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Raynard Williams Jr., also called "Dooda," was a 15-year-old L. B. Landry High School student from New Orleans, Louisiana. On March 18, 2024, the young student tragically became a fatal victim of gun violence.
Raynard Williams Jr. was a student and an enthusiastic young man who loved dancing, rapping, and playing video games. He had aspirations of trying out for his high school basketball team, showing his passion for sports and active engagement in school life.
The premiere episode of a new docuseries, Homicide Squad in New Orleans, will follow Raynard Williams Jr.'s death. The episode, titled My Sister's Keeper, is set to air on January 1, 2025, at 10 pm ET/PT on A&E.
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The series chronicles the intense and dedicated work of the homicide detectives within the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Each episode revolves around the detectives as they pursue new cases and try to catch the perpetrators. They also help answer questions from the loved ones of the victims and bring justice to their community.
Background of Raynard Williams Jr.
Raynard Williams Jr. was born on December 23, 2008, to Raynard L. Williams Sr and Anndrea Q. Robinson. He grew up in New Orleans and was very engaged in his community.
Raynard was hoping to make basketball tryouts, as he felt a strong excitement for sports, teamwork, and being part of a team of students at L. B. Landry High School. He was interested in athletics but also had other creative interests, such as dancing and rapping, which were integral parts of his identity.
According to a March 2024 report by WGNO ABC, his mother, Andrea Robinson, described him as someone who "loved" his grandparents and his sister. The absence of this young life has caused them to suffer seriously.
Circumstances surrounding Raynard Williams Jr.'s death
Raynard was fatally shot on March 18, 2024, near General Meyer and Murl Streets in New Orleans. His death was unexpected and left many of his family and friends distraught over the loss of a bright life. The authorities in the area are investigating this case as part of their efforts to curb the alarming rates of gun violence involving youths in the city.
The shooting has created grave concerns over people's safety in communities and the repercussions of weapons' destructive power on the family, as per WNGO ABC. Community leaders are demanding immediate action on gun violence and safer and better surroundings for children and teenagers as a response to this tragedy.
Community response
News of Raynard Williams Jr.'s death did not go silent, and the outpouring of grief did not remain in the small circle of friends and family but extended into the larger community.
According to WGNO ABC, his mom asked for change within the community. She urged everyone to come together on issues that lead to the violent death of youngsters. Community leaders have encouraged more active interaction between residents, which would help promote unity and mutual support among the families.
As per WWL-TV, following Raynard's death, community advocates admitted that there are no resources or programs to help youth stay away from violence.
Watch Homicide Squad in New Orleans on January 1, 2025, at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E.
