Gerald Sylvester was 17 when he was fatally shot on January 7, 2019, in the Little Woods neighborhood of New Orleans East. An African American student who attended Warren Easton Charter High School, McDonogh 35 Senior High School, KIPP Believe, and Akili Academy, he was remembered by family and friends as funny, caring, smart, and outspoken.

The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide by gunfire and the New Orleans Police Department opened a homicide investigation. Public reports give few specifics about the exact location or circumstances of the shooting, and there has been no public announcement of arrests or identified suspects.

Gerald’s family and community continue to feel the loss. If anyone knew Gerald, saw something in Little Woods around January 7, 2019, or has information that could help the investigation, please come forward.