Man shot to death inside Howard Avenue gym, police say

A man was working out in a gym on Howard Avenue late Monday afternoon when he was shot to death, New Orleans police said.

The victim, later identified as 33-year-old Christopher Mercadel, was working out in the gym in the 3900 block of Howard Avenue (near the South Broad Street overpass) around 5:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, “when the suspect came in and shot the victim several times and then fled the location,” according to the initial NOPD report.

Mercadel was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to call the NOPD Homicide Division at 504-658-5300 to speak to Detective Patrick Guidry, or CrimeStoppers at 822-1111 to leave an anonymous tip that could be eligible for a cash reward.