Joseph Miles, 68, was shot and killed at his home on the 2500 block of North Mero Street in the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans on the evening of Monday, October 14, 2024. Police responded to reports of the shooting around 7 p.m. and found Miles had died at the scene.

A carpenter by trade, Miles was remembered by family and neighbors as fun, loving, and inherently good. He had recently reconnected with his stepdaughter after a period of estrangement following the death of her mother seven months earlier; she is now left grappling with heightened fear after previously losing two brothers to gun violence. Neighbors described shock and sorrow at the sudden loss.

The investigation is ongoing; authorities have not released information about suspects or a motive, and no arrests have been announced. If anyone knew Joseph, saw activity near North Mero Street on October 14, or has information that could help the inquiry, please come forward.