On a Sunday evening that began with the joyous sounds of a Ninth Ward second line, tragedy struck in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. Twenty-four-year-old Ahmontae Wishom, a male who loved to dance and dress well, was looking forward to the vibrant cultural event on November 19, 2023. His mother recalled his excitement about attending the second line with friends, an outing he had been anticipating.
The festive atmosphere near the corner of Esplanade and North Claiborne, however, was shattered around 7 p.m. by the sound of gunfire.
Multiple gunmen reportedly approached and opened fire, striking Ahmontae Wishom. He died at the scene from gunshot wounds, his life cut short amidst the celebration he had come to enjoy. Also caught in the hail of bullets was 17-year-old Layla Scott, who was standing near Wishom. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
The sudden violence left the community reeling and two families mourning unimaginable losses. Family and friends remembered Ahmontae as a man who loved his family deeply and was never seen angry. The investigation into the double homicide was launched by the New Orleans Police Department. As of late 2023, the investigation was ongoing, but no arrests had been made, and no suspects had been publicly identified in connection with the deadly shooting. The case remains an open wound for a community searching for answers and justice for Ahmontae Wishom and Layla Scott.
