On February 26, 2021, 38-year-old Martinus Mitchum, a Tulane University Police Department officer and reserve deputy constable with the Second City Court of New Orleans Constable’s Office, was killed while working a security detail at a high school basketball playoff game at George Washington Carver High School. According to reports, a man later identified as John Shallerhorn attempted to enter the school without a face mask and became involved in a confrontation with staff. Mitchum intervened to de-escalate and was escorting the man off school property when the man produced a handgun and shot Mitchum in the chest. Mitchum collapsed and died at the scene.

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies who were also present at the event apprehended the suspect. Family and friends described Mitchum as a compassionate, humble public servant who often helped others, including paying a woman’s rent to prevent her eviction. The family asked that the district attorney not seek the death penalty.

Does anyone who attended that game or knew Officer Mitchum have memories to share or information that could add to the record?