By Shay O’Connor | WDSU | June 8, 2022
New Orleans had a violent start on Tuesday night. At least three shootings overnight.
One along Louisa Street where one man was shot, another shooting along Aviators Street where a man and woman were hit.
One also along Franklin Avenue and Royal Street in front of Big Daddy’s Bar. It happened just around 2:30 a.m. NOPD officials said one 30-year-old man died on the scene.
WDSU was able to obtain video of the moments leading up to that shooting in the Marigny. Neighbors said they easily heard more than 30 shots fired.
Matthew Wade Kodrin lives in the area and said, “In front of Big Daddy’s bar, shell casings were everywhere. We were looking around. They did not shoot inside the bar.”
Kodrin said the gunfire woke him up. He and neighbors rushed to the scene to check out what happened.
“We see a body slumped between the garbage cans. I reach down to the young man that was shot up. He was not breathing. No pulse. Not responsive. When I saw the extent of the gunshots, it was obvious there was no hope.”
Others said they were not even shocked anymore. Including one resident that did not want to be seen because she was afraid.
“Whenever I am walking out to my car to go to work at 9 a.m. there is a bunch of people out here fighting. It’s just ridiculous.”
This week the Metropolitan Crime Commission reported a 93 percent uptick in shooting incidents compared to 2019 here in New Orleans. Other violent crimes like carjackings and armed robberies also saw that spike.
For those living in the city, it’s a frightening feeling.
“I think it is easy for a lot of people in the city that do not experience it on a daily basis to say it is a part of everyday life here. I hope that is not the case. I know I will do everything in my power to demand more of myself, my neighborhood and elected officials,” Kodrin said.
The gunmen are still at large. Anyone with information on the shooting in front of Big Daddy’s Bar at the intersection of Franklin and Royal you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 504.822.1111