NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Police say two men were shot this Monday morning in Central City; one of them was Terrell Massey.
Michael Willis says he knew Massey as a child and was expecting to become a father next week.
Willis said, "All our moms hung together; we were all raised together." Michael Willis says the word to describe Terrell Massey is selfless, saying, "I watched him grow to be a mature, phenomenal caregiver, caretaker, giver of the community... I have seen him buy children uniforms and register them to school."
He says the 35-year-old was always looking to better his community. Willis says Terrell was an entrepreneur who wanted to encourage young people to always maintain a positive mindset.
"He drives trucks, he has his own truck, a detail company, a mobile detail van," Willis said.
According to NOPD, the shooting happened at 1:18 Monday morning, near the intersection of Thalia and Baronne Streets in Central City. NOPD says Massey suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. A 37-year-old man was also shot and taken to hospital.
The Metropolitan Crime Commission says between Friday and Sunday, there were three nonfatal shootings: one in New Orleans East, one in Algiers, and one in the Marigny.
Willis, who runs HOPE, an advocacy organization that aims to reduce violence, says our city needs prayers and solutions. He asks, "When does it stop, and when do we come together as a community and connect the dots with every part of the city?"
Terrell leaves behind an unborn child. His baby is set to be born next week, a baby that will never get to know his father.
NOPD said, "No arrests have been made at this time. We do not have a motive at this time, but we are asking the public for any information that can aid in this investigation to contact Sixth District officers at (504) 658-6060 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111."