Crime
18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux killed in New Orleans car-ramming attack
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove a rented white pickup truck into the crowded 200 block of Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m.
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi, tragically lost her life in the New Orleans car-ramming attack that occurred during New Year’s celebrations on Bourbon Street.
Dedeaux had traveled to New Orleans on Tuesday with her cousin and a friend to ring in the new year in the bustling French Quarter.
Her grieving mother, Melissa Dedeaux, confirmed Wednesday that her daughter was one of the 10 fatalities in what authorities are investigating as a terrorist attack.
“I just want to see my baby,” Melissa, 40, said through tears. “She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything.”
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove a rented white pickup truck into the crowded 200 block of Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m.
The attack left 10 people dead and approximately 35 others injured. Jabbar also shot two police officers before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
Cheyenne, affectionately known as “Cheyenne” to her family, had not planned to be in New Orleans, her mother revealed. She had secretly made the trip with her cousin, also 18, and their friend, Zion Parsons, 18.
Parsons recounted that the trio had been leaving Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris, a popular spot near Bienville Street, when chaos erupted. “Out of nowhere, I heard commotion and banging,” Parsons said.
Melissa Dedeaux’s niece informed her that gunfire had broken out, and the group began to flee. In the confusion, Cheyenne darted into the street and was struck by the oncoming truck. She suffered devastating injuries at the scene.
While the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has not yet officially confirmed her death, Melissa said she is certain her daughter was among the victims.
“As a mother, when my niece and Zion said they covered her with a sheet, I just knew that was it for my daughter,” Melissa said.
By Wednesday morning, Melissa and her family had reunited with her niece, who remained visibly shaken, and began retracing steps through the French Quarter to locate the car the trio had parked the night before.
The tragic loss of a young life has left the Dedeaux family and the Gulfport community heartbroken. Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux will be remembered as a kind and giving person whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which has left the city of New Orleans grieving and searching for answers.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.