In the spring of 2010, a violent outburst of gang warfare on the streets of New Orleans tragically cut short the life of 21-year-old Lester J. Green. On the evening of May 19th, Green was a passenger in a gray Acura, driving through the Mid-City neighborhood with his friend, Jamal Smith. Smith, who was behind the wheel, was the intended target of a brutal ambush that would leave one man dead and another wounded.
As their vehicle neared the intersection of South Rendon Street, a red Chevrolet minivan aggressively pulled alongside them. Inside were members of the notorious '39'ers' gang, armed with at least one assault rifle.
Without warning, a hail of bullets was unleashed upon the Acura, with attackers firing over two dozen rounds. In the chaotic moments that followed, Lester J. Green was struck in the head by a single, fatal bullet. Jamal Smith was also hit but managed to survive his injuries. The brazen attack was not an isolated incident but part of a larger, violent narrative of gang-related crime that plagued the city. The shooting was meticulously planned and carried out as part of the 39'ers' ongoing efforts to control territory and intimidate rivals.
The investigation into Green's murder and the attempted murder of Smith became a significant component of a sweeping federal RICO case against the 39'ers gang. This extensive law enforcement effort aimed to dismantle the violent criminal enterprise responsible for a string of murders, assaults, and drug trafficking offenses. In the aftermath of the investigation, several members of the gang were brought to justice for their roles in the deadly shooting.
McCoy Walker, Terrioues Owney, and Leroy Price were all charged and subsequently found guilty of various counts related to the murder of Lester J. Green and the assault on Jamal Smith. Another man who was charged in connection with Green's death was later found not guilty. The legal proceedings revealed the inner workings of the ruthless gang and brought a measure of justice for the untimely death of a young man caught in the crossfire of a war that was not his own. The case highlighted the devastating impact of gang violence on the community and the complex, often lengthy, process of holding the perpetrators accountable.
