Craig Haynes Jr., 18, was shot in a reported drive-by while driving northbound on Burnside Avenue in Gonzales, Louisiana, late on Friday, December 8, 2023. His vehicle was struck by gunfire between Highway 30 and Worthy Road; emergency responders transported him to a local hospital around 11:00 p.m. He died of his wounds the next day, December 9, 2023. Known as CJ, Haynes lived in Darrow and worked at a Walmart in Gonzales.

The Gonzales Police Department opened a homicide investigation and has appealed to the public for information about the incident, the shooter or the shooter’s vehicle. No arrests have been announced and the investigation remains ongoing as the family and community seek answers.

If anyone has information about what happened that night or the people or vehicle involved, please contact the Gonzales Police Department.