On Friday, March 19, 2026, New Orleans police went public with a plea for help, asking residents to assist in locating three people of interest in a homicide that left one person dead last July. The department named Derreck Bennett, Demonde Bennett and Larry Bennett, saying the three may have information tied to a shooting on the 4600 block of Flake Street on July 23, 2025. Detectives stressed that the men are wanted for questioning only and that no criminal charges have been announced. The department also noted that everyone mentioned in the release is presumed innocent until proven guilty, as reported by the New Orleans Police Department.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the social media post included photos, race and dates of birth for all three men: Derreck Bennett (DOB Nov. 29, 1982), Demonde Bennett (DOB Oct. 9, 1973) and Larry Bennett (DOB Apr. 23, 1951). Investigators believe the trio "may possess information important to the investigation." Anyone with information was urged to call NOPD Homicide detectives at 504-658-5300 or contact Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP, with tips also accepted online.
What Police Released
The NOPD frequently uses public bulletins and social media to circulate images and hotline numbers when detectives are looking for new leads, as shown in the department's NOPD GovDelivery notices. Those posts instruct callers to reach Homicide detectives at 504-658-5300 and to use Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips, and local coverage has tracked similar appeals across the city, including a Bienville Street homicide alert.
Per the department's New Orleans Police Department March 19 post, the shooting took place July 23, 2025, on the 4600 block of Flake Street. The post did not provide additional information about a possible motive or suspect. Police said the three men are being sought for questioning and reiterated that anyone named remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How To Help
People who have video, dashcam footage or other information were asked to call NOPD Homicide at 504-658-5300 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers through its website, by calling 504-822-1111, or by using the toll-free line at 1-877-903-STOP. Crime Stoppers' site explains how anonymity works and offers a web tip form for those who prefer not to pick up the phone.
Detectives said the public appeal is part of ongoing efforts to develop leads in an unsolved case. For media questions or corrections, the department directs inquiries to its Public Information Office at [email protected], as noted in City of New Orleans communications.
