Christopher MERK Joshua Mercadal, 33, was shot to death while exercising inside the Aaaarchitect Institute in the 3900 block of Howard Avenue on the edge of Gert Town in New Orleans on Monday, August 27, 2018. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene. He was a husband and father; his obituary describes him as a beloved son, brother, and grandson.

The New Orleans Police Department opened a homicide investigation but has not publicly released a motive or identified suspects. Crimestoppers and law enforcement have asked the public for help and have offered a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment. No arrests have been announced and the case remains open and active.

If anyone was at the Aaaarchitect Institute that day or has information about who entered or left the facility on August 27, 2018, please share what you know with investigators.