In the warm New Orleans night of June 24, 2016, the life of a promising young man, Tollette 'Tonka' George, was tragically cut short. At the age of 23, the African American former football standout was found lying motionless in the street, the victim of a fatal shooting in the Algiers neighborhood. The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. near the intersection of Lauradale Drive and Vespasian Street, where responding officers discovered George with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
George was a native of New Orleans and a celebrated athlete. A graduate of Edna Karr Senior High School, he had gone on to play football at Alcorn State University, where he had a successful career and graduated with a degree in Recreation and Physical Education in May 2016, just a month before his death. His talent on the field was notable, having been a member of the Braves football team for five years and leading the team in receiving in 2013. Friends and family remembered him as a beloved son, brother, and companion who was known for his infectious laughter and smile.
Despite the passage of time, the investigation into Tollette George's murder has yet to yield any arrests or publicly identified suspects. The New Orleans Police Department has continued to investigate the homicide, but a lack of leads has left the case cold. His family and friends are left to mourn his untimely death, grappling with the unanswered questions surrounding the senseless act of violence that took a vibrant young life. The community continues to hope that someone with information will come forward to bring a measure of justice and closure to his loved ones.
