The NOPD’s Homicide Unit recently cleared seven homicide investigations, meaning either an arrest(s) was made or that an arrest warrant(s) was obtained by detectives. This includes a double homicide dating back to 2013, as well as clearances in six homicide incidents that occurred within the past eight days.

Investigations where these clearances were made include:

• A double homicide on December 16, 2013 in the 12100 block of North I-10 Service Road. This case, investigated by NOPD Homicide Unit cold case detectives, is considered cleared by warrant.

• A homicide on April 21, 2021 in the 1300 block of Esplanade Avenue. This incident was initially classified as an aggravated battery by cutting, where the suspect reportedly struck the victim with a sword. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. At that time, the case was reclassified as a homicide. Upon further investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified Don Woods (pictured above, black male, DOB: 03-13-1962) as the perpetrator in this incident and obtained an arrest warrant. Woods was located, arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on one count of second-degree murder..

• A homicide on April 20, 2021 in the 5300 block of Lafaye Street. In this incident, a male victim was found at the location and having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Through investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified Cordell Ellis (picture not available, black male, DOB: 11-7-1968) as the perpetrator and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Ellis was later located, arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.

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• A homicide on April 19, 2021 in the 100 block of Royal Street. This incident was initially classified as a simple battery, where a male subject reportedly struck a female victim with a closed fist and then fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. At that time, the case was reclassified as a homicide.Through investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified a suspect in this incident. On April 22, Jeremiah Mark (pictured above, black male, DOB: 01-29-1998) surrendered to police on April 22 and confirmed that he was involved in the altercation with the victim. Mark was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on a charge of manslaughter.

• A homicide on April 22, 2021 in the 1100 block of Nunez Street. This investigation is considered cleared by warrant.

• A homicide on April 22, 2021 in the 5500 block of McKenna Street. Through investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified Michael Kikuchi Jr. (pictured above, white male, DOB: 09-21-1987) as the perpetrator in this incident and obtained an arrest warrant. On April 23, Kikuchi was located, arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on a charge of second-degree murder. Additionally, Kikuchi was arrested on outstanding warrants out of Kenner, LA and on a traffic attachment.

• A homicide on April 23, 2021 in the 2700 block of LaSalle Street. This case is considered cleared by warrant.

Anyone with information that can aid NOPD Homicide Unit detectives in ongoing investigations is asked to call 504-658-5300, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.