Denise Williams was 56 when she was shot and killed in Baton Rouge on October 18, 2017. A general manager at a local Popeyes and mother of four, she was driving when she stopped at a red light at Evangeline Street and North Foster Drive and an unknown assailant approached and opened fire. Wounded, Williams drove away; her car stopped in the parking lot of a Family Dollar on Airline Highway, where she called police. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Baton Rouge police opened an investigation but reported no suspects and released few details about motive. Her stepdaughter described her as outgoing, dedicated to work and family, and not someone who would harm others. The case remains open and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.