Judge Found Shooting Suspect Incompetent for Trial
A New Orleans judge ruled that Makahi Kelly is currently unfit to face trial for a deadly shooting in the Treme neighborhood.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Violence
Following a mental competency hearing held on October 1, a judge determined that 18-year-old Makahi Kelly is incompetent to stand trial. Kelly had been charged with second-degree murder and other counts related to a shooting that occurred at Dooky Chase's Restaurant.
Why it matters
The ruling delays the legal proceedings against Kelly, who is accused of involvement in a January 16 incident that left 19-year-old Kareem Harris dead and three tourists injured. As a result of the finding, the court has ordered Kelly into the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System for treatment.
The court found 18-year-old Makahi Kelly incompetent following an October 1 competency hearing. Kelly faces charges of second-degree murder, three counts of aggravated second-degree battery, and obstruction of justice.
The players
Makahi Kelly
He is an 18-year-old defendant charged with second-degree murder and other counts in connection to a fatal shooting.
Anthony Johnson Jr.
He is a co-defendant in the case who faces charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.
Kareem Harris
He was the 19-year-old victim who died during the shooting incident at the restaurant.
The details
The shooting took place on January 16 at Dooky Chase's Restaurant in the Treme neighborhood. While Kelly has been ordered into the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, his co-defendant, Anthony Johnson Jr., continues to face charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.
Timeline
The shooting occurred at Dooky Chase's Restaurant on January 16, 2026.
A judge held a mental competency hearing for Makahi Kelly on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
The ruling follows the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 641 competency standards, which dictate that a defendant must have the capacity to understand the proceedings and assist in their defense. This process is a routine legal safeguard in the criminal justice system to ensure that defendants can meaningfully participate in their trials.
The court's decision ensures that the legal process proceeds according to state law, temporarily pausing the prosecution of the defendant. Residents and local businesses in the Treme area remain affected by the ongoing judicial proceedings concerning the high-profile incident at the restaurant.
The takeaway
The court's decision underscores the mandatory protocols required to evaluate a defendant's mental state before criminal proceedings can continue. This ensures that legal standards of due process are upheld for all individuals involved in the justice system.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the Violence section.
