Tragedy Strikes in Baton Rouge: 21-Year-Old Amazon Worker and Aspiring Rapper “BGNATIVE” Shot Dead During Night Shift Dispute
Baton Rouge, LA — A tragic workplace shooting on Monday night has claimed the life of a young Amazon employee and rising local music artist, sending shockwaves through both his workplace and the Baton Rouge community. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Daylon Anthony, who performed under the name “BGNATIVE,” was fatally shot outside the Amazon Fulfillment Center on Cortana Place just after 11:00 p.m.
According to Baton Rouge police, the shooting occurred during a scheduled break in the night shift. What began as a verbal dispute between two Amazon workers reportedly escalated quickly, culminating in gunfire that left Anthony mortally wounded. Emergency services were called to the scene around 11:15 p.m., and employees described being told to run for their lives as shots rang out in the parking lot.
“I just heard popping sounds and people started screaming, ‘Gun! Gun!’” said one shaken employee who asked to remain anonymous. “They told us to get inside and stay down. It was terrifying.”
The facility was immediately placed on lockdown, and police secured the premises until around 2:30 a.m. While the name of the suspected shooter has not been released pending further investigation, authorities confirmed that the shooter fled the scene and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the individual responsible.
The shooting has devastated Anthony’s family, coworkers, and fans. Known by his stage name “BGNATIVE,” Anthony had built a growing following in the local Baton Rouge hip-hop scene. Friends say he balanced his dreams of making it in the music industry with his job at Amazon, working the night shift to support his family and fund his artistic pursuits.
“He had talent, drive, and heart,” said one friend. “This wasn’t just some random worker. This was someone who wanted to rise up and bring others with him. It’s heartbreaking.”
Amazon released a brief statement expressing condolences to Anthony’s family and confirming they are cooperating with local law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence that took place at our Baton Rouge facility. Our thoughts are with our team member’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said.
Detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department are continuing to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses. Preliminary findings indicate that the altercation may have stemmed from a personal issue unrelated to work duties but escalated into a fatal confrontation.
Daylon Anthony’s death adds to a troubling pattern of workplace-related violence in the U.S., sparking fresh concerns about employee safety in large distribution centers.
As the investigation continues, family members have begun planning a memorial service to celebrate the life of a young man whose potential was cut tragically short. Vigils are being organized by local artists and supporters, with tributes flooding social media under the hashtag #JusticeForBGNATIVE.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department at (225) 389-4869 or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers.