6.17.2006

FIVE murders in New Orleans early on Saturday morning.

Police Investigating Murder of Five

New Orleans police are investigating the apparent shooting deaths of five teenagers in an early morning incident at the intersection of Danneel and Josephine streets in Central City. New Orleans Police Department Capt. John Bryson said at an 11 a.m. news conference Saturday that police had no suspects but believed, based on the gruesome and brazen nature of the crime, that the incident was sparked by drug dealing or was a retaliatory killing. Officers from the 2nd and 6th police districts responded about 4 a.m. Saturday to reports of shots fired.

They found a Ford Explorer that had hit a pole. Inside were two men, ages 17 and 18, and a 16-year-old boy, each with multiple gunshot wounds.


A fourth victim, age 19, was found lying on a sidewalk, also with multiple gunshot wounds. A fifth man, age 19, who also had been shot died later Saturday morning after being taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The last victim had been found lying in the street a short distance from the vehicle. The other four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.



The New Orleans Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll free at 1 (877) 903-7867. Callers may remain anonymous, and can receive up to $2,500 for tips that lead to an indictment.