In the late spring of 2007, the life of 18-year-old Arthur Alton Dowell was tragically cut short on the streets of New Orleans. On Friday, May 25, 2007, the young man, who had already stared death in the face and survived three previous shootings, was fatally wounded by gunfire. His death marked a violent end to a life that had shown signs of a positive turn.
Arthur, a student at O. Perry Walker High School, also held a job at the renowned Emeril's restaurant.
He was born on November 5, 1988, to Lynette Dowell and Albert Sumlin. Remembered by a former school staff member as having made a great change in his behavior, he was seen as someone who tried to guide his younger brothers on the right path. He left behind a loving mother, stepfather, father, stepmother, four brothers, and his companion, Keisha Renard.
The narrative of Arthur's death is further shadowed by the violence that plagued his family. His mother, Lynette Dowell, had experienced the trauma of having three sons involved in a total of six shootings within a one-mile radius in Central City, with two of them ultimately losing their lives to the violence.
Despite the violent circumstances of his passing, publicly available online sources and news reports from the time of the incident do not contain information regarding any arrests made or suspects identified in the murder of Arthur Dowell. The case is one of many that have contributed to the tragic toll of gun violence in the city. His homegoing celebration was held on Friday, June 1, 2007, at the New Home Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest at Providence Memorial Park.
