NEW ORLEANS — As the city prepared to welcome the New Year, three families instead faced devastating loss after three men were killed in separate shootings across New Orleans in the days leading up to the holiday. The New Orleans Coroner’s Office has now identified all three victims, highlighting a troubling wave of violence that unfolded in different neighborhoods within just a short span of time.
One of the victims was 31-year-old Reginald McGinnis, who died following a shooting in the 3100 block of Plymouth Place. According to police, the incident began as a verbal argument between a man and his spouse. Investigators said McGinnis overheard the dispute and attempted to step in to calm the situation. During the encounter, McGinnis was allegedly choked, and gunfire erupted soon after. He was rushed to a local hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. The coroner ruled his death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Another deadly shooting claimed the life of Kyron Johnson, 37, in the early morning hours of December 29. Police responded to reports of gunfire shortly before 4 a.m. in the 8500 block of Chef Menteur Highway. When officers arrived, they found Johnson unresponsive at the scene. Authorities said he had suffered at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead without being transported to a hospital.
The third victim, Titus Lee West, also 37, was found shot to death on New Year’s Eve. Officers were called to the 2100 block of Feliciana Street in the Florida area shortly before 11 a.m. Police discovered West suffering from a gunshot wound, and despite their response, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
At this time, police have not released information about suspects or possible motives in the shootings of Johnson or West. Investigators continue to work each case, gathering evidence and speaking with potential witnesses in hopes of determining what led to the deadly violence.
As the New Year begins, these three shootings serve as a painful reminder of the impact gun violence continues to have on New Orleans communities. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to any of the cases to come forward, saying even small details could help bring answers and justice to the victims’ families.
