The NOPD and Louisiana State Police (LSP) have arrested a suspect in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 18, 2025, and the 21700 block of Chef Menteur Highway.
At about 4:40 p.m. on June 18, a driver in the area contacted Louisiana State Police to report witnessing an alleged physical confrontation between two unknown males. One of the males reportedly stabbed the other multiple times and then fled the scene in a silver SUV. NOPD Seventh District officers were additionally notified and responded to the scene. The unknown male victim was declared deceased on scene, and the incident was reclassified as a homicide.
Based on information provided by the witness and further investigation, Troopers from LSP Troop NOLA and VCAIT detectives located a vehicle matching the description of a suspect vehicle on Interstate 610 in New Orleans. At approximately 6:10 p.m., troopers stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Fig and Dante streets, in the Second District. The driver, identified as Nicholas Ortega (Hispanic male DOB: 01-18-1992) was detained for questioning and further investigation.
Through collaborative investigation, detectives determined Ortega be the perpetrator in the homicide incident. NOPD Homicide Section detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Ortega on one count of second-degree murder. Ortega was arrested and subsequently booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
This investigation was conducted jointly between NOPD Seventh District, Homicide Section and Violent Crime Investigative Abatement Team with LSP's Bureau of Investigations, VCAIT and Troop NOLA.
The NOPD wishes to thank LSP for its assistance in this investigation.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation is asked to contact NOPD Homicide Section detectives 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. Tips can also be submitted online at www.crimestoppersgno.org.
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.