In the autumn of 2017, the life of a promising young man, Peter Leon Oatis Jr., was tragically cut short in New Orleans, Louisiana. A 22-year-old African American male, Oatis was a senior at Southern University at New Orleans, where he was majoring in Education with aspirations of becoming a teacher. His passion for music was evident through his participation as a bass drum player in both his high school and college bands.
He was also a member of the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. at the university.
On the afternoon of November 2, 2017, the New Orleans Police Department responded to a call and discovered Oatis's body. He was found with a gunshot wound under the Seabrook Bridge in the 5400 block of Lakeshore Drive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The last time he was seen by his family was the previous day when he left his aunt's home, telling her he was going to get dinner and then head to his own house. When his aunt was unable to reach him the next day and he did not show up for his job at a valet parking company, concern grew.
The investigation into the death of Peter Oatis Jr. was launched, with authorities treating it as a homicide. Despite their efforts, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with his murder. His case remains unsolved, leaving his family and friends without answers and a community still hoping for justice. Organizations such as Crimestoppers have offered rewards for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for his death. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that might help them solve this tragic case.
