The NOPD has made arrests in three separate homicide investigations, with the latest apprehension early this morning (March 17, 2026).
NOPD's Violent Offender Warrant Squad (VOWS) along with U.S. Marshals' Fugitive Task Force, arrested Michael McBride, (Black male DOB: 01/29/2008) at a residence in the 8400 block of Dixon Street this morning. McBride is charged with second degree murder in connection with a homicide by shooting that occurred on November 12, 2025, in the 8200 block of Stroelitz Street that claimed the life of 17-year-old Eric C. Simmons, III.
Yesterday, (March 16, 2026), NOPD officers arrested Amondo McDonald, (Black male DOB: 09/15/2005) in connection with a homicide that occurred in the 7900 block of Chef Menteur Highway on March 11, 2026. McDonald is charged with second degree murder in the death of 23-year-old Bobby Lavigne. McDonald was arrested at about 3:30 p.m. in Orleans Parish and booked accordingly into the Orleans Justice Center.
On February 26, 2026, NOPD's VOWS Unit along with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, arrested George Cowart (Black male, DOB:12/14/1990), on charges of second degree murder. He is charged in the death of 39-year-old Rudi Gastinell who was shot multiple times in the 3300 block of Hamilton Street on February 12, 2026.
Anyone with additional information on these homicides is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at (504) 658-5300 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.