Lathan Wheeler, a 32-year-old Black man, was found fatally shot inside a residence in the 2100 block of Virginia Street in Baton Rouge on January 23, 2026. Police responded that Friday night and discovered Wheeler with fatal gunshot wounds; the death was classified as a homicide.

The Baton Rouge Police Department began an investigation that evening, canvassing the area and speaking to potential witnesses. Authorities reported the motive as unknown and had not identified any suspects. Local media reported the death in the days after, but few new details have been released and no arrests have been announced.

Anyone who was in the 2100 block of Virginia Street on January 23 or who has information about Wheeler or the shooting is asked to come forward.