A man was found dead from a gunshot wound in New Orleans' Plum Orchard neighborhood, prompting an investigation by local authorities, according to the New Orleans Police Department. The discovery was made during a wellness check conducted by NOPD officers in the 4700 block of Bonita Drive. The victim, whose identity has yet to be released, was declared dead at the scene by EMS, as WGNO reported.
In a statement obtained by WWLTV, the NOPD explained that the incident began as an unclassified death query. They later upgraded the case to a homicide investigation, signifying a change in the direction of their inquiry. The WWLTV report details that the initial discovery came as a result of a wellness check.
The NOPD's approach to releasing information in ongoing investigations is often measured, as noted in their handling of the case according to NOLA.com. The timeline made clear by the police indicates that the status of the investigation shifted from an unclassified death to a homicide sometime between the initial wellness check at about 9:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. today, but no other details were immediately available, including any information on a possible perpetrator.
