In a shooting on May 12 in Algiers, New Orleans, a 9-year-old girl got killed when she was running to save herself and her siblings amidst gunfire. She was shot dead while she was helping her younger siblings get inside to safety as a stray bullet hit her head.
While she was rushed to the emergency room and kept on life support for days, she was declared brain dead.
Lee’Lani Brooks was playing outside her house around 2 p.m. when shootout started in the neighborhood. Men were shooting at each other outside, as the Louisiana authorities have confirmed the crime.
The kid’s mother and she were rushing inside the house along with her younger siblings; however, she was not safe herself as the bullet hit her head. After being treated in the hospital, the family had to make the hard decision of taking her off life support. Her family is truly devastated and her mom was crying while giving an interview.
@SulaKimNOLA gives us the updated news on 9 year old Lee’lani Brooks, girl who was shot by a stray bullet in the head 😢 pic.twitter.com/MTUwes2wco
— DaSouljaOfFortune (@Maj_Catastrophe) May 21, 2025
The Louisiana police have arrested Evan Rogers, charging him for a second-degree murder. Moreover, he’ll be charged with illegal possession and use of weapons. He was taken into custody after a four-hour-long standoff while he was hiding at a hotel. 22-year-old Devante Traylor is also an accused in the case.
The NOPD is also on a hunt for Kerry Sterling (uncle of Traylor), who is considered a person of interest in the case, as reported by Fox 8. Meanwhile, the devastated family is grieving and has set up a GoFundMe to help them with the funeral costs.
NOPD is seeking to locate Kerry Sterling, as a person of interest in the investigation into the death of 9-year-odl Lee’Lani Brooks. Sterling is wanted for questioning only.
Anyone with info. is asked to contact NOPD’s Homicide Unit at (504) 658-5300 or Crimestoppers. pic.twitter.com/ijseFkBok2— New Orleans Police Department (@NOPDNews) May 20, 2025
Her mother says she was a sweet and vibrant girl who was loved by everyone around her. Lee’Lani’s mother, Letisha Johnson, called the brave 9-year-old a leader who made sure her younger siblings were safe. She also stated in a post that how unforgettable her smile and infectious personality are.
The family is processing their hard emotions. They told Fox 8 how lively she was, liked to do nails and makeup, and loved dancing. Everyone in the family adored her. It is unfortunate that she won’t get to experience life now. Gun violence isn’t new in New Orleans, as more cases arise every day.
Lee’Lani Brooks dies days after being shot while escaping Algiers neighborhood feud https://t.co/WeYS4ha3Bf
— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) May 19, 2025
Her mother wants everyone to remember her baby for who she was at such a young age. She was selfless even at the age of 9 as she was trying to save her siblings. Many people have come in support and consider the incident as the tale of bravery. They are advocating for people to remember her as a selfless person who showed up in the face of danger. It should not be remembered as a tragic incident, but her life should be celebrated. The family celebrated a memorial event by releasing balloons on May 20th to honor their child.
