An evening that began with the energy and excitement of a teen party tragically ended in gunfire, claiming the life of 18-year-old Joshua Jamal Brooks and injuring four others in New Orleans. On Saturday, March 12, 2011, Joshua, an African-American male, was attending a gathering at the B&L Restaurant and Lounge at 700 Port St. when the joyous atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunshots shortly before midnight.
In the chaotic moments that followed, witnesses described seeing
teenagers scattering in all directions, fleeing from an unknown assailant who had opened fire into the crowd. When the shooting stopped, five people had been struck. Joshua Brooks sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and neck and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other four victims, including a young female who was listed in critical condition and three other males aged 14, 15, and 17, were also wounded but survived.
A neighbor who overheard the gunshots immediately called 911. Investigators arrived to a scene of pandemonium and began the arduous task of piecing together the events of the night. Despite numerous witnesses being present at the party, information about the shooter or a possible motive has been scarce. The New Orleans Police Department has continued to investigate the case over the years, but no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
The case of Joshua Brooks's murder remains an open investigation. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of the individual or individuals responsible for this senseless act of violence that cut short a young life and left a community in mourning.
