A celebratory day at a high school graduation tragically turned into a scene of violence, resulting in the death of 80-year-old Augustine Greenwood in New Orleans. The incident occurred on May 31, 2022, in the parking lot of the Xavier University Convocation Center, moments after the commencement ceremony for Morris Jeff Community School had concluded. Greenwood, a mother of six and grandmother of fifteen, was present to witness her youngest grandson receive his high school diploma.
She was struck by a stray bullet as she was leaving the event.
The gunfire erupted following a fight that broke out in the parking lot. In the ensuing chaos, three people were shot. Augustine Greenwood was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The two other victims sustained non-fatal injuries. The New Orleans Police Department responded to the scene and detained multiple individuals for questioning in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
In the course of the investigation, four individuals were identified as suspects. Brandon Rock, 18 at the time, was arrested and charged with manslaughter and carrying a weapon on school property. Another suspect, 40-year-old Laverne Duplessis, was also arrested and faced charges of manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and carrying a gun in a gun-free zone. Warrants were also issued for Frank Bartholomew, 49, for obstruction of justice, and a 15-year-old for carrying a gun in a gun-free zone.
Later developments in the case saw the charges against Laverne Duplessis dropped. The Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office announced that new evidence and witness testimony indicated she had acted in self-defense. As of the latest available information, Brandon Rock's prosecution for manslaughter is ongoing.
