A deadly shooting outside a legendary New Orleans restaurant has left one man dead and three others wounded, including two in critical condition, according to police.
The violence erupted around 8 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 16, when officers with the New Orleans Police Department rushed to reports of gunfire in the 2300 block of Orleans Avenue. When police arrived, they found four victims — three women and one man — all suffering from gunshot wounds.
Authorities said the male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The three women were taken to a nearby hospital, where two remain in critical condition and one is listed as stable.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack centered on a 26-year-old man and unfolded at the historic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a cultural landmark that has operated for more than 85 years without a similar incident.
Speaking at a press conference, Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said the intended target ran into the restaurant while trying to escape. He collapsed inside as the shooter followed him through the doors and continued firing, striking innocent bystanders in the foyer area.
After the initial burst of gunfire, the suspect fled the scene — but then reportedly returned briefly before leaving again. The three surviving victims were all visitors to New Orleans, Kirkpatrick said.
The case is now being investigated as a homicide, and detectives are working to identify both the suspect and a motive. Investigators are continuing to collect surveillance footage and witness statements from the area.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to officially identify the deceased victim and determine the cause of death.
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact NOPD Homicide Section detectives at 504-658-5300. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111, toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP, or online.