In the early evening hours of February 26, 2022, a burst of gunfire shattered the calm in the 2900 block of Conti Street in New Orleans, leaving a scene of tragedy that would claim three lives. Among the victims was Donald Roberts Jr., a 39-year-old man from the city. The violent encounter also resulted in the deaths of 15-year-old Heaven Nettles and 56-year-old Marvin Pepp.
New Orleans Police Department officers responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 6:52 p.m.
Upon their arrival in the Mid-City neighborhood, near the Lafitte Greenway, they discovered a grim scene. Two men, later identified as Roberts and Pepp, were found with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the location. A third victim, a female who was later identified as Heaven Nettles, was also found suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment, but she later succumbed to her injuries.
The preliminary investigation suggested that the three victims were together when the shooting occurred. According to initial reports from the scene, an unknown gunman approached the group and opened fire before fleeing. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released by investigators.
In the days and weeks that followed the triple homicide, the New Orleans Police Department continued its investigation into the deaths of Donald Roberts Jr., Heaven Nettles, and Marvin Pepp. However, despite public appeals for information, there have been no subsequent announcements regarding any arrests made in connection with the case. No suspects have been publicly identified, and the case is believed to remain an open and ongoing investigation. The community was left to mourn the loss of three of its members as authorities continued their search for those responsible for this act of violence.
