Person of Interest Sought for Questioning in NOPD Homicide Investigation

The NOPD is seeking to locate and interview a person of interest in its ongoing investigation of a homicide that occurred on August 19, 2024, in the 0-10 block of Esplanade Avenue.

At about 8:00 a.m. on August 19, 2024, a female victim was found deceased under the Governor Nicholls Street wharf. The incident was initially deemed an unclassified death. However, upon completion of autopsy, the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office determined that victim had sustained blunt force injuries and had sustained manual strangulation. At that time, the incident was reclassified as a homicide. The coroner also identified the victim as 44-year-old Patricia Fitzgerald.

The last known individual to have contact with the victim was Courtney Cantrell (pictured, white male, DOB: 09-07-1988). Cantrell is known to be from the Shreveport/Bossier City area but is currently unhoused and living in New Orleans. Cantrell is not currently wanted on criminal charges in this investigation. However, detectives believe he may have knowledge of information pertinent to the investigation and wish to interview Cantrell.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation, including the location of the listed person of interest, is urged to contact NOPD Homicide Section detectives at 504-658-5300. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD's Public Affairs Division at [email protected].