Lizzell Sarahy Palma Villeda Shot Dead by Ex-Boyfriend Owen Zidany Salgada-Oro in New Orleans Murder-Suicide [PHOTOS]

New Orleans, LA — Sixteen-year-old Lizzell Sarahy Palma Villeda, an honor roll student at Walter L. Cohen High School, was tragically shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Owen Zidany Salgada-Oro, in a murder-suicide while walking to her bus stop in the Algiers area early Wednesday morning.

According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), officers responded to the incident around 7:49 a.m. on October 22, after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered both Villeda and Salgada-Oro lying in the street with gunshot wounds. Police have confirmed that the 20-year-old suspect fatally shot Villeda before turning the gun on himself.

Beloved Student Remembered

Villeda, known affectionately by friends and classmates as Liz, was a junior at Walter L. Cohen High School and consistently earned a place on the honor roll. She was described by teachers and peers as a bright, kind-hearted student with a promising future.

Lizzell Sarahy Palma Villeda Shot Dead by Ex-Boyfriend Owen Zidany Salgada-Oro in New Orleans Murder-Suicide

A makeshift memorial now marks the corner where she lost her life, filled with stuffed animals, balloons, flowers, and candles left by grieving classmates and community members.

“She was such a sweet girl, always smiling,” said one classmate. “She didn’t deserve this. None of us can believe she’s gone.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FOX 8 (@fox8nola)

Community Honors Her Memory

The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending youth violence, announced plans to plant a memorial tree in Villeda’s honor at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, according to FOX8.

The organization said Villeda will be remembered through its “Trees for Peace” initiative, which plants trees to honor students nationwide who have lost their lives to gun violence.

“Lizzell’s life was full of promise,” the foundation stated. “We hope her memory reminds everyone of the urgent need to protect our youth from violence and promote peace.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting. While no further details have been released, police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NOPD Homicide Section at 504-658-5300, or provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

Lizzell Sarahy Palma Villeda Shot Dead by Ex-Boyfriend Owen Zidany Salgada-Oro in New Orleans Murder-Suicide