What began as a routine walk to school ended in unspeakable tragedy for 16-year-old Lizzell Palma, a bright and promising high school junior who was shot and killed by her 20-year-old ex-boyfriend in New Orleans’ Algiers neighborhood early Thursday morning.
According to police, the gunman confronted Palma as she walked with her sister around 7:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Jo Ann Place.
Witnesses say he had been lurking outside her home for nearly half an hour before opening fire. Palma was struck and killed instantly. The shooter then turned the gun on himself and later died at a nearby hospital.
“I heard her screaming, ‘Help me!’” a neighbor told local reporters, her voice breaking. “By the time I got outside, it was too late.”
The senseless killing has left a tight-knit community reeling, not only because of Palma’s youth but also because of her promise.
A junior and honor roll student at Walter L. Cohen High School, Palma was known for her intelligence, warmth, and ambition. She had dreams of college, her teachers said.
In a statement, the school called Palma “a beloved member of the Class of 2027 — an impressive young woman with a bright future and a successful college career ahead.”
Grief counselors have been made available to help students and faculty cope with the loss.
A Chilling Case of Domestic Violence
Police confirmed that Palma and the shooter had been in a relationship that ended before the attack. Though details remain limited, witnesses said the young man had been “stalking around the house” that morning, appearing agitated.
“It was premeditated. You could see him pacing, waiting for her,” said neighbor Bijan Williams, who reviewed her home security footage after hearing the gunshots.
Domestic violence advocates say Palma’s death underscores an all-too-common pattern: teen dating violence that escalates when one partner tries to end the relationship.
According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 11 female high school students report experiencing physical violence from a dating partner each year. Experts warn that the combination of youth, jealousy, and easy access to firearms can be deadly.
A Family and City in Mourning
Neighbors describe the Palma family as close-knit, loving, and deeply involved in their children’s education. Community members have since created a makeshift memorial of flowers, photos, and handwritten notes near the scene of the shooting, a somber reminder of the promise cut short.
“She was just walking to school,” one neighbor said. “A child. She didn’t deserve this.”
Police stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the investigation remains active.
As the city grapples with yet another act of gun violence claiming a young life, advocates are calling for increased education and support around teen relationships, early warning signs of abuse, and firearm safety.
