Justin Mitchell

Justin Jarmol Mitchell, known to his friends and family as "Jazz," was a 22-year-old Black man and a devoted father of five young sons. Remembered as a "cool & kind person" and a good father, his life was filled with the love of his large family, including his parents, siblings, and his devoted companion, Juanita Perkins. Friends recalled how he taught them to stand up for themselves and pursue their beliefs. His unexpected death left a void in the lives of all who knew him.

On the evening of October 7, 2013, tragedy struck in New Orleans East. Just before 7 p.m., Justin was found on the front lawn of a home in the 4700 block of Stemway Drive. He had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound. Initial reports varied, with some stating the wound was to his back and others to his chest. The New Orleans Police Department began an investigation into the city's latest homicide, but the motive for the shooting remained elusive.

For months, the investigation continued without any publicly named suspects. Then, in March 2014, the NOPD announced a breakthrough, identifying 19-year-old Trayvon Arcement as the primary suspect in Justin's murder. Authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on a charge of second-degree murder, bringing a new focus to the case and a glimmer of hope for Justin's grieving family that justice was within reach.

Following his arrest, Trayvon Arcement was formally charged with the second-degree murder of Justin Mitchell. The case against him, however, would prove to be challenging for prosecutors. When the matter went to trial at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, the state's case relied heavily on the testimony of a single eyewitness. This witness, a friend of Justin's, claimed to have seen Arcement shoot Justin during an argument.

The defense, however, attacked the credibility of this key witness, pointing out inconsistencies in his statements to police and his testimony in court. The witness admitted he had been smoking marijuana on the day of the shooting and that his memory of the event was not perfect. He also acknowledged that he did not immediately identify Arcement as the shooter to detectives. With no physical evidence or other witnesses to corroborate the testimony, the prosecution's case was on shaky ground.

In October 2017, after a trial that lasted less than three days, the jury deliberated for under two hours before returning their verdict. They found Trayvon Arcement not guilty of second-degree murder. The acquittal meant that, in the eyes of the law, Arcement was not responsible for Justin's death. For the family of Justin Mitchell, the verdict was a devastating blow, leaving them without the answers and accountability they had sought for four years.

As of October 2017, the murder of Justin Mitchell remains legally unresolved. Following the acquittal of the only person ever charged in connection with the crime, the case is considered closed unless new evidence or information comes to light. Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans continues to list the case and offers a reward of up to $2,500 for information. Anyone with knowledge about the homicide is encouraged to contact them.