Lizzell Palma, a 16-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, was shot and killed by her 20-year-old ex-boyfriend early in the morning as she walked to school. Police said the man then shot himself.
The shooting took place around 7:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Jo Ann Place in Algiers. When officers arrived shortly before 8 a.m., they found both Palma and the man with gunshot wounds. Palma was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man later died at the hospital.
According to WLBT, witnesses said Palma was walking to school with her sister when her ex-boyfriend confronted her outside their home. A neighbor said she heard Palma screaming for help and ran out to assist, but saw the gunman fire at the teen before turning the gun on himself. The witness also shared that she had seen the man “stalking around the house” earlier that morning.
Lizzell Palma
Another neighbor, Bijan Williams, said she heard several gunshots while loading her son into the car. Her security camera footage showed the man pacing outside for about 30 minutes before the shooting, appearing anxious as he waited for Palma to come out.
Palma was a junior and honor roll student at Walter L. Cohen High School. The school released a statement mourning her death, describing her as “a beloved member of the Class of 2027” and “an impressive young woman with a bright future and a successful college career ahead.” The school said counseling and emotional support are being provided to students and staff.
Police confirmed that Palma and the shooter had previously been in a relationship. They said there is no ongoing threat to the community as the investigation continues.
SOURCE: blacknew.com