Campus Alert Archive
XULA

80-Year-Old Grandmother Killed by Gunfire After Watching Grandchild Graduate on Xavier Campus

LAshootingemergency notificationmedium confidence
Confirmed Threat

On May 31, 2022, gunfire erupted in the parking lot of Xavier University's Convocation Center after a high school graduation ceremony for Morris Jeff Community School. An 80-year-old grandmother who had just watched her grandchild graduate was killed, and two others were wounded when a parking lot argument escalated to gunfire.

Alerts
2
Response
—
Killed
1
Injured
2
Institution
Xavier University of Louisiana
Hbcu · LA
~3,500 studentsXULA Emergency Alert System
Confirmed Timeline

Alert Sequence

2 messages in sequence

Some alert texts below are approximate reconstructions from news coverage, not confirmed verbatim transcripts. Reconstructed texts are shown in italic with a dashed border. Verified verbatim texts have a solid border and are marked accordingly.

INITIAL ALERTmulti-channel
Approximate reconstruction154 chars
ALERT: Shooting reported in the parking lot of the Xavier University Convocation Center. Avoid the area. NOPD is on scene. Seek shelter if you are nearby.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

Reconstructed from news reports; the NOPD posted an alert on social media at approximately the same time
Officers working a security detail at the graduation responded to the shots fired call
The shooting occurred shortly before noon after the Morris Jeff Community School graduation ceremony concluded
UPDATEmulti-channel
Approximate reconstruction220 chars
UPDATE: One subject has been detained at the scene of the shooting at the Convocation Center. One victim has died. Two others are being treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The scene is secure.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

Reconstructed from NOPD's initial update confirming one detention and three gunshot wound victims
The victim who died was later identified as 80-year-old Augustine Greenwood
Context

Background

On May 31, 2022, gunfire erupted in the parking lot of Xavier University of Louisiana's Convocation Center shortly before noon, just after a graduation ceremony for nearby Morris Jeff Community School had concluded. A fight between two women broke out in the parking lot, and at least one person pulled a weapon and began firing. The victim, 80-year-old Augustine Greenwood, had just watched one of her grandchildren graduate and was struck by gunfire. Two men were also wounded with non-life-threatening injuries. NOPD officers working a security detail at the event responded immediately. Four suspects were later arrested and charged, including Brandon Rock, 18, and Laverne Duplessis, 40, both charged with manslaughter and possession of a firearm in a gun-free zone. Governor John Bel Edwards called the shooting a "tragic, unacceptable act of violence." The incident highlighted the challenge of securing campus spaces used for community events.
Analysis

Key Findings

The shooting occurred at a high school graduation ceremony hosted on a university campus, illustrating how community events can bring security challenges
The victim was an 80-year-old grandmother killed in crossfire moments after watching her grandchild graduate
NOPD officers already on site as security for the event were able to respond immediately and detain one suspect at the scene
Outcome
Augustine Greenwood, 80, was killed in the crossfire. Two men were wounded with non-life-threatening injuries. Four people were arrested, including Brandon Rock, 18, and Laverne Duplessis, 40, who were initially charged with manslaughter and firearm possession in a gun-free zone. On February 19, 2025, the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office dismissed all charges against Duplessis after new evidence indicated she retrieved a gun from her car and acted in self-defense and did not cause Greenwood's death. Brandon Rock's prosecution remained active as of 2025.
Provenance

Sources

  1. News
    Gunfire erupts after graduation ceremony at Xavier University (CNN)
    cnn.com
  2. News
    1 dead, 2 injured in shooting after New Orleans high school graduation at Xavier University (WWNO)
    wwno.org
  3. News
    4 arrested and charged in connection to shooting at Xavier University (CNN)
    edition.cnn.com
  4. News
    Three shot on Xavier University campus after Morris Jeff graduation ceremony (NOLA.com)
    nola.com
Tags
shootinghbcugraduation-ceremonylouisiananew-orleanscommunity-eventelderly-victim
Added April 2026Updated May 2026Via ingestion