The NOPD has arrested William French (black male, DOB: 01-01-1997) of Memphis, Tenn., in its investigation of a homicide that occurred on September 28, 2025, in the 300 block of Loyola Avenue.

At about 12:22 a.m. on September 28, NOPD Eighth District officers responded to a call of shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male gunshot wound victim located on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later declared deceased.

On October 1, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 23-year-old Joshua Bester and determined preliminary cause of death to be from gunshot-related injuries.

Through investigation, NOPD Homicide Section detectives developed and positively identified French as the perpetrator in this incident. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for French on one count of second-degree murder.

The NOPD was notified on October 13 that French had been arrested in Harris County, Texas. Officers transported French back to Orleans Parish on October 22 to face the murder charge.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Investigation into this incident remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information that can assist in is urged to contact NOPD Homicide Section detectives at 504-658-5300 or to report information anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans by calling 504-822-1111 or by submitting tips online at www.crimestoppersgno.org.

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