A New Orleans man will spend the next two decades in prison after admitting his involvement in a deadly shooting that happened in the Treme neighborhood in 2023. Although he was not the person who fired the fatal shots, prosecutors said his actions played a key role in the events that led to the killing. The plea agreement allowed him to avoid a possible life sentence while still holding him accountable for his role in the crime.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Role in Fatal Shooting
Wilson Allen, 35, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection with the March 28, 2023 shooting that killed Carneal Knapper Jr.
The shooting happened outside the former Willie Mae’s Scotch House location in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. Prosecutors said Allen was not the gunman who fired the deadly shots, but his involvement helped lead to the confrontation that ended in violence.
Under the plea deal, Allen avoided facing a possible mandatory life sentence that could have been imposed if he had been convicted of second-degree murder at trial.
Charges Reduced Through Plea Agreement
Allen pleaded guilty to several charges as part of the agreement with prosecutors.
The charges included:
- Manslaughter
- Obstruction of justice
- Armed robbery with a firearm
- Two counts of illegal possession of stolen things
Court records show the judge ordered consecutive 20-year prison terms for the felony charges. In addition, Allen received a separate six-month sentence for a misdemeanor possession charge.
Prosecutors said the sentence reflects Allen’s role in the crime as a participant rather than the person who actually carried out the shooting.
How the Confrontation Began
Investigators said the deadly chain of events began with a dispute over a bag.
According to authorities, 30-year-old Carneal Knapper Jr. placed a bag on top of a trash can in the 2400 block of St. Ann Street. When he returned later, the bag was missing.
Surveillance video reportedly shows Allen removing the bag and putting it into a nearby vehicle.
When Knapper came back looking for the bag and confronted the people involved, the situation quickly escalated. Prosecutors say the conflict eventually moved to the 800 block of North Tonti Street, where the shooting occurred.
Co-Defendant Convicted of Second-Degree Murder
Allen’s plea deal came after the conviction of another man connected to the case.
Larry Davis, Allen’s co-defendant, was found guilty last year of second-degree murder and related charges in the killing. Because of that conviction, Davis now faces a mandatory life sentence in prison.
Authorities said Davis was arrested after a two-hour SWAT standoff in May 2023 before being taken into custody.
Victim’s Family Speaks in Court
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors read a written statement from Carneal Knapper Sr., the victim’s father.
In the statement, he described the deep pain caused by his son’s death and said the loss had “left a huge void” in the family’s life.
Victim-impact statements like this are often considered by the court during sentencing and plea negotiations. Prosecutors said the family’s statements were among the factors reviewed when determining the final agreement.
Case Handled in Orleans Parish Criminal Court
The case was handled in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, where Judge Marcus O. DeLarge oversaw the proceedings in Section K.
Court records show the plea agreement and sentencing were finalized during a recent hearing, officially bringing Allen’s case to a close.
However, the case continues to serve as a reminder of how quickly small disputes can escalate into deadly violence.
