A Metairie mother has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Archbishop Rummel High School and the Archdiocese of New Orleans after her 17-year-old son, Devon Shelton, died by suicide just hours after being expelled from the school. The suit, filed by Sara Brannon, accuses school officials and the archdiocese of negligent treatment and of ignoring policies that she says were designed to protect vulnerable students. Brannon is seeking damages for mental anguish and for physical pain and suffering.
What the lawsuit says happened
Brannon’s complaint, lodged in state court on March 17, 2026, alleges that Shelton was expelled following an incident he described as a shoving match with a campus bully and after staff claimed he arrived at band practice smelling of alcohol. According to the lawsuit, the principal accused Shelton of trying to start a fight and told the family, “We think it best if Devon finds another school to attend … [he] is not showing the improvement we want to see.” The suit states that Shelton died by suicide only hours later. Those details are drawn from the legal filing and reporting by The Guardian.
Handbook rules and how the expulsion was handled
The lawsuit argues that Rummel failed to follow its own student handbook rules on expulsion and bullying and says school officials did not offer Shelton any plan to complete the school year remotely or provide other support after the sudden expulsion. The complaint points to Rummel’s published handbook, which outlines step-by-step procedures for disciplinary issues, bullying, and expulsions, and claims those procedures were not followed in Shelton’s case. As set out in Rummel's student handbook, those policies are meant to guide administrators in situations involving conflict and repeated misconduct.
Archdiocese already under pressure
The lawsuit arrives while the Archdiocese of New Orleans is already dealing with a years-long bankruptcy and settlement process tied to clergy-abuse claims. The archdiocese sought bankruptcy protection in 2020 and has been negotiating large settlements with claimants in recent months, a development that local outlets have been tracking closely. For additional context on that process, see Hoodline's reporting on the archdiocese settlement.
What comes next in court
Brannon is represented by civil attorneys including Richard Trahant, and the suit seeks damages based on alleged negligence and on the claim that the school did not follow its own handbook policies. In a statement to The Guardian, an archdiocese spokesperson said the church would not comment on pending litigation and added that it “holds Devon’s family and friends, particularly his parents, in prayer.” The case will move through the state court system, where the parties are expected to exchange documents and other evidence as it progresses toward possible motions or negotiations in the months ahead.
