Beloved Baltimore comedian Reginald “Reggie” Carroll was fatally shot on August 20, 2025, in Southaven, Mississippi. The 52-year-old performer died after police responded to a shooting in the Burton Lane area, where officers found him suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite emergency life-saving efforts by officers and medical personnel, Carroll succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee, according to the Southaven Police Department.
Police have arrested and charged 38-year-old Tranell Marquise Williams with murder in connection with Carroll’s death. Multiple sources indicate Williams previously worked as security for comedian Katt Williams, while Carroll was touring with Williams’ “Heaven on Earth Tour” at the time of the shooting. According to Memphis news station WREG, the incident occurred at a home on Burton Lane, though police have not yet disclosed a motive.
“Due to this being an active investigation, there is limited information to be released,” Southaven Police said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Carroll.”
Carroll had built a successful career in comedy, touring nationally and appearing in several television shows and specials. His credits included a 2000 appearance on “Showtime at the Apollo,” a guest role on the UPN sitcom “The Parkers,” and more recently, the 2023 stand-up special “Knockout Kings of Comedy,” which he both produced and performed in. He also acted in the 2022 TV movie “Rent & Go.”
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The comedy community has responded with grief and fond remembrances. Baltimore’s Mobtown Comedy posted a tribute on social media: “Rest in power @comedianreggiecarroll, thank you for being one of the OGs who supported us early on. The Mobtown family and the Baltimore comedy community are very saddened by this loss of one of our city’s great talents.”
Oscar-winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique, who toured with Carroll previously, shared memories on her Instagram Story. “This is why I always say treat people the best you can because you never know if you’ll get a chance to see them again,” she said, recalling their time touring together as “amazing.”
Fellow Baltimore comedian Ray Diva expressed his shock, saying, “The news about Reggie Carroll has really hit me hard. He was a brother to me before I started stand-up. I’ve known him for about 30 years.”
Another comedian, Jamar Taylor, remembered Carroll’s positive presence: “When you walk into a room and you saw Reggie smile, you would have thought he saw a million bucks.”
Carroll was known as the “Knockout King of Comedy” and remembered for his fearless performances and commitment to his craft. Friends described him as a fixture in Baltimore’s comedy scene who toured nationally with major performers.
The shooting was described by police as an “isolated incident”. The investigation continues as the comedy world mourns the loss of a performer known for bringing joy to audiences across the country.
A friend of Carroll’s, Kemp Earl Mitchell, told WREG that Carroll had moved to the Southaven area while on tour with Katt Williams. Mitchell expressed confusion about the shooting, saying their last conversation had been positive and gave no indication of any problems.
The Southaven Police Department has thanked the community for their patience as the investigation proceeds.
