Four victims of the Uptown shooting worked with a youth organization

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – People who live in a normally quiet downtown area are still shaken by the cheeky shooting that unfolded in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.

“The whole incident really affects me to have him so close to the house and to see what happens when there is gun violence,” says a neighbor who does not want to be identified.

Witnesses tell FOX 8 that several gunmen in a silver van opened fire, hitting four men working outside the church on the corner of the Annunciation and General Taylor.

Following: Two dead in quadruple shootout in Uptown

“These young men had been with me for two or three years doing a good job, learning and improving,” says Toddy Reynolds.

Todd Reynolds is the executive director of Groundwork New Orleans, a young organization that provides environmental training and employment for young people.

At the time of the shooting, the four men, aged 19 to 25, were carrying out a green project at church.

“It’s an alternating life event. I am quite strong. It’s hard. I’m angry and in mourning, ”Reynolds says.

Right after the shooting, neighbors rushed to help.

“The gentleman I was trying to help had blood which was evident, so I tried to put a towel on it and stop the blood until an ambulance could arrive,” says a neighbor.

Zernell Lee, 19, and Derrick Copelin, 25, died from multiple gunshot wounds.

“A supervisor who was killed, he had two young children and unfortunately he was really doing daddy’s job,” says Reynolds.

CRIME TRACKER: 2 dead and 5 injured in violent night in New Orleans

Police are still investigating the case and have yet to disclose the motive for the shooting.

“It’s really sad to see in our neighborhood and in all the neighborhoods of New Orleans,” says a neighbor.

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