Ten years after Tollette “Tonka” George was shot to death in Algiers, his killing is still unsolved, and for his family the hurt has not dulled with time. George, a recent Alcorn State graduate and former Edna Karr standout, was gunned down near the corner of Vespasian Street and Lauradale Drive on June 24, 2016. The anniversary has stirred fresh attention from friends, former teammates and local media, yet there has still been no arrest.
‘Wheel of Justice’ Puts Case Back on TV
WGNO’s “Wheel of Justice” segment returned to George’s story this week, pulling the case back into the public eye and urging anyone who knows something to come forward. As reported by WGNO, the series has helped generate tips in other investigations, and the station notes that more than 485 people have been booked after their cases aired. The latest feature on George comes as family members and his old schools continue to find ways to keep his name in circulation.
What Happened the Night Tonka Was Killed
Shortly before 10 p.m. on June 24, 2016, police were called to Vespasian Street and Lauradale Drive, where officers found George with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, relatives told WDSU. Family members said he had been talking with a teammate on FaceTime when the gunfire erupted, and mourners gathered the next evening for a vigil. In those first, stunned days, George was remembered as a mentor and local star whose return to New Orleans after graduation had been celebrated only weeks earlier.
Alcorn Community Rallies With Scholarship Drive
Alcorn State publicly mourned George’s death, and its athletics site shared condolences, noting he had graduated that May. As outlined on Alcorn State, teammates and staff recalled his leadership on the field. Students and alumni later launched an #AlcornGive5 campaign that aimed to raise $50,000 for an endowed scholarship in his name, according to a fundraising page that documented the effort.
Edna Karr Keeps No. 5 on the Field
At Edna Karr High, George’s legacy runs through a single jersey. Each season, one player is chosen to wear No. 5 in his honor, a tradition that brings family members and fans to pregame ceremonies. As reported by NOLA.com, his mother, Rhonda George, told the crowd, “Anybody that got No. 5, I take them on like that’s my child,” a line that shows how personal the ritual remains. It is one of several local traditions that keep Tonka’s story active in neighborhood conversations.
How to Help Move the Case Forward
The investigation is still open, and Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans continues to list George’s killing as an active case. Anyone with information is urged to call (504) 822-1111. The group’s open-cases page notes that tips can be submitted anonymously and can qualify for a cash reward if they lead to an arrest or indictment, according to Crimestoppers GNO. Investigators say even small details can provide the break that revives a long-cold file.
For George’s family and classmates, the tenth anniversary is another year without answers, and another reminder that jerseys, scholarships and TV segments are doing the work of keeping his memory alive. Local reporting such as WGNO’s “Wheel of Justice,” along with the steady push from community groups, has helped solve other cases. Until new evidence surfaces, those who loved Tonka say they will keep pushing for the tip that finally brings closure.
