NEW ORLEANS, La. — Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of 22-year-old Colby Scheffler, a U.S. Army veteran and Chalmette High School graduate, who was killed early Sunday morning in New Orleans.
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) confirmed the arrests of 18-year-old Julian Vicknair and 19-year-old Harry Darby. Vicknair, of Kenilworth Drive in Kenilworth, and Darby, of Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette, have both been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
The shooting occurred in the early hours of April 6 in the 7700 block of Willow Street. According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), three people were inside a vehicle when gunfire rang out. Scheffler was struck and died at the scene. Another passenger was injured but is expected to recover, while the third person was unharmed.
Based on intelligence provided by the NOPD, SBSO detectives began tracking the suspects, who were believed to be hiding in St. Bernard Parish. On Monday, April 7, both men were arrested without incident at a residence on Riverbend Drive in Violet. They were initially booked into the St. Bernard Parish Prison and later transferred to the Orleans Justice Center.
The NOPD Homicide Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from the Violent Offenders Warrant Squad (VOWS) and the Violent Crime Abatement Investigation Team (VCAIT). Authorities have not yet revealed a possible motive for the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Scheffler’s death has sent shockwaves through his hometown and among those who served with him. Loved ones described him as a dedicated soldier and a loyal friend with a bright future ahead.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to step forward. Tips can be submitted to the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau tip line at (504) 271-TIPS (8477), or anonymously through Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Cash rewards may be available for helpful information. As authorities continue their investigation, the community mourns the loss of a young veteran whose life was cut tragically short.