Nicole Williams was a 50-year-old grandmother who returned to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras with her grandchildren after having moved away following the earlier homicide of her son. On the evening of Mardi Gras, around 9:30 p.m., gunfire erupted on North Claiborne Avenue during the celebrations and Williams was struck and fatally wounded amid a crowd of hundreds.

Family remembered her as lively, fond of laughter and photographs; she had been seen the day before her death exchanging I love yous with relatives. The interim police superintendent identified Williams as a cousin. The New Orleans Police Department investigated and a 29-year-old woman was arrested and booked on second-degree murder charges in connection with the killing. A GoFundMe was set up to assist with funeral expenses and relatives say the family is considering leaving the city for safety.

If anyone knew Nicole or has information about the shooting on North Claiborne Avenue that night, please share what is known.