NOLA Tragedy: Chicago Mother Killed on Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA — The vibrant energy of Bourbon Street turned into a scene of heartbreak early Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, when 33-year-old Jessica Williams of Chicago was fatally shot in a burst of gunfire that police say she had no part in.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the shooting happened at approximately 2:22 a.m. near the heart of the French Quarter, where crowds of locals and tourists often gather to celebrate the city’s nightlife. Jessica, visiting New Orleans to mark her birthday, was walking with her sibling when chaos erupted. Investigators believe multiple shots were fired during an altercation, striking several innocent bystanders.
Jessica was tragically caught in the gunfire. She died on the very day she turned 33 years old. Family members say the loss is almost too much to comprehend, especially as Jessica had just given birth three months ago. Her infant child will now grow up without the love and guidance of their mother, a reality that has left both her loved ones and the wider community devastated.
Her sibling, who was with her during the shooting, was also struck but survived and is currently being treated for their injuries. In total, four people were shot. Two other victims, both unnamed at this time, are recovering in the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Friends describe Jessica as a devoted mother, sister, and friend who had been excited to embrace a new chapter of life after the birth of her child. Her trip to New Orleans was meant to be a joyful milestone — celebrating life, family, and the beginning of her 33rd year. Instead, it ended in senseless violence that underscores the persistent gun-related tragedies plaguing communities across the country.
Police have not yet announced any arrests or suspects, but detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The killing has shaken both Chicago, where Jessica’s family resides, and New Orleans, where residents are calling for greater accountability to ensure the safety of visitors and locals alike in the city’s most iconic entertainment district.
Jessica’s loved ones are now left mourning a daughter, a sister, and a young mother whose life was stolen far too soon. A GoFundMe and memorial efforts are expected to be launched to support her family and her infant child in the coming days.
What should have been a day of joy — a birthday celebration — instead became a tragedy marked by grief, loss, and unanswered questions.
