The first of two children killed by gunfire during a violent week in late August in New Orleans, Londyn was killed by a bullet that first tore through her 18-year-old babysitter, who was carrying her down South Saratoga Street.

...

The investigation into Londyn's slaying was tough, with police reporting that at one point Crimestoppers had received just one tip. Detectives worked the case for six days before making an arrest.

Keelen Armstrong, 24, and Darnell Ramee, 19, who police say fired on Londyn and her babysitter, who was critically wounded, were arrested on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. They are being held in Orleans Parish Prison. Police have not indicated a motive.

Jaamal Weathersby, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, praised the bravery of those who came forward with information that led to the arrests. And the mayor said everyone should ask themselves what they can do to stop the violence.

http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2013/09/at_funeral_of_slain_1-year-old.html

According to the documents, filed at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, witnesses told investigators that the babysitter stopped by her friend’s house a short time before the shooting. Several people were at the home, including Armstrong and another man described only as “Dee Dee.” Police declined to say Thursday night if Dee Dee is Ramee.

Dee Dee had a 9 mm handgun that he gave to Armstrong. That gun, police say, was used to wound the woman and kill Londyn.

After the shooting, the babysitter ran into her home in the 2800 block of South Saratoga Street and told relatives that the men who shot her were at her friend’s home. The woman later identified Armstrong as one of her assailants through a photographic lineup, according to court documents.

http://theadvocate.com/news/neworleans/neworleansnews/6976482-123/another-arrested-in-toddlers-death

nolabear

(41,987 posts)

4. It's going to take a lot of things.

Reply to FarCenter (Reply #3)

Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:23 PM

Sep 2013

I don't pretend to know the ins and outs of it. Old gangs, new (post Katrina) gangs, long held and often justifiable suspicions about the police, a deep class divide, poor education and an even poorer sense of connection to the bigger community, lots and lots of guns and few people willing to step forward and defer personal power in favor of cooperative power. It's the terrible side of the heritage.

But if things don't change, that baby represents the loss of a future for a lot of people.

Aerows

(39,961 posts)

6. It always comes back to Katrina.

Reply to nolabear (Reply #4)

Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:25 PM

Sep 2013

that destroyed this area worse than a bomb could. It's just sad as hell.

nolabear

(41,987 posts)

7. I know. That void filled with some awful things.

Reply to Aerows (Reply #6)

Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:29 PM

Sep 2013

I still can't believe the resilience, but there are a whole lot of changes far more benign than this one that I hate to see. Too much taking and not enough giving back.

Aerows

(39,961 posts)

8. Amen

Reply to nolabear (Reply #7)

Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:32 PM

Sep 2013

"Too much taking and not enough giving back" describes most of the problems in our world, and not just here in Katrina regions. It hit us, and we rose above it, but I hope we continue to rise above it defining us. There are some fine people here, and the thugs and idiots do not guide us. We will guide our own damn selves first before we let that happen!

nolabear

(41,987 posts)

9. ...

Reply to Aerows (Reply #8)

Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:34 PM

Sep 2013

Aerows

(39,961 posts)

11. I didn't mean to get off on a rant

Reply to nolabear (Reply #9)

Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:38 PM

Sep 2013

I've just seen a lot, like you have, and we are all pretty tired of all mouth politicians while their hand is in our wallets. Transforming a community starts with the community, is built on the community, and is sustained by community support. Stepping up to the plate and not being part of the corruption is the first part of becoming a leader.