The NOPD’s Violent Offenders Warrant Squad and U.S. Marshals from the New Orleans and Houston offices today (January 5, 2023) arrested Jabril Cowart (black male, DOB: 12-22-2002) in the ongoing investigation of a homicide that occurred on December 23, 2022, in the 700 block of Baronne Street.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m. on December 23, NOPD Eighth District officers responded to a call of a shooting at the location. Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians arrived on scene and pronounced the victim dead.

On December 28, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 43-year-old Brandon Montrell.

As investigation into the incident progressed, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified Cowart as a perpetrator. Detective then obtained an arrest warrant for Cowart on a charge of second-degree murder.

Today, Cowart was located in Houston, Texas and taken into custody by NOPD VOWS officers and members of the U.S. Marshals’ New Orleans and Houston offices. He will be extradited to New Orleans to face the second-degree murder charge.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing. No additional details are currently available.

Anyone with additional information that can aid this investigation is urged to contact NOPD Homicide Unit Det. Marylou Agustin at 504-658-5300 or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.