BATON ROUGE, La. — Baton Rouge police have announced a fifth arrest in connection with a deadly barber shop shooting that claimed the life of 29-year-old Marvin Tolliver last fall, marking another major development in a case that has shaken the local community.
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Gianni Rankins, 28, was taken into custody on Wednesday, January 14, by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Rankins was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with Tolliver’s death.
The fatal shooting occurred on October 15, 2025, at approximately 5:49 p.m., inside a barber shop located at 9716 Platt Drive. Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered Tolliver suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say preliminary findings indicate that a physical altercation broke out inside the barber shop before shots were fired, escalating into deadly violence in what authorities described as a normally routine business environment.
Rankins is the fifth individual arrested in the case. Police previously arrested Reginald Grimes Jr., Sylvester Bouligny III, Travis Kenny Jr., and Gregory Lamar Stewart Jr., each facing charges ranging from principal to second-degree murder and second-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the shooting.
Law enforcement officials have not released additional details regarding each suspect’s specific role, but emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and further charges are possible.
The killing of Marvin Tolliver has sparked renewed concern over gun violence in Baton Rouge, particularly incidents occurring in everyday community spaces. Family members and residents have continued to call for accountability and justice as the legal process unfolds.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.
As the case moves forward, police say they remain committed to fully resolving the investigation and ensuring all those responsible are held accountable under the law.
