Four Suspects Arrested in Connection to Shooting Outside of New Orleans High School Graduation That Left Elderly Woman Dead

Four suspects are in custody and have been charged in connection to a shooting that left an 80-year-old woman dead and two others injured after a high school graduation ceremony. 

The New Orleans Police Department said the shooting happened outside of Xavier University’s Convocation Center following the May 31 graduation of Morris Jeff High School students. Police believe the shooting stemmed from an argument between two juveniles. 

Brandon Rock, 18, turned himself in to police on the same day as the shooting. He was charged with manslaughter and possession of a firearm in a gun-free zone. His bail was set at $750,000.

The three remaining suspects turned themselves in to police on June 14.

Laverne Duplessis, 40, was charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. She was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from Jefferson Parish. Her bail was set at $550,000.

Frank Bartholomew, 49, was charged with one count of obstruction of justice. His bail was set at $50,000.

An unidentified 15-year-old was charged with possession of a firearm in a gun-free zone. The minor was booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center. 

The victim, Augustine Greenwood, was killed during the shooting. She had just attended the graduation ceremony of one of her grandchildren. Two other men were injured but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. The two men were also at the location for the graduation ceremonies.