Baltimore comedian Reginald “Reggie” Carroll was fatally shot on August 20, 2025, in Southaven, Mississippi, according to multiple law enforcement sources. The 52-year-old entertainer, known as the “Knockout King of Comedy,” died from gunshot wounds despite lifesaving efforts by officers and medical personnel.
Officers from the Southaven Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Burton Lane on Wednesday evening. Carroll was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported to Regional One Health hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities arrested 38-year-old Tranell Marquise Williams in connection with Carroll’s death. Williams was booked on murder charges by the Southaven Police Department on Thursday, August 21. Police booking records show Williams in a yellow jumpsuit with visible chest and teardrop tattoos.
The shooting occurred at a building that housed Onyxx Owll LLC, a clothing line described as being designed for urban street celebrities and famous creatives. The company was listed as the official merchandise site for comedian Katt Williams. Following the incident, Southaven police posted a 14-day notice requesting occupants vacate the Burton Lane property due to criminal activity.
Multiple sources indicate that both Carroll and the suspect had been working on Katt Williams’ ongoing Heaven on Earth comedy tour. Williams reportedly served as a security guard for the tour, while Carroll was a featured performer. The Burton Lane address was also listed as Williams’ last known residence.
Carroll’s brother, Kempe Earle, and friend Gerald Kelly expressed disbelief over the killing. Earle indicated that Carroll was in Mississippi because he was working with Katt Williams. Kelly stated he remained frustrated and was seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his friend’s death.
The Maryland native had built a significant following performing at comedy clubs across the United States. His television credits included appearances on the long-running syndicated variety show “Showtime at the Apollo” and an episode of “The Parkers,” which starred Mo’Nique. Carroll also produced and appeared in the 2023 standup special “Knockout Kings of Comedy” and starred in the 2022 television movie “Rent & Go.”
Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique, who had toured with Carroll, paid tribute to him on social media. She described having “an amazing time being on tour together” with Carroll and indicated she had no sad tears because all their times together were positive experiences. Mo’Nique referred to Carroll as her “brother in comedy.”
Club Mobtown Comedy in Baltimore posted a tribute on Instagram following news of his death. The comedy collective expressed sadness over losing one of the city’s great talents and thanked Carroll for being an original supporter who helped them during their early days. The club indicated the Baltimore comedy community was deeply affected by the loss.
Social media posts from Carroll’s accounts showed him traveling earlier in 2025 as part of Katt Williams’ spring tour. The Heaven on Earth tour had been ongoing when the shooting occurred. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Katt Williams was not present at the time of the incident and clarified that despite sharing the same surname, Tranell Williams and Katt Williams are not related.
The Southaven Police Department described the shooting as an isolated incident but provided limited details due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities indicated their thoughts were with Carroll’s family during this time. The investigation continues as officials work to determine the specific circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
Carroll’s death represents a significant loss to the comedy community, particularly in Baltimore where he had deep roots. His career spanned multiple decades, during which he established himself as a prominent figure in standup comedy and earned recognition for his performances alongside major entertainment figures.
