Trendonovan Payne, a 29-year-old African American man, was found inside his vehicle on Kaufman Street in Baton Rouge on August 19, 2021, at about 10:54 p.m. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide.

Initial reports provided few details about motive, and investigators had not publicly identified any suspects. Homicide detectives from the Baton Rouge Police Department opened an investigation and appealed for information. Payne worked as a school bus driver and owned his own business; family and friends remembered him as warm-hearted and determined.

No arrests or charges had been reported in connection with the killing, and the investigation remained ongoing. If anyone has information about Payne, his movements that night, or potential witnesses, please come forward to assist the investigation.