Metairie handyman Lawrence Herr was killed while working outside a Kenner, Louisiana house on April 10th when he was gunned down, killed after being shot in the back. Police believe that Tahj Matthews, 23-years-old, and Maurice Holmes, 25, were the ones who committed the murder. Both have been arrested and booked with first-degree murder in connection with Herr’s slaying.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said, on May 9th, that there is no known connection between Kerr and the two suspects. In his words: “We have not found any relation between the victim and the suspects. In fact, the victim’s back was to the suspects when the shots were fired.” However, there might have been a racial impulse for the slaying. WVUE reported (emphasis ours):
Police said one of the two suspects has admitted to his role in the crime, explaining they just wanted to go out and “kill a white guy.”
It was not indicated in the WVUE which of the suspects made that claim about the impulse for the shooting. However, WWLTV had a similar report on it and claimed that Matthews made the admission, saying (emphasis ours):
At Tuesday’s hearing, the lead detective on the case was asked why the pair targeted Herr. The detective said that under questioning, Matthews said they “wanted to kill a white person.”
A GoFundMe was launched to pay for Herr’s funeral expenses. It says:
Lawrence “Peanut” Herr was shot on Monday, April 10, 2023, while working as a maintenance man installing a mailbox in Kenner. He was found by his friend, the lawn man laying in the middle of the driveway. At first, the lawn man thought he might have had a heart attack only to discover that he had been shot. Lawrence died shortly after.
Lawrence was well-liked around the community. He enjoyed maintenance work and helping others. He didn’t have much but would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Lawrence loved animals and often took in many strays in the neighborhood. He was a happy, go-lucky Christian man. Lawrence also lived with and helped care for his almost 90-year-old mother.
His family and friends are all shocked by this senseless murder. Please consider helping my grandmother by donating to my Uncle Larry’s funeral fund.
Thank you
Mr. Herr’s obituary stated: “Lawrence “Peanut” D. Herr, 66, passed away April 10, 2023, from injuries sustained in a drive-by shooting in Kenner, LA. Lawrence was born on November 22, 1956, to Merliene and Duane Herr. He grew up in Metairie and attended East Jefferson High School. Lawrence demonstrated his talents through a variety of jobs over his lifetime, and he was working in maintenance at the time of his death. He will be fondly remembered for his love for animals, peanut butter, and belting out a tune. He will be missed for his generous heart and willingness to help anyone who needed it. Lawrence is survived by parents Merliene Herr and Duane Herr (Paula), sisters Laurie Forster (Harry) and Dana Herr, niece Kellie Edwards (Kenny), grand nephew Kenneth Edwards, Jr., grand niece Kaitlyn Edwards, and longtime friend Jean Foster.”
Featured images Credit: Herr image from GoFundMe, mugshots from Kenner Police Department
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