A profound tragedy struck a family in Kenner, Louisiana, beginning on February 5, 2024, with the death of Melvin McClinton Jr. The 18-year-old Black male was shot that Monday afternoon in the 1600 block of 42nd Street. Around 12:50 p.m., two people drove McClinton to the Ochsner Kenner hospital campus, but he died from his injuries. Police, who described the two individuals as uncooperative, stated their belief that McClinton was targeted and that the shooting was not a random act.
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Kenner Police Department’s investigation moved swiftly. The day after the shooting, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Newport Place and arrested 19-year-old Jarrone Crimmins. He was taken into custody and initially booked on one count of first-degree murder in connection with McClinton’s death.
The loss had a devastating impact on McClinton's family, particularly his father, 39-year-old Melvin McClinton Sr. According to family members who spoke with police, the elder McClinton was struggling emotionally and mentally with his son’s killing. They reported that his behavior had become more erratic and his anger more aggressive, especially after the teen’s funeral.
The family’s grief compounded into a further tragedy just weeks later. On the evening of February 28, police responded to a call at a home in the 800 block of 27th Street. Investigators determined that Melvin McClinton Sr. had gotten into a physical altercation with the mother of his younger son over a disagreement about disciplining the child. During the dispute, McClinton Sr. armed himself and shot his 3-year-old son, Carmelo McClinton, who was found deceased in a bedroom. The father then went into the driveway and shot himself in the head. He was transported to a hospital and died from his injuries on March 1.
Following the initial arrest for the killing of Melvin McClinton Jr., the case against Jarrone Crimmins proceeded through the justice system. In June 2024, a Jefferson Parish grand jury returned an indictment against Crimmins on a charge of second-degree murder. The case against him remains pending litigation. Anyone with information on the fatal shooting is asked to contact Kenner Police at (504) 712-2222 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
