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Tajan'a Monique Williams

Age 17

New Orleans, Louisiana

Loved NOLA’s culture, feared its crime

She was immersed in New Orleans’ culture. She loved the Second Line Parade, snowballs, crawfish, gumbo and family cookouts. 

Those close to her knew her as “Tee Tee.” She was always respectful and was described as a funny person. Her city had a big place in her heart, but she was aware and afraid of the crime. Her solution: join the military and relocate her family.

On August 21, 2018, Tajan'a Monique Williams, 17, was found lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head in the Louisiana city she was working toward escaping.

By Michael Pincus · Age 16
Meet the Reporters

More than 100 jokesters

Natwan Kian Holyfield

Supposed to go to homecoming, prom

Kaiden Vague

Sixteenth birthday. Golden birthday. Last birthday.

Eric Xavier Degori

His jokes could make anyone laugh

Will Earl Davis Jr.

The rising senior was always smiling

Rashiya Melton

Joins brother, leaves behind her twin

Edgar Alan Espino

Jokester loved to make people laugh

Daron Johnson

He went to celebrate another’s life

Jayvone J. Shackelford-Bishop

Friends together like Lilo & Stitch

Deandre Moon

Overnight tragedy for a basketball fan

Terale Claridy-Vaught

‘Solid’ friend barely gets to adulthood

Robert Carranza

He liked to post song lyrics

Amauri Green

Died while fixing a flat tire

Eddie Daiquan Grant

A devoted boyfriend and rap fan

Bryan Portales Escalante

Phone, wallet, shoes and, life — gone

Darion Gordon

Sixteen years erased by one bullet

Steven Alexander Jr.

He missed his first Father’s Day

Jonathan David Freeman Jr.

Debated anything, from music to Deflategate

Matthew James Jurado

Challenging student had a compassionate heart

Ryan J. Dillon

A playful boy, stopped by bullets

Manuel Lopez Jr.

High school senior set to graduate