Comedian Killed in NOLA

A beloved New Orleans comedian who was shot and killed outside of the Rouses in the New Orleans central business district just before Christmas was laid to rest Thursday, January 5, 2022. Brandon "Boogie B" Montrell's funeral services were held along with a second line in his honor.

Investigations revealed Boogie B was shot multiple times in his car outside of a Rouses in the 700 block of Baronne Street around 4:00 PM on Friday, December 30, 2022. Montrell just got back in town from a trip to Los Angeles, according to a relative. He was scheduled to perform a comedy show at the Comedy House of NOLA on January 15, 2023. Montrell was born in New Orleans and spent his childhood in Tampa before returning to Louisiana and graduating from Bonnabel High School. He later moved to Washington, D.C., and became a comedian. He also gained notoriety on social media, presenting a fresh take on New Orleans untold history.

“My son was not just the victim of a stray bullet. He’s the victim of decades of neglect that have left New Orleans’ youth with no hope for a future and with no real fear of consequences. It’s past time for leaders in our city and all over to do their jobs. It matters who the president is, who the governor is, and who the mayor is. Leaders create opportunities – including the opportunity to live in peace without fear of random violence.” said his mother Sherilyn Price.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of local New Orleans comedian, police say. Officials say U.S. Marshals from New Orleans and Houston arrested 20-year-old Jabril Cowart, accused of killing Montrell outside of a Rouses on Baronne Street.

Cowart was located in Houston and will be extradited to New Orleans to face the second-degree murder charge.

The Metropolitan Crime Commission found Homicides are up 142%, shootings are up 98%, carjackings are up 203% and armed robberies are up 27% in New Orleans since 2019.

MCC President Rafael Goyeneche said the number of police officers is the big reason crime is out of control. He said more people are being shot per incident.

"A total of 343 shooting incidents this year but there were 433 shooting victims this year," Goyeneche said. "Right now the staffing levels of the New Orleans Police Department are at a 70-year low, these numbers are reflective of the fact, that the police department is grossly understaffed."