Philip Sherman Whitaker was 54 when he was last seen leaving a pharmacy on November 8, 2017. What began as a missing person report ended days later when a body wrapped in a piece of carpet was found in New Orleans East near the Michoud Boulevard and Interstate 10 interchange. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the remains as Whitaker’s and an autopsy determined he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Officials traced the investigation to Hancock County, Mississippi, where friends Terry and Carl Smith of Kiln were identified as persons of interest. Investigators say an argument between Whitaker and the Smiths escalated and that both men were later arrested and charged with murder in connection with Whitaker’s death.

If anyone knew Whitaker, his movements that week, or saw him in New Orleans or the Kiln/Diamondhead area, please share what you remember.