In the early evening of August 22, 2019, tragedy struck at a Discount Zone gas station in New Orleans East, claiming the life of 34-year-old Wilbert Bias III. The shooting, which occurred around 5 p.m. in the 6700 block of Chef Menteur Highway, also resulted in the death of 43-year-old Sylvester Snow. When officers from the New Orleans Police Department arrived at the scene, they discovered both men suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were unable to save them, and both Wilbert Bias III and Sylvester Snow were pronounced dead at the location. The crime scene was centered around a red pickup truck riddled with bullet holes, parked in front of the gas station.
Wilbert, who was known to be charismatic with a warm smile, was the beloved son of Edith Darby and Wilbert Bias, Jr. He had attended St. Paul the Apostle School and Marion Abramson High School. His death left a void in the lives of his many siblings, his longtime companion Wendy Barnes, and a host of other relatives and friends who mourned his untimely passing.
The double homicide was a significant event in the area, marking the second such incident in New Orleans East in less than a day. In the immediate aftermath, the New Orleans Police Department began an investigation into the shooting, and Crimestoppers issued a bulletin seeking information from the public. However, publicly available information and news reports have not identified any suspects in the murders of Wilbert Bias III and Sylvester Snow, nor have they announced any arrests in connection with the case. The investigation into their deaths remains unresolved based on available online sources.
