Father Fatally Shot in Carjacking While Picking Up Child From New Orleans Day Care
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — A father was shot and killed in front of a day care Tuesday evening during a violent carjacking in Mid-City, police confirmed.
Deadly Carjacking Outside Day Care
The shooting happened around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday outside the Abeona House Child Discovery Center on Canal Street, according to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).
Authorities said the victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, had just arrived to pick up his child when the suspect, 21-year-old Raymond Wells, allegedly opened fire and stole his vehicle.
Suspect Found Shot in Stolen Car
Hours later, Wells was located inside the stolen vehicle on Interstate 10 near the Bonnabel exit with a gunshot wound to the head.
NOPD Superintendent Nicholas Gernon said Wells was in “extremely grave condition” at a local hospital as of Wednesday morning.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Wells was shot by someone else or if his injury was self-inflicted.
“If Wells recovers from his wounds, he will be booked with first-degree murder,” Gernon said.
Sequence of Events
Investigators believe Wells may have opened fire on someone a block away before targeting the father at the day care.
“We believe the shooter was up to something in that block,” Gernon explained. “Somebody noticed, and Wells opened fire on them. Then, he went a block away and encountered our carjacking victim.”
Community in Shock
The tragic incident has shaken parents and residents in the Mid-City neighborhood, raising concerns about violent crime in areas where families should feel safe.
Authorities have not released the identity of the father or confirmed whether the child witnessed the attack.
The investigation remains active as police work to piece together the moments leading up to the fatal carjacking.
Do you feel New Orleans is doing enough to address rising violent crime in family-centered neighborhoods? Share your perspective and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
