GRETNA, La. (AP) – A man who had just bought something at a suburban New Orleans shopping mall on Christmas Eve was shot to death at close range and a suspect was in custody, police said.
It happened about 4:21 p.m. Wednesday, less than two hours before the Oakwood Center mall in Gretna was scheduled to close for the holiday, said Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand.
The victim had just purchased something from Foot Locker and had turned from the cash register when a man walked to within three or four feet of him and began shooting, Normand said. No one else was injured.
“Obviously, based on witness accounts, he walked in with purpose of shooting this particular individual,” Normand said when asked if the person was targeted.
The sheriff said at least three shots were fired and the man was pronounced dead on the scene.