BR Boxer killed last night

The latest victim of Baton Rouge gun violence had spent the past 15 years honing his skills as a professional boxer, training almost every day and traveling across the country to participate in fights.

Justin "JT" Thomas was a humble and devoted competitor, his colleagues said — and he had a bright future ahead of him.

His career was cut short when Thomas was shot and killed after leaving a bar on North Street not long after midnight Tuesday.

"When the bell rings, he went into monster mode. But outside of that he was just a big teddy bear," Morvant said. "Every time he left the gym, he would give everyone a hug on the way out. It took him 30 minutes to leave."

Every Sunday, Thomas would help serve lunch to Baton Rouge's homeless population. He loved spending time with his family.

"He had the biggest heart of anyone I've ever seen," said his manager and close friend, Derek Major. "He would walk into a room with a big smile on his face, and then treat everyone with the same love, no matter who you are."

The shooting that took Thomas' life occurred around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday. He was found suffering from gunshot wounds in a grassy vacant lot at the intersection of North Street and North 48th Street, less than a block from Bennie's Bar and Lounge. Baton Rouge police said Thomas was leaving the bar and walking to his vehicle when he was shot.

Does anyone know if this is the same guy who used to work at the St. Jude Baton Rouge Affiliate clinic? This guys looks like one of the nurse techs that my son grew close to when he was being treated. Great guy. Photos are very similar but that was 12 years ago...