On a Tuesday night in eastern New Orleans, what began as a verbal dispute at a gas station escalated into a fatal triple shooting. The report of gunfire in the 11900 block of Hayne Boulevard came in at approximately 7:35 p.m. on December 10, 2013. When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered a chaotic aftermath with blood and numerous spent bullet casings of different calibers, but no victims.
Minutes later, individuals with gunshot wounds began arriving at two different local
hospitals by private vehicles. Among them was 33-year-old Emmanuel Jethro, who had been shot several times. Jethro succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at around 8:00 p.m. Two other men, aged 17 and 20, were also wounded in the incident but were listed in stable condition.
Investigators utilized witness interviews and surveillance footage from the gas station to piece together the events of that night. The investigation revealed that the incident was a shootout, reportedly initiated by Jethro's 17-year-old nephew following a verbal altercation. The investigation led to the identification of 17-year-old Tracy Bell as the individual who allegedly fatally shot Jethro.
Following the identification of Bell as the primary suspect, he surrendered to authorities at his mother's residence, which was located less than two miles from the scene of the shooting. Bell, who was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire, was subsequently arrested and faced a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Emmanuel Jethro.
