In the summer of 2023, a vibrant life was tragically cut short on the streets of New Orleans. Markeisha Hunter, a 30-year-old woman, was killed in a brazen daylight shooting on July 27th. The incident unfolded shortly after noon in the Mid-City neighborhood, at the corner of Ulloa and South Pierce streets, where Hunter was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later stated they believe she was the intended target of the attack.
The violent episode also left a second victim, a man who was with Hunter, with a gunshot wound to his leg. His injuries were not considered life-threatening. Witnesses and security footage revealed that the perpetrators fled the scene in a white GMC Yukon, which was later discovered to have been reported stolen. This detail became a crucial piece of evidence for investigators working to track down those responsible for Hunter's death.
Later that same afternoon, the stolen Yukon was spotted by New Orleans Police Department officers in the Gentilly area. Inside the vehicle were two men who matched the descriptions of the suspects. A tense pursuit ensued as the men abandoned the SUV and attempted to escape on foot. During the chase, one of the suspects was shot in the leg by an officer, and another officer sustained a knee injury while apprehending the second individual.
The two men taken into custody were identified as 30-year-old Desmond Henry and 32-year-old Jessie Carter. Following his release from the hospital, Henry was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on a count of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, several weapons charges, possession of a stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest. Carter was also jailed and faced a charge of second-degree murder. The swift capture of the suspects brought a small measure of closure to a community shaken by the violent loss of life.
