The killing of a community activist who had been helping the city recover sent shudders through the Marigny neighborhood still recovering from the murder of a filmmaker a few months ago.

Forty-three-year-old hairdresser Robin Malta was found beaten to death inside of his home. Police picked up 36-year-old Shawn Curry, an ex-roommate of Malta’s for questioning. They stress that Curry is not a suspect, but they hope he can shed some light on the killing.

Meanwhile friends and acquaintances set up makeshift memorials at Malta’s home and hair salon.

He was remembered as a gregarious personality who had been organizing community meetings and serving as a neighborhood watchdog against crime.

Malta had served as the grand marshall at Southern Decadence, the massive gay-pride festival that is hosted in New Orleans each year.

"He loved everyone,” said Malta’s sister, Monica Thurmond. “He didn’t have an enemy anywhere.”

Friends said the fact that Malta was so well liked makes it hard to understand who could commit such a crime. Malta was killed and his car was stolen, burned and dumped in a Central City neighborhood, where it was found several hours after his body was discovered.

Malta was born and raised in New Orleans. He opened his hair salon with his sister three years ago. A generous man, friends said he raised thousands for charities through his business.

His killing, and that of filmmaker Helen Hill in January, have shed light on the city’s post-Katrina crime problem in a neighborhood that wasn’t known for having such problems.

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Police found Malta's car Friday morning in Central City.

“The crime in this city is ridiculous,” said Bryan Dudek, a friend of Malta’s.

“We’re trying to rebuild New Orleans and stuff like this just keeps giving us a negative force,” said Jeff Schooler, who works as a store manager.

Friends say they are going to organize a march on Malta’s behalf. They are asking that anyone wishing to make donations, please give to Crimestoppers in lieu of flowers.

Investigators said they have no motives or suspects in the case. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 822-1111.