The community of Algiers is heartbroken following a devastating tragedy that unfolded Wednesday morning, leaving 16-year-old Lizzell Palma and a 20-year-old man dead in what authorities have confirmed to be a murder-suicide.
According to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, the deadly double shooting occurred just before 8 a.m. in Algiers and marks the fifth murder-suicide in New Orleans since September 25, a heartbreaking statistic that underscores a growing wave of senseless violence impacting local families.
The New Orleans Police Department responded to the scene shortly after 8 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire around 7:45 a.m. When officers arrived, they discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
A 16-year-old girl, later identified by family members as Lizzell Palma, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. A 20-year-old man, whose name has not yet been publicly released, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to witnesses, the young man allegedly followed Lizzell as she walked to the bus stop before shooting her and then turning the gun on himself. The motive behind the tragic act remains under investigation.
Lizzell Palma was a junior at Walter L. Cohen High School, a bright and ambitious student who had her whole life ahead of her. The school released a statement confirming its closure for the day as students, staff, and faculty struggled to come to terms with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of one of their own.
Those who knew Lizzell describe her as kind, joyful, and full of promise — a young woman who brought light and laughter wherever she went. Her friends and classmates are shattered by the news, as the community rallies together to honor her memory and offer comfort to her grieving family.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the city, reigniting conversations about youth violence, mental health, and the urgent need for prevention and support systems for young people in crisis.
Community members are encouraged to keep Lizzell’s family in their prayers during this unimaginably painful time. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111.
As New Orleans mourns another life gone too soon, the memory of Lizzell Palma will live on in the hearts of those who loved her — a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion, understanding, and peace.
