Projectnola.com

May 21, 2012

 New Orleans Police Department – Public Information Office

Suspect Arrested in Yesterday’s Fatal Shooting on Orleans Avenue

New Orleans Police have arrested 40-year-old Keith Hunter in connection with the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old man that occurred yesterday in the 3100 block of Orleans Avenue. 

Shortly before 3:00 P.M., the victim was sitting on his porch in front of his residence holding his 6-month-old daughter when Hunter allegedly walked up and shot the victim in the face.   As the victim fell, the infant fell out of the victim’s arms and sustained a minor contusion to her head and back.  The infant was transported to the hospital where she was treated and released.  The man was transported to the hospital where he later died.  

During the course of the investigation that evening, Hunter was positively identified by witnesses as the person responsible for the murder. 

While detectives were in the process of obtaining an arrest warrant for Hunter for Second Degree Murder, Hunter walked into the First District Police Station and asked to speak with police.  Soon after, an arrest warrant was obtained and Hunter was arrested and booked accordingly into the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office. 

The rap sheet on this suspect shows he’s a definite career criminal, and his crimes escalated from drug deals to aggravated battery to murder”, said Superintendent Ronal Serpas.  “It’s simply unjust that this man was in a position to gun down a man who was in front of his house while holding an infant.  All murders are heinous.  This one is particularly unnerving”, Serpas said.

“The detectives in this case worked swiftly to gather the facts so they could make an arrest.  I want to thank them, as well as the people who came to police to tell them what they knew about this crime.  These citizens are the main reason we were able to take this dangerous man into custody.”

A photo of Keith Hunter has been attached to this e-mail.

Homicide Detective Joseph Jefferson is in charge of the investigation and can be reached at 658-5300.

Keith Hunter was currently staying at a Federal Halfway House on Narcotics Violations at the time of his arrest.  Hunter is listed as a possible career criminal and has a history of 13 felony arrests, 18 misdemeanor arrests and 10 traffic arrests.  Also, at the time of his arrest, Hunter was wanted for Armed Robbery.  Hunter was on parole for Possession of Heroin in May 1994 through November 1995 and placed on probation for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in July 1990 through July 1991.  Hunter has previous arrests for Attempted First Degree Murder, Battery on a Police Officer, Felon with a Firearm, Possession of Coca Leaves Derivative, Possession of Crack, Flight from an Officer, Possession of Marijuana, Methadone, Crack Distribution, Marijuana Distribution, Concealed Weapon, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Heroin, Battery, Aggravated Battery, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Trespass, Possession of a Stolen Auto Over $500, Resist/Obstruct an Officer, numerous Warrants, numerous Traffic Violations, numerous Traffic Attachments, numerous Municipal Attachments and Loitering, Open Container of Alcohol and Intimidation.

The New Orleans Police Department, under the leadership of Superintendent Ronal W. Serpas, is engaged in a complete transformation in its approach to ensuring that New Orleans is a safer place to live, work and visit.  The police force, which currently employs dedicated men and women, is committed to transparency, accountability, collaboration and integrity.  To learn more about the NOPD and our services, visit http://www.nola.gov/GOVERNMENT/NOPD and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/New-Orleans-LA/New-Orleans-Police-Department-Official/133853236665761

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Officer Hilal Williams