Shock and sorrow have swept through the comedy world following the tragic death of Reggie Carroll, a veteran comedian whose career spanned decades and whose infectious humor touched audiences across the United States. Carroll, 52, was fatally shot on August 20, 2025, in Southaven, Mississippi, at a property connected to superstar comedian Katt Williams' business ventures. The incident has left friends, family, and fans grappling with grief and searching for answers amid a swirl of questions about what led to the violence.
According to Los Angeles Times and WHBQ Memphis, police responded to reports of an "isolated shooting" at a building on Burton Lane in Southaven, a suburb just south of Memphis, Tennessee. The building, as reported by Fox 13 Memphis, serves as the headquarters for Onyxx Owll LLC—the official clothing line designed for and by urban street celebrities and creatives, and closely associated with Katt Williams. It was here that officers discovered Carroll suffering from critical gunshot wounds.
Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical staff, Carroll was pronounced dead at a hospital in Memphis. The loss sent shockwaves through the comedy circuit, where Carroll was a familiar face, known for his performances on the iconic "Showtime at the Apollo," the 2023 standup special "Knockout Kings of Comedy," and the 2022 television movie "Rent & Go." He also made a memorable appearance on the popular sitcom "The Parkers," starring Mo'Nique, who later paid tribute to her late friend, recalling their time on the road together as nothing short of amazing.
"The last time me and my brother Reggie, girl, was together – that’s what it was, an amazing time being on tour together, being on that road together, what a time," Mo’Nique wrote on social media, as reported by WHBQ. "So I have no sad tears because all of our times together [were] amazing." The outpouring of love from fellow comedians and fans alike underscored the deep impact Carroll had made in the entertainment community.
The investigation into Carroll’s death quickly led authorities to arrest 38-year-old Tranell Marquise Williams. Williams, who had been working as a security guard on Katt Williams’ ongoing Heaven on Earth tour, was taken into custody and charged with murder. According to WHBQ, three independent sources confirmed that Williams was providing security services on the tour at the time of the incident. Notably, the Burton Lane property where the shooting occurred was also listed as Williams’s last known address, further intertwining the suspect’s professional and personal ties to the location and to Katt Williams’ business interests.
The shooting has left those closest to Carroll reeling. His brother, Kempe Earle, expressed anguish and confusion in an interview with WHBQ: "Man, it’s like your family member, your brother, your closest relative goes out of town, and something happens to them, and you don’t know what exactly." The sense of disbelief was echoed by Carroll’s friend, comedian Gerald Kelly, who said, "I’m still numb – I’m frustrated. I’m ready to go to war. We need answers." Their words capture the pain and frustration felt by many who knew Carroll, as well as the broader comedy community who admired his talent and spirit.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, with authorities withholding further details as they piece together what transpired on that fateful night. The Southaven Police Department, as reported by Los Angeles Times, posted a "14-day notice to quit for criminal activity" on the Burton Lane building in the aftermath of the incident. This notice effectively serves as an eviction order, citing the shooting as grounds for the company’s removal from the premises. The building, home to Onyxx Owll LLC, has been described on its website as a hub for clothing designed for and by urban street celebrities and famous creatives—a testament to the business ambitions of Katt Williams beyond his comedy career.
Carroll’s connection to Katt Williams extended beyond business. Posts on Carroll’s social media accounts, as highlighted by WHBQ, showed him traveling earlier in the year as part of Williams’s Heaven on Earth comedy tour. The tour, which brought together a diverse lineup of comedians, was intended to celebrate the joy of live performance and camaraderie among entertainers. That such a tragedy could unfold within this close-knit group has only deepened the sense of loss.
Katt Williams, known for his roles in "Friday After Next" and the animated series "The Boondocks," has not publicly commented on the incident as of press time. His silence has been noted by some in the industry, though others understand the difficulty of responding amid an ongoing police investigation and the rawness of grief. Williams’ clothing line, Onyxx Owll LLC, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future following the eviction notice and the negative attention brought by the shooting.
Reggie Carroll’s career was marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of laughter. Born in Baltimore, Carroll rose through the ranks of stand-up comedy, earning respect for his sharp wit and ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. His performances on "Showtime at the Apollo" and other national stages won him a loyal following, while his television appearances showcased his versatility. As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across the comedy world, each recalling Carroll’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his craft.
The murder charge against Tranell Marquise Williams has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a triumphant tour for Katt Williams and his team. The case has also raised questions about security and the dynamics within touring comedy groups—a world where camaraderie and competition often coexist. As the investigation continues, those who loved Reggie Carroll are left to mourn his passing and hope for justice.
For now, the comedy community remembers Carroll not for the tragic circumstances of his death, but for the laughter he brought to so many. His legacy, as his friends and colleagues attest, is one of joy, resilience, and a deep love for the art of making people laugh. In a world that often feels divided, Carroll’s humor was a reminder of the power of connection—a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
