A Life Cut Short: The Unsolved Murder of Keenon Williams and the Lingering Shadows of New Orleans' Violence

A Tragic Evening in the Seventh Ward

On the evening of May 31, 2017, the tranquility of New Orleans' Seventh Ward was shattered by the sound of gunfire. In the 3000 block of Pauger Street, police officers responding to reports of a shooting discovered two young men inside a vehicle, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Seventeen-year-old Keenon Williams was pronounced dead at the scene, while twenty-year-old Kelvin Jones Jr. succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a hospital.

Remembering Keenon Williams

Keenon T.M. Williams, affectionately known as "La'bill," was a vibrant teenager with his whole life ahead of him. He attended Travis Hill High School and was deeply loved by his family, including his mother Tremaine Williams, siblings Brian Brown, Keyana, Kourtney, and Robert Williams, and his extended family. His obituary paints a picture of a young man whose life was filled with promise and whose sudden death left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.

The Investigation and a Named Suspect

In the aftermath of the shooting, the New Orleans Police Department identified nineteen-year-old Javonte Thomas as a suspect in the case. An arrest warrant was issued for Thomas on charges of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Williams and Jones. Despite this development, Thomas remained at large, and authorities urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

Community Mourning and Calls for Justice

The senseless loss of two young lives sent ripples through the community. Friends, family, and neighbors gathered to mourn and remember Williams and Jones, lighting candles and sharing memories of the young men. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Keyana Williams to assist with funeral expenses, reflecting the community's desire to support the grieving family during this difficult time. ...Read More

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