A Life Interrupted: The Unsolved Murder of Robert Atkins in New Orleans

A Promising Young Life Cut Short

Robert Michael Atkins was a 21-year-old with a bright future ahead of him. Born and raised in New Orleans, he was deeply involved in his community and church. From the age of five, Robert served as an acolyte at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, where he was remembered as a “perfect little boy” by his mother, Althea Atkins-McCall. Despite the early loss of his father, who was killed when Robert was just a baby, he grew into a gifted student with a passion for art and football. At the time of his death, Robert was working an overnight security job and was known for his dedication and reliability .

The Tragic Events of October 20, 2016

On the morning of October 20, 2016, Robert's routine took a tragic turn. He failed to make his usual morning call to his mother, prompting concern. Later that day, his girlfriend delivered the devastating news: Robert had been shot and pushed out of a moving vehicle. Around 11:30 a.m., authorities responded to a call in the Lower 9th Ward and found Robert lying unresponsive in the middle of Florida Street, between Lamanche and Charbonnet streets. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene .

A Community in Mourning

Robert's death sent shockwaves through his community. St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, where he had been a lifelong member, sought to honor his memory. Although his murder was too recent to be included on the church's permanent memorial list, his mother donated a bench in his name, installed next to the sidewalk in front of the church memorial. This bench serves as a place for contemplation and remembrance, ensuring that Robert's legacy endures .

The Ongoing Quest for Justice

Despite the passage of time, Robert's murder remains unsolved. His case is among the numerous cold cases in New Orleans, a city grappling with a high rate of unsolved homicides. Data from the New Orleans Police Department revealed that in 2017, only 36.9 percent of homicides were solved, with the number dropping to 31.7 percent in 2018 . The lack of resolution in Robert's case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and the enduring pain experienced by victims' families....Read More

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