On the night of April 15, 2023, the vibrant atmosphere of the Republic NOLA nightclub's vicinity was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Just outside this popular venue, located in New Orleans' Warehouse District, twelve individuals were caught up in the chaos of a mass shooting, leaving one young woman dead and others grappling with their physical and emotional wounds.
Fast forward nearly seven months later, and the investigation remains unsolved. Many of the shooting victims, now living with the trauma of what transpired, worry the case might fade from public memory, as the search for justice appears stagnant. Among the victims was 24-year-old Jezreel Poleate, who lost her life on what should have been a joyous night out.
“Sometimes, I’m just puzzled as to why it’s taking so long,” expressed Gary Poleate, Jezreel’s father, reflecting the frustration felt by her family. They cling to the hope, albeit faint, of seeing her killer apprehended. "All those cameras. From the hotel across the street to all the other businesses. You just wonder. When? I just pray they won't hurt another family,” added her mother, Sharon Poleate.
Kimberly Davis, one of Jezreel's close friends who was present when the violence erupted, recounted the chilling moments: “We went to the club. I was inside; she was denied entry. She called me to say they weren’t letting her in, and as I was heading downstairs to help her, the shots started firing.” Kimberly recalled the panic as people scrambled for safety, with her boyfriend shielding her as the shooting unfolded.
Reports indicate the evening began as planned for many who gathered at Republic NOLA to enjoy 'Church on Sundaze,' a popular event at the club. Yet, the closure came swiftly as the tranquility of the night transformed, with attendees soon fleeing the scene amid the terrifying cacophony of gunfire.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moments when chaos ensued. An investigation revealed the stark reality of Jezreel’s death; she was shot outside the club. “They say she has been shot, and we are trying to help her, but she isn’t responding,” Robyn Davis, another close friend, recalled after learning of Jezreel's condition when trying to reach her by phone.
Some witnesses have criticized the emergency response. Reports surfaced claiming EMS did not arrive to assist Jezreel quickly. “Her body was just on the ground. Not covered up. Nothing. If you walked past, you could just see it,” Kimberly remarked, showing the raw despair of onlookers who felt helpless as they stood by.
The investigation is led by New Orleans police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, who stated, “No homicide case is ever closed. We have at least four detectives working this cold case. It is certainly being investigated.” Encouragingly, there is still hope among the families affected, though many are frustrated with the sluggish pace of progress.
Legal action has also been taken by victims seeking accountability. Attorney Greg DiLeo, representing several victims from the incident, announced they had filed a lawsuit against Republic NOLA and one of the club's main owners, Nicholas Thomas. "We alleged they are responsible for not even taking the basic security measures," DiLeo said, highlighting concerns over the club's failure to implement adequate safety protocols.
Another defendant listed is Kia Fuller, the organizer of the event held on the night of the shooting. DiLeo expressed concerns about the absence of documentation or agreements between Republic NOLA and other involved parties leading to the event. Meanwhile, the Poleate family continues to suffer deeply from the tragedy, hoping for answers and resolution.
The night of the assault raised questions about emergency response times, something EMS addressed publicly. According to their statement, the time taken for EMS to respond—notably 5 minutes from the call to the first unit's arrival—has been deemed adequate; they emphasized the training of their personnel to handle such grave circumstances efficiently. “We send our sincerest condolences to the family of Jezreel Poleate. No one should ever have to suffer losing a loved one to violent crimes,” the EMS statement said.
Despite the challenges, the search for justice continues. Families and legal representatives are urging witnesses or anyone who may have information related to the shooting to step forward. The hope remains—among friends, family, and the broader community—that the responsible parties will be held accountable, not just for Jezreel Poleate but for every victim who suffered on the night of the shooting.
