Trumpeter Brian Murray is the victim of a homicide that took place Monday that involved an attempted kidnapping of Murray’s grandchild and a domestic violence dispute. The child’s father, Edmond Ramee Sr., surrendered to police Monday night after fleeing the scene with his one-year-old son. The child was released unharmed. Ramee Sr. is currently facing charges of second-degree murder. The suspect was released in 2020 on $250 bail after being arrested in another domestic violence incident.

Members of the New Orleans music and education communities took to social media immediately to mourn the 60-year-old musician’s death. Murray led  the Brian Murray Traditional Jazz Band and also performed with a group called The New Orleans Horns. Murray accompanied vocalist Deacon John Moore for more than 10 years.

“He was a music educator, played with St. Aug, I could write a book on him. Why such senseless violence?” asked  Moore.

A 1979 graduate of St. Augustine High, Murray was a music teacher within the Jefferson Parish school district. He also performed at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and spearheaded an organization that paired kids with instruments to encourage and foster music education. In addition to his work with Jefferson Parish schools, Murray was an assistant drum, theory, trumpet, and jazz band instructor with the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. He held a bachelors of arts from Xavier University and a masters in jazz from the University of New Orleans.

On Sunday, Murray posted video on Facebook of himself enjoying the Zulu Ball where he performed with the New Orleans Horns.

Ashlin Parker posted via Instagram, “[Brian Murray] was my friend and colleague. He was a loving grandfather, great trumpet player, beautiful teacher, and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I gave him his master’s degree at UNO 9 years ago with no hesitation because I knew how cital he was to this city. He was killed yesterday and I don’t know if we’ll ever recover. His family, his students, his bands, his friends…this one hurts really deep. I pray for us all!!! Rest in peace, Brian.”

Terence Blanchard wrote on Facebook, “Lost a friend and fellow trumpeter who was a good guy to gun violence. Protecting his child because that’s the kind of man he’s always been. Dedicated to his family and his passion for music. Let his existence be an example of how we should love. RIP Brian.”

OffBeat will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.