Fredrick Shelby, 18, and Michael Baker, 17, were arrested in connection with the June 27 death of 16-year-old Kimani Williams, police said.
Two men, both in their late teens, were booked Wednesday (Sept. 27) with attempted armed robbery in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy at a Gentilly intersection this summer, according to New Orleans police.
Fredrick Shelby, 18, and Michael Baker, 17, were arrested by the NOPD’s Violent Offender Warrant Squad in connection with the death of 16-year-old Kimani Williams, who died at a local hospital after being shot at Paris Avenue and Lafreniere Street, police said. Williams suffered more than one wound to the chest in the shooting, which occurred about 5 p.m. June 27 near a skate park.
By July 18, homicide detectives had publicly announced a search for two men deemed “persons of interest” in the investigation.
The NOPD did not indicate Wednesday whether Shelby or Baker were ultimately identified as those persons of interest. Police said only that as the investigation progressed, detectives developed both Shelby and Baker as suspects. Baker, whose birthday is in August, would have been 16 at the time of the shooting.
When asked if investigators expected to charge Shelby or Baker with Williams’ killing, NOPD Spokeswoman Ambria Washington declined to comment, citing the active, ongoing homicide investigation.
In addition to attempted armed robbery, Baker was also booked with simple battery, possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a stolen firearm in connection with two separate incidents unrelated to the June 27 shooting, according to police.
According to Orleans Parish court records, Shelby has pending charges of possession of marijuana and illegal carrying of a weapon.
He was indicted on those charges July 10 and on July 13, after entering a plea of not guilty, was given a reduced bond for the weapons charge on the condition that he continued participation in a youth program, court records show. On July 13, his $3,500 bond — $1,000 bond for the weapons charge and $2,500 bond for the marijuana charge — were filed, according to records.
Wednesday evening, both Shelby and Baker remained in the Orleans Justice Center jail, according to jail records.
Anyone with additional information on the shooting is asked to call NOPD Homicide Detective Rob Barrere at 504-658-5300. Those with information may also submit anonymous tips to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.
