Thanh Truong / Eyewitness News
Email: ttruong@wwltv.com | Twitter: @thanh412
NEW ORLEANS The Orleans Parish Coroner's office released the names of two men killed in a double shooting outside the famous Blaine Kern Studios at Mardi Gras World.
The first victim, 25-year old Deron Hitchens, was found inside a silver Toyota with multiple gunshot wounds. Kendrell Fields, the 29-year-old second victim, was found on the ground of the studio's parking lot near the Port of New Orleans on Tuesday night.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the shooting is not considered random.
Investigators said shortly after 10:30 pm on Mardi Gras night, witnesses attending a concert inside Mardi Gras World reported hearing gunshots outside near the parking lot. When police responded, they found both victims in the parking lot.
Earlier that night, a group of people had gathered on Mardi Gras night to watch rapper Rich Homie Quan perform. Calvin Jones, a tourist from Houston, had come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras festivities and to attend the concert. He said by the time he arrived at the venue, he decided to turn away.
'I don't know what happened,' Jones said. 'I wasn't trying to see what happened. I was just trying to leave so I wouldn't get hit.'
Police recovered a hand gun and multiple shell casings from the murder scene. Detectives are still searching for a suspect and motive.
A spokesman for Blaine Kern Studios declined to comment about the shootings and referred questions to the New Orleans Police Department.
Jones said it was a shame that lives were lost during a time dedicated for celebration.
'You never want to see anybody die,' Jones said. 'I don't know what the situation was; I just feel like you should just leave that at home, you know, they messed up a lot of people's good time.'
Police urge anyone with information on the double murders to call Crime Stoppers at 504-822-1111.
