The story of Joe McKnight’s shocking death has taken its first strange turn.
McKnight, a former NFL running back, was shot and killed Thursday afternoon in Louisiana by a man named Ronald Gasser in an apparent road rage incident. Police took Gasser into custody, but according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, he was released later that evening — with no formal charges brought against him.
A female witness said she saw Gasser confront McKnight at an intersection in Terrytown, La. McKnight was trying to apologize, according to the witness, but Gasser shot him and reportedly said, “I told you, don’t you f— with me,” before shooting him again.
The investigation is ongoing and no additional information was released, but Louisiana does have a “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows a person to use deadly force if he or she feels his or her life is in danger.
Still, it’d be hard for Gasser to argue self-defense, as police said McKnight did not have a gun and did not find a weapon outside his vehicle. Gasser remained at the scene after the killing and handed his weapon over to police.
McKnight was 28 years old.
Joe McKnight shot and killed at age 28 >>
Thumbnail photo via Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports Images
