GhLinks Media
Jezreel Aquilla Poleate, a 24-year-old resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was identified as the victim of a deadly shooting outside a New Orleans nightclub on Sunday night.
The tragic incident also left 11 others wounded.
Sharon Poleate, the victim’s mother, described her daughter as a kind, sociable, and stylish person who easily made friends. “She was my only daughter,” the grieving mother said.
Friends of Jezreel, a graduate of Helen Cox High School, believe she was an innocent bystander caught in the gunfire.
“I know for sure those shots weren’t meant for her,” family friend Kinmont Garrett, 30, said.
The shooting was reported to the New Orleans Police Department just before midnight outside of Republic NOLA, a music venue and nightclub.
The surviving victims include six women and five men, the NOPD said.
They were taken to hospitals by ambulance or private vehicles. No information on their conditions were immediately available.
NOPD officials are expected to release additional information on the investigation during a 4 p.m. news conference on Monday.
Republic owner Nick Thomas said the shooting occurred entirely outside the venue. Hip-hop artist Anycia performed there that night, according to Eventbrite.
Kelsey Holt, a Nashville resident staying at a nearby hotel, reported hearing six or seven gunshots.
