In the spring of 2014, the life of 19-year-old Renalda Keshawn 'Kookie' Variste, an African American woman, was tragically cut short in New Orleans, Louisiana. On the afternoon of March 13th, chaos erupted near the intersection of Foucher and South Saratoga streets in the Milan neighborhood. Gunshots shattered the day, leaving three people struck by bullets.
When police officers arrived at the scene around 3 p.m., they discovered a grim tableau.
Renalda Variste was found lying on the ground, having sustained a gunshot wound to her head. Emergency services rushed her to a nearby hospital, but her injuries proved to be fatal, and she died later that day. Inside a house close to the scene, police found another victim, 49-year-old Sandy George, who had been shot in the body. She succumbed to her injuries several days later. An 18-year-old male was also injured in the triple shooting but survived.
The New Orleans Police Department launched an investigation into the homicides. Their efforts led them to identify a suspect in the violent attack. In June of that year, U.S. Marshals located and arrested 25-year-old Cody Williams in the 1600 block of South Saratoga Street. Following his apprehension, Williams was booked on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Renalda Variste and Sandy George, and one count of attempted first-degree murder for the injuries sustained by the third victim.
