Crime
New Orleans Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting Found Dead in Apparent Suicide
On January 4, 2025, Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting, 34, was discovered dead at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office in what authorities believe to be an apparent suicide. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and confirmed that Kersting had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kersting was a key member of the District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) unit. He worked closely with the New Orleans Police Department to investigate and prosecute sexual assault cases using advanced DNA evidence and other forensic techniques. His efforts were instrumental in addressing these complex and sensitive cases, making a significant impact on the lives of survivors and the pursuit of justice.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office expressed profound grief over Kersting’s untimely death.
“Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting was a beloved member of our office, dedicated to justice and supporting victims of sexual assault. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the office stated.
They also requested privacy for Kersting’s family and colleagues as they cope with the tragic loss.
Kersting’s death has left a void in the legal community, where he was respected for his professionalism and compassion. Many colleagues and community members have expressed their condolences and shared stories of his commitment to justice.
Counseling services have been made available to staff at the District Attorney’s Office, and mental health advocates are urging anyone struggling with similar challenges to seek help.
For individuals in crisis, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988, offering confidential support 24/7.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.