99 year old man murdered in his home In the diverse and lively city of New Orleans, Leon Brier, a 99-year-old African American man, was a beloved figure known for his zest for life. A World War II veteran, he had spent his years working as a laundry presser and hauling bananas on the river. Even in his advanced years, he was remarkably independent, still cooking his own meals and ironing his clothes. His neighbors often saw him dancing on his front porch, a testament to his enduring spirit.
He was a man who, according to his family, had a contagious joy that endeared him to everyone he met.
The morning of February 23, 2012, just six days after he had celebrated his 99th birthday, began like any other for his friend, August Lewis. As was his custom, Lewis stopped by Brier's home on Gentilly Boulevard around 8:30 a.m. to check on him. He found the front door unlocked and a quiet stillness within the house. Inside, he discovered Brier sitting unresponsive in his recliner. Paramedics were called, but it was too late; Leon Brier was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initially, due to his age, it was presumed that Brier had passed away from natural causes in his sleep. However, at his family's request, an autopsy was performed. The results delivered a shocking and tragic truth: Leon Brier had been strangled and suffocated. His death was not a peaceful passing but a violent homicide.
The New Orleans Police Department launched an investigation into the murder. In the course of their inquiries, they identified a 33-year-old woman as a person of interest and released her information to the public, hoping she might have information about Brier's death. However, just a week later, authorities announced that she was no longer considered a person of interest in the case. To this day, investigators are still searching for a motive and any potential suspects. No arrests have ever been made in the murder of Leon Brier, and his case remains an open and unsolved tragedy.
