New Orleans police are actively investigating two separate deadly shootings that occurred within an hour of each other on Thursday, September 4, 2026. While one suspect has been taken into custody, authorities confirm that another individual remains at large and is considered a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. The first incident took place on Chef Menteur Highway near Louisa Street. Shortly thereafter, a second shooting occurred near West Lake Forest around 3:00 p.m. Investigators say officers responding to a call near a Walmart in the Gentilly neighborhood discovered an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds around 2:00 p.m. Emergency medical services transported the victim to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. According to New Orleans Police Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon, the victim was likely shot just before officers arrived. Shortly after the initial response, state police observed a vehicle speeding away from the scene. When officers attempted to pursue the vehicle, it drove off the road and onto a lawn. Two individuals exited the vehicle; one was quickly apprehended for questioning, while the second individual escaped and has not been located. A department spokesperson noted that as of Thursday night, it has not been confirmed whether the two individuals in the vehicle were directly connected to the killing. City Councilman Eugene Green, who represents the district where the Gentilly shooting occurred, visited the scene to discuss community safety. He highlighted existing violence prevention programs within the health department and encouraged residents to seek alternatives to violence. Despite these recent tragedies, New Orleans police report a decline in murders for the summer months. From May through August, the city recorded 22 murders, nearly half the number seen during the same period in previous years. The New Orleans Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the suspect at large to contact authorities. Tips can be directed to the investigating agency to assist in the ongoing manhunt and investigation.