NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – New details have emerged in the murder investigation of a tourist who was shot and killed in New Orleans during the start of Carnival Season. According to the New Orleans Police, a 16-year-old has been arrested in connection to the murder, although on unrelated charges in Jefferson Parish. The investigation remains ongoing with detectives following up on other leads.
The victim, 32-year-old Jacob Carter, was fatally shot at the intersection of Bourbon and Kerlerec while in town on vacation from Tacoma, Washington with his husband. The local community has been shaken by the tragedy, prompting discussions about safety and vigilance among residents and tourists alike. After the shooting, neighbors reported seeing a blue car being pulled out of Bayou St. John, which they believe to be connected to the crime, indicating a potential lead in the case.
Surveillance footage turned over to the New Orleans Police Department reportedly showed the shooter fleeing the scene and getting into a blue car. Witnesses also described the harrowing moments after the shooting, with one neighbor recounting hearing gunshots followed by screams and efforts to administer CPR to the victim. Tourists visiting during Carnival Season expressed shock and concern about the incident, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on the local community.
Carter co-owned a shop called Howdy Bagel with his husband in Washington State, which has temporarily closed following his death. The local community has rallied in support, raising over $200,000 in donations for Carter’s family. There have also been discussions about the conditions of the area where the shooting took place, with residents highlighting issues such as malfunctioning street lights and the need for improved safety measures.
As the investigation continues, the New Orleans Police are actively pursuing leads and working to ensure the safety of the community. The impact of this tragic event has not only affected the family and friends of the victim but has also prompted important conversations about public safety and the well-being of residents and visitors in New Orleans during Carnival Season.