Lester Johnson

Lester M. Johnson Sr., a New Orleans native known to friends as "Super Live the President," or simply "Supa," was a dedicated family man and an enthusiastic entrepreneur. At 44 years old, he was the proud owner of Groove City, a nightclub in the 7th Ward, which he had opened with his wife about two years prior. Beyond the nightlife business, Johnson also owned and operated a property management and construction company. He was a man of many interests, from watching sports, especially his young son's football games, to cooking. Many of the dishes featured in his nightclub's promotional photos were his own creations. Above all, his family was his greatest love. He was a devoted husband to Bessie Hall Johnson and a loving father to his children, Lester M. Johnson Jr., Lyric M. Johnson, and Lesleigh M. Johnson.

The night of Tuesday, September 1, 2015, began like many others for Johnson. He spent the evening at Groove City, happily greeting friends and selecting music to play over the club's speakers. After closing for the night, he drove home to the Little Woods neighborhood of eastern New Orleans. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 2, as he arrived at his house in the 9700 block of West Wheaton Circle, his life was violently taken. Around 1:45 a.m., gunshots shattered the quiet of the residential street.

When New Orleans Police Department officers responded to the scene, they found Johnson lying in his driveway. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. His black Cadillac Escalade, parked in the driveway where he was killed, bore the marks of the attack, with its back windshield shattered and a bullet hole visible in the rear passenger window. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office later officially identified Johnson and confirmed his death as a homicide.

The investigation into Johnson's murder was launched immediately, with NOPD homicide detectives canvassing for evidence and seeking to understand the motive behind the brutal killing. "I don't understand what happened to my brother," his older sister, Lorie Johnson, told reporters in the aftermath. "I don't understand why he is dead... I want to know who did this to him and why." She described her brother as a "good man" who was deeply loved by his family. Despite the family's pleas for answers, police did not publicly release information about any potential suspects or motives in the case.

In the days following his death, Johnson's family and friends gathered to mourn their profound loss. His funeral service was held on Friday, September 11, 2015, at the St. Bernard Community Baptist Church, where a community shaken by his sudden death came together to pay their respects. He was remembered not only as a businessman but as a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend whose presence was a source of joy for many.

Years have passed since Lester Johnson was killed in his own driveway, but the case remains unresolved. As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with his murder. The investigation remains open, leaving his family without the closure that justice might bring. The case is a painful reminder of the unresolved violence that continues to affect families and communities in New Orleans.

The New Orleans Police Department continues to seek information that could lead to a breakthrough in the case. Anyone with information about the death of Lester Johnson is urged to contact NOPD Homicide Detective Ryan Vaught at 504-658-5300 or to provide an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.