Updated Friday, December 2nd: Ronald Gasser was released from police custody overnight without any criminal charges after being held for questioning in Joe McKnight's murder, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The case into McKnight's homicide remains active and is considered as a "possible road rage incident" by the department.

Former NFL player Joe McKnight was shot and killed in New Orleans Thursday afternoon. A witness told NOLA.com that upon exiting a store she saw two men arguing at the intersection. The shooter was yelling at McKnight while he was trying to apologize. The shooter then shot McKnight several times before standing over top of him and saying "I told you don't you f*ck with me." He then shot McKnight again. The shooter has been identified as Ronald Gasser, 54-year-old white man. At the time of the shooting, McKnight was not armed and there wasn't a gun found in his vehicle.

McKnight was a standout running back who played for USC and then went on to play in the NFL for the NY Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets released a statement describing how great of a guy McKnight was on and off of the field. "Joe McKnight was a loving father and a genuine, kind-hearted person.It is sad when life is taken in what appears to be such a senseless act of violence. Joe, you will be missed."

McKnight was released by the Chiefs in 2014 and went on to play in the Canadian Football League. His stepfather told reporters that he was about to sign with the Minnesota Vikings before being killed.

As the story continues to develop Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand confirmed that Gasser turned in his gun at the scene but has not been formally arrested at this time. Mcknight was just 28 years old.


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