Wanted suspects Melvinisha Howard (photo not available black female, DOB; 01-18-1978) and Joe Robinson (photo not available, black male, DOB: 10-7-1997) have been arrested in the NOPD's investigation of a homicide on August 13, 2021 in the 2200 block of Piety Street.

At about 5:46 p.m. on August 13, NOPD Fifth District officers responded to a call of an aggravated battery by shooting at the 2200 block of Piety Street. While en route to the scene, officers received a call of a vehicle near the intersection of Humanity Street and Ursula Spencer Way with heavy damage. Officers arrived at that scene and located a vehicle with two male subjects inside, both having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. One victim was declared deceased at the scene, while the second victim was transported via EMS.

Through investigation, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified Howard and Robinson as perpetrators in this incident and obtained warrants for their arrest. Charges against Howard include one count of each of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and violation of a protective order. Charges against Robinson include one count each of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder

Both Howard and Robinson were located and arrested on September 23 at a residence in Baton Rouge, La. and are currently housed in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison awaiting extradition to Orleans Parish for booking.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Homicide Det. Matthew Riffle at 504-658-5300.