Davshawn Lane

Davshawn Lane, a 22-year-old Black man known as a dedicated family man, was just hours away from celebrating his birthday when his life was cut short by gunfire on March 10, 2012. Those who knew him remember a man who spent most of his time working at his family's business. Beyond his work ethic, Davshawn had a passion for cars and bikes, finding joy in fixing them up, riding ATVs, and being out on the road. He was not known to have any trouble with the law. His sudden and violent death left his loved ones with a void that has not diminished with time.

The day that was meant for celebration turned into one of profound tragedy. Family and friends were preparing for Davshawn's surprise 22nd birthday party. A family friend, Leah Mann, recalled being in a hair salon getting ready for the festivities when the devastating phone call came. On that Saturday night, around 8:30 p.m., Davshawn was waiting for his girlfriend outside his apartment at the Chateau d’Orleans apartments in the 14000 block of Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East when shots were fired. He was killed on the scene.

The news brought everything to a halt, and for his family, life has never been the same. "I still move on from day to day, keep a smile on my face, but inside it tears me apart," his sister, Keisha Jones, said years after his death. The thought that his killer remained free was a tormenting reality for the family.

The New Orleans Police Department began an investigation into the homicide. Years later, the case was being handled by the department's Cold Case Division. Detective Richard Chambers revealed that a week or two before the shooting, Davshawn had been involved in an argument with someone regarding a break-in at his apartment. Investigators believe this dispute may have been connected to his murder. "Quite possibly, it could've been retaliation from that argument," Detective Chambers stated in 2016.

In an effort to generate new leads, police announced they were seeking to speak with two men who lived near the apartment complex at the time of Davshawn's death. The men were identified only by a first name and a nickname: one was called "Jessie," and the other was known as "X." Authorities believed these individuals might have information that could help solve the case, but no arrests have been announced.

The loss of Davshawn Lane was a deeply personal tragedy for his family and a stark reminder of the gun violence that has affected so many in New Orleans. His murder was one of 193 homicides recorded in the city in 2012, a year marked by a significant level of violent crime. For his loved ones, he is not just a statistic but a cherished son, brother, and friend whose light was extinguished far too soon.

As of April 2016, Davshawn's case remains unsolved. His family continues to hold out hope for justice and pleads for anyone with information to come forward. "Say something," Leah Mann urged. "I know this is everybody's cry in New Orleans. Everyone is trying to get murders solved, but we are asking everyone to please be compassionate, as if it's one of your family members or one of your loved ones." The investigation is ongoing, and the New Orleans Police Department encourages anyone with information to contact them.