Lavonta Churchill Jr., 33, known to some as Ray Jay and to others as Vonta, was killed in a shooting in Old Louisville in the early hours of June 1, 2026. The shooting happened about 1:15 a.m. in the 100 block of West Oak Street; two men were found with gunshot wounds there and a woman with related injuries was located in the 500 block of West St. Catherine Street. All three were taken to UofL Hospital. Churchill and 32-year-old Devante Shields died of their injuries; the woman was expected to survive.

Born and raised in Louisville, Churchill had recently returned from Arizona after living with his grandmother. He was remembered by family as a devoted father and a former two-time All-Star football player for the Yellow Jackets. The Homicide Unit is investigating and, as of early June 2026, had not identified suspects or made arrests.

If anyone was in the Old Louisville area that night or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the police anonymous tip line.