The NOPD has arrested four wanted suspects in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on May 31, 2022, in the 7900 block of Stroelitz Street.

In this investigation, detectives determined that an argument taking place in the parking lot of the Xavier University Convocation Center following a high school graduation event escalated to gunfire. An 80-year-old female attempting to flee the disturbance was struck and killed by gunfire.

On June 10, the NOPD announced that, through investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives had identified four suspects in this incident – three adults and one teenage juvenile – and had obtained warrants for these individuals’ arrests.

Later that day, wanted suspect Brandon Rock surrendered to NOPD in connection with this investigation. Rock was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on one count each of manslaughter and for possession of a firearm in a Gun-Free Zone (school).

On June 14, the remaining three suspects each surrendered to police separately.

The 15-year-old juvenile male suspect was arrested and booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on a charge of possession of a firearm in a Gun-Free Zone (school).

Wanted suspect Laverne Duplessis (black female, DOB: 01-08-1982) was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on one count each of manslaughter, possession of a firearm in a Gun-Free Zone (school) and for obstruction of justice. She was also arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Jefferson Parish.

Wanted suspect Frank Bartholomew (black male, DOB: 11-21-1972) was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on one count of obstruction of justice.

Anyone with additional information that can aid in this investigation is asked to call NOPD Homicide Det. Miles Guirreri at 504-658-5300 or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.