By Arielle Brumfield | WDSU | April 10, 2023
Easter weekend, a time usually spent with family, friends, and honoring religion, became a time of despair for some and a time of mourning for others.
A hot spot location for shootings over the weekend, Councilman Eugene Green of District D says it’s time to put pressure on all areas of the criminal justice system.
“Too many people are using guns to settle their differences,” Green said. “I have grown weary of the violence in this district and in our city. It’s unacceptable, it’s not something we should ever tolerate.”
District D includes Gentilly, the 7th Ward, and Treme.
With at least five shootings and three deaths, NOPD continues to investigate incidents on Hope Street, Reed Boulevard, Loyola Avenue, Oliver White Avenue and Mandeville Street.
Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, says in comparison to last year, more people are being shot but fewer people are dying.
NOPD made 3,600 arrests last year. Goyeneche says NOPD is being strategic and purposeful in deploying its assets, but it’s time for the district attorney’s office to work hand in hand to get criminals off the street.
“If we are going to decrease violent crime, it’s going to be increasingly important that the police department discerns the people who are committing the crimes and be able to differentiate between the offenders who pose the greats risk to public safety,” Goyeneche said.
There were 130 shooting incidents and approximately 177 nonfatal shooting victims.
This year there have been 129 shooting incidents and approximately 180 victims of nonfatal gunshot injuries.
Goyeneche says oftentimes violent offenders are arrested for nonviolent crimes, so it’s important that when they are arrested, the district attorney’s office is aware of the criminal history and can charge appropriately.
“When they recognize that the offender is a significant threat to public safety, they need to make sure the district attorney’s office is on the same page so they can advocate for bail or other things like electronic monitoring to be able to track their comings and goings and whereabouts,” Goyeneche.