In the early morning hours of August 6, 2026, 53-year-old Chad Hawkins was shot and killed in the 7400 block of Plank Road in Baton Rouge. Officers responded to a shooting call about 2:08 a.m. and found Hawkins with gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Baton Rouge Police Department’s Homicide Division took over the investigation and began canvassing for evidence and witnesses.

As of the immediate aftermath, authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest and have not released a motive. No arrests or charges have been announced and the investigation remains active. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact the Violent Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers.

Did anyone in the community see or hear anything on Plank Road the morning of August 6 that could help investigators?