

Authorities have identified 23-year-old Zyheim T. Butcher as the primary suspect in what they now believe to be a targeted shooting that spilled over into broader chaos. Butcher is currently wanted for one count of second-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder. As of this writing, he remains at large.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion in the aftermath. Some ran for cover, others tried to help the fallen. Sirens echoed through the streets as first responders rushed to the scene. Paramedics worked frantically to stabilize the injured, while officers established a perimeter, combing the area for leads.

Deontrell, known affectionately to friends and family as “Trell,” was pronounced dead at the scene. He was only 27. Loved ones describe him as a quiet, thoughtful soul who had a way of making people feel at ease. His death, sudden and violent, has left an irreparable void.

“He was just standing there,” one shaken witness said. “He didn’t even have time to react.”

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Police have not indicated whether Hunter was the intended target, or if the attack was meant for someone else. What is known is that the shooter fled immediately after opening fire, and the community is now left grappling with a nightmare that unfolded in a matter of moments.

Y2 Kuts, usually a gathering place where people come for more than just haircuts—laughter, conversation, community—has become a crime scene. Yellow tape flutters where children once played. Blood stains mark the pavement that, only hours before, had echoed with life and celebration.

As investigators continue their work, they are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Zyheim T. Butcher to come forward. Tips can be made anonymously, and authorities are emphasizing the urgency of getting him off the streets before more lives are endangered.

Meanwhile, the victims who survived are still recovering—some physically, others emotionally. The trauma from such violence doesn’t heal easily. It settles into the bones, into the places people once considered safe.

Ruston, a city known for its close-knit neighborhoods and deep sense of Southern community, is reeling. Grief counselors have been dispatched to local schools and churches. Vigils are already being organized, and a memorial for Hunter is expected to be held later this week.

To every family shattered by this violence, to every friend forced to mourn too soon, the condolences are many—but they never feel like enough.

Violence doesn’t ask permission. It doesn’t offer warnings. It takes. Swiftly, brutally, and without justice. Until justice is served.