In the Irish Channel neighborhood of New Orleans, a bright, partly sunny Thursday afternoon took a tragic turn. On February 21, 2013, Nolan 'Nemo' Gemo Alofipo, an 18-year-old male and a father of two, was visiting friends in the area. Earlier that day, he had spoken with his sister, Thelma, about his plans, unaware of the violence that would soon unfold. Shortly after 2:30 p.m., the sound of multiple gunshots shattered the quiet of the 2800 block of Chippewa Street.
The gunfire was so loud it reportedly set off a nearby house alarm.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Nolan lying in the middle of the street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe Alofipo was standing near a truck when the shooting began. He managed to make it halfway down the block before collapsing. A car parked outside a corner bar was left with a mirror riddled with holes from the gunfire. His sister, Thelma, was heartbroken, stating, 'He was just 18, only 18-years-old. He was too young.'
In the months following the shooting, the investigation continued. Approximately eight months later, authorities released an image from a surveillance camera showing four men they were hoping to identify and speak with in connection to the case. Detectives clarified that these individuals were not considered suspects but that they wished to interview them. Surveillance footage also captured four men exiting and entering a white vehicle. Despite these efforts, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in the homicide of Nolan Alofipo, and a motive for the shooting has not been released. He is survived by his two children, Caden Woodson and Wynter Alofipo, his parents, and siblings.
