The NOPD today (September 12, 2022) arrested Elbert Bender (black male, DOB; 06-07-1983) in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on August 24, 2022, in the 2800 block of Comus Court.

At about 1:46 p.m. on August 24, NOPD Fifth District officers initially responded to a call for a male down inside of a building at the location. Upon arrival and investigation, the subject was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced on scene by EMS.

On August 29, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office officially identified the victim as 33-year-old Demetrius Thomas and identified cause of death as injuries sustained via gunshot wounds.

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

Detectives learned that Bender was already in custody in the Orleans Parish Justice Center on unrelated charges. Bender was subsequently rebooked in connection with this investigation.

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