In the early days of 2023 in New Orleans, a sense of unease began to settle among the friends and neighbors of 50-year-old Alonzo Cedrick Jackson. Known for his vibrant presence in the Gentilly neighborhood, his absence was felt when he missed church services for two consecutive Sundays. This uncharacteristic disappearance prompted a call for a wellness check on January 3rd at his home on Gentilly Boulevard.
What responding officers discovered behind the closed doors was a scene of tragedy that would ripple through the community.
Inside the residence, Alonzo Jackson, along with his brother, Wilmon Jackson, and his 14-year-old niece, Evonna Jackson, were found deceased. The condition of the bodies suggested they had been there for several days, a grim testament to the violence that had unfolded within the home. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office would later confirm that all three family members had been fatally shot, officially ruling their deaths as homicides. The presence of bullets at the scene had immediately led investigators to treat the case as a triple homicide.
The news of the violent deaths of Alonzo and his family members sent a shockwave of grief and fear through their community. Alonzo was remembered as a joyful and caring individual who was active in his church and known for his efforts to help the unhoused population. His sudden and violent death left a profound void for those who knew him.
In the year that has passed since the discovery, the investigation into the triple homicide has remained active, yet frustratingly unresolved for the grieving family. As of early 2024, the New Orleans Police Department has not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the killings. The mother of young Evonna Jackson has voiced her anguish over the lack of progress and updates in the case, amplifying the family's plea for answers and justice for Alonzo, Wilmon, and Evonna. The case remains an open and ongoing investigation.
