On the night of November 17, 2013, a 23-year-old Black male named Ramal Ellis was walking home in St. Rose, Louisiana, when his life was tragically cut short. He was just a block from his residence when multiple gunshots rang out. His parents, who were at home nearby, heard the sounds but initially dismissed them as firecrackers. It wasn't until they noticed police activity near the Fifth African Baptist Church that his father went to investigate and made a devastating discovery. Lying in the road behind the church was his son, Ramal, who had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ramal Ellis was a well-regarded member of his community. A graduate of Destrehan High School, he had been a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, and participating in track and field. At the time of his death, he was pursuing a degree in psychology at Delgado Community College and was just weeks away from graduating. He also worked at Home Depot and was an active volunteer and leader within his church, the very place where his body was found. Friends and family described him as a respectful and goal-oriented young man who was not involved in any criminal activity.
The investigation into his murder, led by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, suggested that robbery was the likely motive, as Ramal's wallet was missing. It was determined that he was unarmed at the time of the attack. Detectives received information that the assailant, believed to be a male from Kenner, had demanded items from Ellis, and shot him when he refused. Despite interviewing over 100 people and following leads that extended to two other states, authorities were unable to gather enough evidence to make an arrest.
Though suspects were identified and questioned early in the investigation, no charges were ever filed. A partial DNA profile was recovered from one of Ellis's pockets, but it has not led to a match. Over the years, his family has held vigils and made public appeals, hoping to bring new attention to the case. A reward was offered for information, but to this day, the murder of Ramal Ellis remains unsolved, leaving his family and community still seeking justice for his senseless killing.
