Ex-USC Running Back Joe McKnight, 28, Fatally Shot in Louisiana



Joe McKnight, No. 4 of the USC Trojans, rushes the ball during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 13, 2008 in Los Angeles. (Credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

Joe McKnight, No. 4 of the USC Trojans, rushes the ball during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 13, 2008 in Los Angeles. (Credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

Joe McKnight, a former standout running back at USC went on to the play in the National Football League, was fatally shot in Louisiana on Thursday, the university’s athletic department tweeted.

McKnight, 28, was shot to death after an argument in an intersection in Terrytown around 3 p.m., according to the Times-Picayune in New Orleans.

A female witness told the newspaper that she observed two men in the intersection; one was yelling at the other man, who was apparently trying say he was sorry for something.

According to the woman, the man who was yelling then opened fire, telling the man as he stood over him, “I told you don’t you f— with me.”

He then fired another shot, she told the Times-Picayune.

The suspected shooter, identified as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser, stayed at the scene, according to the newspaper, citing Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand. He turned his gun over to authorities and was taken into custody for questioning.

McKnight was initially identified as the victim of the shooting by family members at the scene.

“He didn’t deserve it,” McKnight’s cousin, Roxanne Lundy, told the Times-Picayune. “He was a good guy, it was 100 percent unnecessary.”

The University of Southern California’s tweet about McKnight’s death was quickly followed by reaction from those who played with or against him in high school, college, or professionally.

“Stunned and heartbroken to hear of the murder of my former teammate Joe McKnight,” former USC quarterback Matt Barkley tweeted. “My heart goes out to his loved ones, you will be missed!

Originally from River Ridge, Louisiana, McKnight was a decorated and heavily recruited running back back coming out of high school who drew comparisons to USC star Reggie Bush.

Check back for updates on this developing story. 

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