In the early morning hours of July 26, 2021, a devastating act of violence cut short the lives of a young Baton Rouge couple visiting New Orleans. Kelvin Oliver, a 25-year-old male, and his 23-year-old girlfriend, Nadia Payne, were traveling in a car along Bayou Road, near the intersection with North Broad Street. It was approximately 1:24 a.m. when another vehicle pulled alongside theirs and unleashed a hail of gunfire in a targeted drive-by shooting before speeding away into the night.
Both Oliver and Payne were struck by the gunfire. Emergency services rushed the critically injured couple to a nearby hospital. Payne succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, while Oliver fought for his life before he too passed away. The sudden and violent deaths of the young couple, who were parents to a one-year-old daughter, sent shockwaves through their families and community. They had been in New Orleans visiting Oliver's mother and were excitedly preparing for an upcoming vacation to Cancun, Mexico, where Oliver had planned to propose to Payne.
The New Orleans Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the double murder. Despite their efforts, authorities have yet to publicly identify any suspects or make any arrests in connection with the shooting. The case remains an active and ongoing investigation. To encourage potential witnesses to come forward, a reward of up to $5,000 has been offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for this tragic loss of life. The motive behind the shooting has not been released by investigators.
Friends and family remember Kelvin Oliver as a hardworking and devoted father who juggled two jobs to provide for his family. After earning his certification as a nursing assistant from Baton Rouge Community College, he worked at both a nursing home and a Walgreens pharmacy. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young man and his partner, hopeful that justice will one day be served.
