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NOPD Seeking Persons of Interest for Questioning in Homicide Investigation

by Aaron E. Looney

April 29, 2021

Categories: Be on the Lookout

Topics: Homicide, Sixth District

NOPD Seeking Persons of Interest for Questioning in Homicide Investigation

The NOPD is seeking to locate and question three subjects identified as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation of a homicide on February 17, 2021 in the 3700 block of South Claiborne Avenue.

Through investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives have determined Ernest Smith (pictured at left, black male, DOB; 06-27-1996), Melvin Stalks (pictured at center, black male, DOB: 10-18-1995) and Jahtyra Petty (pictured at right, black male, DOB: 06-13-2000) to be persons of interest in this investigation. The three are not currently wanted on criminal charges. However, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives feel they have knowledge of information vital to the investigation and wish to interview them.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Homicide Unit detectives at 504-658-5300 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.