No Bond for Suspects in Deadly Shooting Near Dooky Chase Restaurant

Makahi Kelly and Anthony Johnson accused of murder and shooting tourists

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:47pm

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A judge has denied bond for 19-year-old Makahi Kelly and 22-year-old Anthony Johnson, who are accused of murdering 19-year-old Kareem Harris and shooting three tourists at the iconic Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans on January 16. Prosecutors argued the suspects pose a serious threat to public safety and are at risk of fleeing if released on bail.

Why it matters

The shooting at the renowned Dooky Chase restaurant, a landmark in the city's African American community, has shaken the neighborhood and raised concerns about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in New Orleans.

The details

Authorities say Kelly, the alleged gunman, was on juvenile parole when the incident occurred. He had been sentenced to three years in prison in 2023 for a 2021 robbery but was released that same year for good behavior, despite being required to wear an ankle monitor until a judge allowed him to remove it. The decision to remove his ankle monitor has been criticized by community advocates who believe it could have prevented the deadly shooting.

  • The shooting occurred on January 16, 2026.
  • Kelly was sentenced to three years in prison in 2023 for a 2021 robbery.
  • Kelly was released in 2023 for good behavior, despite being required to wear an ankle monitor.

The players

Makahi Kelly

A 19-year-old accused of murdering Kareem Harris and shooting three tourists at Dooky Chase restaurant. Kelly was on juvenile parole at the time of the incident.

Anthony Johnson

A 22-year-old accused of being the getaway driver in the shooting at Dooky Chase restaurant.

Kareem Harris

A 19-year-old who was murdered in the shooting at Dooky Chase restaurant.

Rafael Goyeneche

The president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, who commented on the case and the decision to deny bond for the suspects.

Mike Willis

A community advocate who commented on the case and the criminal justice system in New Orleans.

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What they’re saying

“They could be facing life behind bars. So if they could make bail, they would be, I think, a very real risk of flight, making the police and authorities have to go out and look for them.”

— Rafael Goyeneche, President, Metropolitan Crime Commission (wgno.com)

“If he had been wearing an electronic monitor, there would have been an incentive for him not to be involved in this homicide, because that monitor would be able to track his whereabouts and put him at the scene of the crime.”

— Rafael Goyeneche, President, Metropolitan Crime Commission (wgno.com)

“We have a lot of broken systems that we have to really figure out what message we've really given to the community, because now the juveniles, they're committing crimes at, again, at a rapid pace, and they realize they get a slap on the wrist.”

— Mike Willis, Community Advocate (wgno.com)

What’s next

Kelly is expected to have a competency hearing soon, although a date has not been set.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system in New Orleans, where repeat offenders and lenient sentencing have contributed to a rise in violent crime. The shooting at the iconic Dooky Chase restaurant has shaken the community and raised questions about the need for stricter accountability and better monitoring of high-risk individuals.