BonnieMarquettePhotography / Depositphotos.com
New Orleans endured a weekend of intense gun violence, with eight shootings in less than 12 hours, leaving three adults and a 3-year-old child dead, and nine others injured. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says group fights on Canal and Bourbon Streets led to three shootings on Saturday night and into early Sunday, wounding six people…
“We can tell you that we know that some of the gunfire exchanges that occurred were with people who are not from here. These are not our locals coming out and settling their beefs.”
One of the victims included a 15-year-old shot on Bourbon Street, and another wounded on Canal Street. NOPD Captain Lejon Roberts says the two shootings could be related.
“One of the individuals that arrived with the 15-year-old at the Marriot hotel, who was shot in the 200 block of Bourbon Street, he was seen on video. We believe that he was part of the fight that occurred at the 1000 block on Canal Street.”
Earlier, an incident in Central City claimed the life of 3-year-old Ashanti Ratliff, who died from a gunshot wound at a Willow Street home. NOPD Sgt. Ron Howard says the gun belongs to the woman renting the house in the 2200 block of Willow Street. He says she tampered with evidence and fled the home after the shooting.
“We are pleading on behalf of the mother, who at some point has to drive back to Texas with one less child, for Ms. Tatisha Refuge to turn herself in to police at any police station.”
The weekend coincided with major events like the Bayou Classic and holiday shopping, further amplifying community concerns. Authorities have not identified suspects and are urging the public to provide information through NOPD or Crimestoppers.
Comments