NEW ORLEANS, LA — New Orleans police are looking for a man accused of beating 68-year-old David Hyde to death after an early morning argument outside a business near South Claiborne Avenue and Napoleon Avenue. Investigators say the attack happened Nov. 8 around 12:50 a.m., and the coroner ruled Hyde died of blunt force injuries.
The Facts
- What: Police say a suspect argued with David Hyde, took items from his backpack, destroyed them and then beat him.
- Where: Outside a business at South Claiborne Avenue and Napoleon Avenue in New Orleans.
- When: Nov. 8 at about 12:50 a.m.
- Who: The victim was identified by the coroner as David Hyde, 68. Police are searching for an unidentified suspect.
- Charges: No arrest or charging information has been announced.
- Status: Detectives are trying to identify the suspect and determine a motive.
What police say
The New Orleans Police Department says Hyde was sitting outside the business when the man approached him. Police say the confrontation turned violent after the suspect allegedly took Hyde’s belongings from a backpack and destroyed them.
According to investigators, Hyde was unable to defend himself because of health issues. Police say the suspect then assaulted him severely, leading to his death.
Authorities describe the suspect as a man of unknown race with short dark hair. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, torn blue denim skinny jeans and white sneakers.
Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation is asked to contact NOPD Homicide Section detectives at 504-658-5300.
The investigation
Detectives are reviewing available video and trying to find more footage of the man or the attack, according to police. In cases like this, investigators often use nearby security cameras, witness accounts and physical evidence to establish a timeline and narrow down a suspect.
Police have not released any additional details about whether the suspect has been identified or where he may be. When a homicide suspect is still at large, investigators typically continue canvassing the area and following up on tips from the public.
Police are also asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP. Tips can also be submitted online through the crime stoppers website.
What the charges mean
Because no arrest has been announced, no formal criminal charge has been filed publicly in this case. If police identify a suspect, prosecutors would decide what charge or charges to bring based on the evidence and the facts of the killing.
In a homicide investigation, an arrest is only the start of the court process. A suspect would normally be booked, appear before a judge, and later face hearings where prosecutors must show there is enough evidence to proceed.
For readers, the key point is that police are still in the identification stage. Until an arrest is made and a case is filed in court, the investigation remains open and the legal process has not yet begun.
What happens next
Detectives are still trying to identify the man seen in the area and piece together the events leading up to Hyde’s death. Any new video, witness statement or tip could help move the case forward.
If police make an arrest, court records would show the charges, bond status and the first hearing dates. For now, investigators say the case remains active and the search for the suspect continues.
Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
