On Christmas Day in 2020, a trip to a Walgreens in New Orleans East turned tragic for 14-year-old Jamere Alfred and his family. The young man, a bright student known for his involvement in both football and the school band, was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting as he and his cousins were at the store on Bullard Avenue. He was transported to a hospital but did not survive his injuries.
Jamere was remembered by his family and friends as a caring and generous individual.
His parents, LaRicha and John Alfred, described him as a peacemaker who would give the shoes off his feet to a teammate in need. In the wake of their devastating loss, his family made the decision for him to become an organ donor, allowing him to give the gift of life to two other young people.
In the days and weeks that followed, Jamere's family, along with city leaders and community members, held prayer vigils to honor his memory and to plead for an end to the city's gun violence. His parents have been relentless in their pursuit of justice, canvassing the neighborhood, distributing flyers, and making public appeals for anyone with information to come forward. A reward has been offered for any tips that lead to an arrest.
Despite these efforts, the case remains unsolved. The New Orleans Police Department has not publicly identified any suspects or a motive in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and Jamere's family continues to hope that someone will provide the information needed to bring his killer to justice.
