NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Police Department said that Saturday night’s shooting on South Claiborne Ave. is believed to be gang related. The shooting left three people dead and seven others injured.
"While investigators are still in the early stages of the investigation, they have obtained evidence that leads them to believe that this incident is gang related," NOPD said in a statement released Sunday afternoon.
NOPD said Sunday afternoon that one of the men who was killed was found shot multiple times outside shops in the 3400 block of S. Claiborne and was in fact the intended target.
Multiple sources in law enforcement told The Advocate the man was 30-year-old Jeremiah Lee. Those same sources told The Advocate that Lee was believed to be an affiliate of the 3NG street gang from Central City.
Another victim killed Saturday night, Kurshaw “Twin” Jackson, 38, was identified by family members to The Advocate.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Sunday, NOPD said there is no update on the condition of the seven people injured. As of Saturday night, one of the victims was in critical condition while the other six had injuries that were believed to be non life-threatening, police say.
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Former New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas says that although several of the gang members of 3NG are behind bars, it is difficult to stop the gang from recruiting new members.
"The problem with these gangs and groups is they tend to back fill new members and what we really need to consider across the country, and New Orleans is no exception, is accepting and knowing that back fill is going to happen," Serpas said. "You have to have an adequately staffed police and prosecution function to keep the pressure on these groups and gangs."
Serpas says that pressure will inspire more witnesses to come forward.
"There is a fear factor and that's something we have to understand and work with but the way to interrupt these groups or gangs is putting that constant pressure on these groups and their leadership," Serpas said. "That's when you start to change their behavior and change the behavior of people in the community who think speaking might be helpful."
The NOPD along with Louisiana State Police, U.S. Attorney's office, the ATF and the FBI are working to identify those who are responsible for the shooting.
Police are urging people with any information about the shooting to call Crimestoppers at 822-1111. A $5,000 reward that leads to an arrest is being offered.