Crime
Fourth victim in New Orleans car-ramming attack identified as 28-year-old Nicole Perez
Authorities have identified Nicole Perez, a 28-year-old mother from Metairie, Louisiana, as the fourth victim in the tragic New Orleans car-ramming attack that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured dozens more on New Year’s Day.
Perez leaves behind her 4-year-old son, Melo, who is now in the care of close friends.
Perez worked at a deli in Metairie and had recently been promoted to manager, a role she had embraced with dedication and enthusiasm. Her colleagues described her as hardworking, kind, and a source of positivity for everyone around her.
In a heartfelt message shared on a GoFundMe campaign, her friend and employer, Usher-Fall, expressed the grief felt by those who knew Perez:
“It is with sadness that I write this GoFundMe. My friend and manager of our store, Nicole, was killed this morning in the attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. She was so beautiful and full of life. Her son Melo is now without his momma, and we are without our friend and dedicated employee.”
The campaign seeks to raise funds to cover Perez’s burial expenses and provide financial support for her son as he transitions into a new living situation.
Friends and coworkers remember Perez as a devoted mother whose life revolved around her son. “She was an incredible person who brought joy to everyone she met,” one coworker shared.
Melo, her young son, was the light of her life. “Everything she did was for Melo. She was so proud of him,” Usher-Fall added.
The tragic loss of Perez has united her community in grief and solidarity. The GoFundMe campaign has already begun to receive donations, with messages of condolence pouring in from friends, coworkers, and strangers alike.
The attack, described as an act of terrorism by law enforcement, has left a deep scar on the city of New Orleans. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims, including Perez’s, are left grappling with an unfathomable loss.
Perez’s friends hope the community will rally to ensure her son’s future. “Nicole gave so much to us. It’s our turn to give back and make sure her son has everything he needs,” Usher-Fall wrote.
Donations for Melo and Nicole Perez’s burial expenses can be made through the GoFundMe campaign, which continues to grow as more people learn about her story.
Perez’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew her and in the future of her beloved son, Melo.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.