Jonshel Alexander, a 22-year-old African American woman, was fatally shot on the evening of November 27, 2021, in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. At the time of the incident, she was sitting in a vehicle with a male companion in the city's 7th Ward. The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. in the 1500 block of North Claiborne Avenue. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene, while the male passenger was able to drive himself to a local hospital for treatment.
The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office later confirmed that her death was a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound.
Known for her role as Joy Strong in the acclaimed 2012 film 'Beasts of the Southern Wild,' Alexander was a mother to a young daughter. Her death was a shock to her family and the community, who remembered her as a vibrant and spirited individual. The director of 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' expressed his devastation, noting that the part she played in the film was largely inspired by her unique and unforgettable personality.
In the wake of the shooting, the New Orleans Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Investigators released surveillance footage that captured a person of interest, described as a male wearing a blue ski mask. They also located a maroon pickup truck that was believed to have been used by the perpetrator. Despite these early leads in the investigation, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Jonshel Alexander. The identity of the suspect remains unknown, and the case continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.
