In the warm New Orleans night of Friday, June 24, 2016, the promising life of Tollette “Tonka” George, a 23-year-old African American male, was tragically cut short. A former football standout at both Edna Karr High School and Alcorn State University, George was found lying in the street near the intersection of Lauradale and Vespasian Streets in the Algiers neighborhood.
He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by the time New Orleans Police Department officers arrived shortly after 10 p.m.
Just a month before his untimely death, George had celebrated a significant milestone, graduating from Alcorn State University where he had been a talented wide receiver for the Braves football team for five years. His skill on the field was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches. In 2013, he led Alcorn State in receiving and had a memorable performance in the 2015 Celebration Bowl, showcasing his athletic prowess. His death sent shockwaves through the communities that had watched him grow and succeed, from his high school to his recent alma mater.
The investigation into the shooting of Tollette Tonka George was launched immediately by the New Orleans Police Department. In the days and weeks that followed, authorities appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible for his death. Crimestoppers offered a reward for information leading to an arrest. However, despite these efforts and the passage of time, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with his murder. The case officially remains open and unsolved, leaving his family, friends, and the wider community still searching for answers and justice for a life taken too soon. The promising athlete, remembered for his talent and warm personality, became another victim of gun violence, his future extinguished on a city street.
