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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — On Monday morning, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and Deputy Chief Superintendent John Thomas met for a press conference to discuss the incredibly violent weekend in the city.
According to Chief Ferguson, there were four mass shootings over the last week. By definition, there were four or more victims involved in each incident.
After the press conference, the New Orleans Police Department announced the following significant arrests or clearances by warrant, obtained between August 1 and August 7, 2021, in investigations by the NOPD and law enforcement partners:
Homicide
- On August 5, the NOPD’s Violent Offender Warrant Squad and the U.S. Marshals arrested Mekaill Harris (pictured, black male, DOB: 08-31-1988) for second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. The incident occurred in the 4100 block of Jumonville Street on June 28.
- On August 4, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives arrested Keldon Castro (pictured, black male, DOB: 01-15-2003) for one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. The incident occurred in the 2100 block of 2nd Street on July 15.
Shootings
- On August 5, NOPD Sixth District detectives arrested Jonas C. Smith (pictured, black male, DOB: 02-10-1981) for aggravated battery by shooting, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and violation of probation. The incident occurred at the intersection of Eve and S. White streets on July 3.
- On August 4, NOPD Sixth District detectives arrested Jeremic Hensley (pictured, black male, DOB: 06-06-1994) for aggravated battery by shooting, illegal discharge of a firearm, possession of stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The incident occurred at Chippewa Street and Louisiana Avenue on July 19.
- On August 4, NOPD Fifth District detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Kevin Lucas Jr. (pictured, black male, DOB: 07-26-1982) for aggravated battery by shooting and illegal use of a firearm. The incident occurred in the 2100 block of North Claiborne Avenue on July 11.
- On August 2, NOPD Fifth District arrested Julie Abshire (not pictured, white female, DOB: 12-02-1974) for aggravated battery by shooting. The incident occurred at the intersection of Caffin and St. Claude avenues on August 1.
- On August 1, NOPD Eight District detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Kareem Carter (pictured, black male, DOB: 02-03-1992 for possession of firearm by a convicted felon and obstruction of justice. The incident occurred at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Orleans Avenue on August 1.
- On August 1, NOPD Eighth District detectives arrested Markez Jefferson (pictured, black male, DOB: 04-29-1999) for five counts of attempted second-degree murder. The incident occurred at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Orleans Avenue on August 1.
- On August 2, NOPD Third District arrested Joshua Blancher (pictured, white male, DOB: 08-30-1983) for aggravated battery by shooting and illegal discharging of a firearm. The incident occurred in the 4100 block of Franklin Avenue on July 21. During interview after his arrest in connection with a homicide on July 11 in the 1800 block of Saint Anthony Street, Blancher confessed to being the perpetrator of the July 21 shooting.
Armed Robbery
- On August 4, NOPD Third District detectives arrested Darrel Smith (pictured, black male, DOB: 05-30-2002 for armed robbery and possession of stolen property. The incident occurred in the 6100 block of Chatham Drive on July 23.
Other significant arrests
- On August 2, 2021, members of the FBI Task Force arrested Zachary Verdin (not pictured, white male, DOB: 10-09-1992) for three counts of armed robbery (one incident in Orleans Parish and two in Jefferson Parish). The Orleans Parish incident occurred in the 1400 block of Broad Street on July 26.
