Man prepares for arrival of baby shot in Central City

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans police said two men were shot in Central City Monday morning, one of them Terrell Massey.

Michael Willis says he knew Massey as a child and expects to become a father next week.

Willis said, “All of our mothers stuck together; we all grew up together.” Michael Willis says the word that describes Terrell Massey is selfless. He says, “I’ve seen him grow into a mature, phenomenal caregiver, nurturer and community giver… I’ve seen him buy uniforms for kids and enroll them in school.”

He says the 35-year-old always tried to improve his community. Willis says Terrell was an entrepreneur who wanted to encourage young people to always keep a positive attitude.

“He drives trucks, he has his own truck, a cleaning company, a mobile cleaning truck,” Willis said.

According to NOPD, the shooting occurred at 1:18 a.m. Monday morning near the intersection of Thalia and Baronne Streets in Central City. NOPD says Massey suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. A 37-year-old man was also shot and taken to the hospital.

According to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, there were three nonfatal shootings between Friday and Sunday: one in New Orleans East, one in Algiers and one in Marigny.

Willis runs HOPE, an anti-violence organization. He says our city needs prayers and solutions. He asks, “When does this stop, and when do we come together as a community and connect the dots with all parts of the city?”

Terrell leaves behind an unborn child. His baby is due next week, a baby who will never know his father.

NOPD said: “No arrests have been made at this time. We do not have a motive at this time, but we are asking the public to send any information that may assist in this investigation to Sixth Precinct detectives at (504) 658-6060 or to Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.”