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.
Crime
Jared Llamado Identified as Suspect in Fatal I-495 Road Rage Stabbing
Troopers kill alleged I-495 road-rage stabber who left 1 dead, 3 hurt
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police have identified the suspect in Sunday’s fatal road rage stabbing along Interstate 495 as 32-year-old Jared Llamado of McLean, Virginia.
According to authorities, troopers responded at approximately 1:17 p.m. to reports of a road rage incident on the southbound lanes of I-495 near Exit 52.
Upon arrival, officers discovered four individuals suffering from stab wounds.
One of the victims, 39-year-old Michelle Adams, later died from her injuries.
A dog at the scene was also fatally stabbed.
Three additional victims were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries.
Investigators state that the stabbings occurred following a vehicle crash on the highway.
When troopers encountered Llamado, he was still armed with a knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
Police said he confronted officers and failed to comply with commands, prompting a trooper to discharge his firearm in self-defense. Llamado was pronounced dead at the scene.
The involved trooper was not injured during the encounter.
Video circulated online appears to show a female bystander attempting to intervene during the attack on Adams.
Authorities believe that individual may have also been stabbed while trying to stop the assault, though officials have not publicly confirmed specific victim identities beyond Adams.
The Virginia State Police emphasized that the incident is not believed to be terrorism-related.
The motive remains under investigation.
The violence caused significant traffic disruptions, with all southbound lanes of I-495’s Outer Loop between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike temporarily closed for several hours. The roadway has since reopened.
The investigation remains ongoing.