Seventeen-year-old Eric C. Simmons III was shot and killed in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans while walking home from school. He was still in his school uniform with a backpack when several unidentified men approached and opened fire. Eric was found with gunshot wounds in the 8600 block of Palmetto Street and pronounced dead at the scene.

A senior at Carver High School, Eric was remembered by loved ones as a bright student who enjoyed sports and academics and was looking forward to graduation. The New Orleans Police Department has not identified any suspects and no motive has been announced; the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact homicide detectives or Crimestoppers.

If anyone knew Eric, saw the area around Palmetto Street that day, or has information that could help the investigation, please come forward.