In the spring of 2018, the life of 17-year-old Pernell Richardson, a Black male, was tragically cut short on the streets of New Orleans. On the evening of April 14, a Saturday, the sounds of a shootout echoed at the intersection of North Prieur Street and Franklin Avenue. When the violence subsided, Pernell, known to his loved ones as "Manny," was discovered inside a car, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pernell was remembered by friends and family as having a "good heart." He had been a student at both the Abramson Sci Academy, recognized as one of the city's higher-performing schools, and the Travis Hill School, which serves incarcerated youth. His sudden death left his family, including an adoring older sister, devastated. The incident that claimed Pernell's life also resulted in the death of another teenager, 18-year-old Christopher Bishop Thomas, who was also found in the vehicle.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the New Orleans Police Department began an investigation into the double homicide. However, publicly available information has not revealed any significant developments in the case. To date, there have been no announcements regarding the identification of any suspect or suspects, nor have there been any arrests made in connection with the deaths of Pernell Richardson and Christopher Bishop Thomas. The circumstances surrounding the shootout and the motive behind the killings remain unresolved, leaving a painful void for the families and community still seeking answers and justice for the two young lives lost.
