In the early morning hours of June 27, 2014, Clarence Becknell Jr., a 34-year-old African-American male, was fatally shot in New Orleans, Louisiana. A military veteran known to his loved ones as 'Dudie,' Becknell was remembered for his great sense of humor and friendly nature.
The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. as Becknell was stopped at a red light on the Franklin Avenue off-ramp of I-10 West.
While he was in his silver Mercedes convertible, an unknown gunman approached the vehicle and opened fire, striking Becknell multiple times. The assailant then fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle. Clarence Becknell Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to his father, Clarence Becknell Sr., authorities believed that his son was not the intended target and was in the process of bringing a friend home at the time of the shooting. Despite the ongoing investigation into his murder, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The case remains an open investigation.
