Detectives with the New Orleans Police Department say a 15-year-old juvenile confessed to his role in the fatal shooting of a woman delivering groceries to her in-laws.
The incident happened last Sunday January 3, in the 7000 block of Morrison Road. Police say two juveniles stopped the woman as she was driving down Morrison Road in what police believe was an attempted carjacking.
One of the suspects fired a rifle at the woman, fatally wounding her and injuring a dog in the passenger seat.
“The juvenile suspect surrendered to NOPD, accompanied by his father. During questioning, the suspect confessed to his role in the incident. Police arrested and booked the juvenile into the Juvenile Justice Center on a charge of second-degree murder,” the NOPD said in press release on Friday.
NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell commended the juvenile’s parents for encouraging the boy to take responsibility for his actions.
“This arrest was the result of parents having the courage to take responsibility,” said NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. “I would like to recognize and commend these parents for doing the right thing, and I wish there were more like them.”
“Parental responsibility and personal accountability are essential elements to addressing crime, and particularly juvenile crime” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “The NOPD was able to make an arrest in one of these incidents after family members of a suspected juvenile came forward with information. You have heard me say time after time how important it is for people to do the right thing. This was the right thing to do, and I want to commend that family for doing it. Our path forward is one we must all walk together.”
The second suspect in the fatal shooting is still at large said police.
Anyone with additional information that can aid detectives in this investigation is asked to call NOPD Homicide Det. Jamaane Roy at 504-658-5300 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-933-STOP.
