In the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, on September 20, 2021, a young man's life was cut short. Torrin Girard, a 20-year-old African American male, was found deceased in the 4300 block of Tchoupitoulas Street. The New Orleans Police Department responded to a call just before 2 p.m. and discovered Girard at the scene, having suffered from fatal gunshot wounds.
The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office would later confirm that gunshots were the cause of his death.
The investigation into the death of Torrin Girard led authorities to identify more than one individual believed to be involved. An initial suspect, 32-year-old Jessie Hughes, was named in connection with the shooting. As the investigation progressed, the New Orleans Police Department identified a second person of interest.
On October 16, 2021, the efforts of the New Orleans Police Department resulted in an arrest. Ulysses J. Thomas Sr., who was 33 years old at the time, was taken into custody. Thomas was subsequently charged with principle to second-degree murder for his alleged role in the incident that led to Torrin Girard's death. The search for Jessie Hughes and any other potential individuals connected to the case continued as the investigation remained ongoing.
