The NOPD has arrested a 17-year-old male suspect in the ongoing investigation of a homicide that occurred on May 12, 2026, in the 1500 block of North Derbigny Street.

At about 12:15 a.m. on May 12, NOPD Sixth District officers responded to a call of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male unresponsive and having sustained gunshot wound injuries. The victim was later declared deceased.

On May 18, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 18-year-old Ferdinand Woolens.

Through investigation by NOPD Homicide Section detectives, it was determined that Woolens was attending a high school graduation party when he was allegedly shot and killed.

Through investigation, detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for William West Jr. (pictured, black male, DOB: 07-06-2008) on one count of second-degree murder.

On June 9, 2026, detectives – with the assistance of the Violent Offender Warrant Squad – arrested West and booked him accordingly into the Orleans Justice Center

In addition to West, detectives have identified the individuals shown on surveillance video as being involved in this incident. NOPD Homicide Section detectives are requesting assistance from the public in locating and identifying these subjects. Please note that the subjects can be heard conversing in the video footage.

Click here to view the video.

Click here to view additional video.

Investigation into this incident is ongoing. No further information is currently available.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact NOPD Homicide Section District detectives at 504-658-5300. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP. Tips can also be submitted online by visiting https://www.crimestoppersgno.org.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov