Josef Christopher Brown, 28, was shot dead inside his home on the 3500 block of DeSaix Boulevard in New Orleans shortly after midnight on July 24, 2019. Two men wearing ski masks forcibly entered the residence at about 12:30 a.m. and fled after the fatal shooting.

Brown was remembered by family as a beloved son of Gabe Halley and Debra Brown-Cornett, a brother to Zirece and Kimberly Fraizer, Cedric Brown, Kenneth and Gabrielle Halley, and Taciana Negret, and a godfather to two children. Funeral services were held the following week at Gentilly Baptist Church.

The investigation remains open. Authorities have not publicly identified the two masked men, announced arrests, or released a motive; a reward was being offered for information that could lead to an arrest and conviction.

If anyone knew Josef, saw activity in the DeSaix Boulevard area that night, or has information about the break-in, please come forward.