The band has been mentioned in the
U.S. media because three of its members, all of whom were between the ages of 17 and 25, over the years have died due to
handgun violence. In 1996, 17-year-old
trumpet player Jacob Johnson was found shot execution-style in his home. :According to
New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) accounts, officers were stopping 22-year-old trombonist Joe Williams for driving an allegedly stolen vehicle when Williams slammed the white Ford F-150 into reverse, accelerating into an NOPD squad car and officer. His actions, says Deputy Superintendent Marlin Defillo, caused officers to fear for their lives and thus open fire, killing Williams. The same source reported that several
eyewitnesses say that police shot Williams while he was unarmed and his hands were in the air. :Dinerral Shavers, 25, died from a gunshot to the back of his head at about 5:30 p.m. while behind the wheel of his black
Chevrolet Malibu in the 2200 block of Dumaine Street… His family was not injured… Although critically wounded, Shavers continued driving four blocks up Dumaine before stopping. By 6 p.m., Shavers lay motionless on his back in the middle of the street just outside the open driver's side door… Shavers was taken to a hospital but died within an hour. Police said the bullet was intended for Shavers's fifteen-year-old stepson. The Hot 8 Brass Band played at Shavers' funeral. == References ==