A triple murder allegedly caused by a stolen bicycle at a homeless camp in Louisiana highlights the dangers inherent in these camps, not only for camp residents but also for those in the surrounding communities. experts told FOX News Digital.
On April 3, 44-year-old Mindy Ann Roberts, 33-year-old Marcy Vincent, and 53-year-old Warren Fairley were all shot multiple times and killed at a makeshift campsite hidden from view by brush in a vacant lot. was discovered doing. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office says there are many subdivisions in Jefferson Parish.
Crime in these camps is a growing concern across the country, with homelessness expected to increase by 18.1% in 2024, according to a December report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Federal officials have cited an increase in asylum seekers, a lack of affordable housing and natural disasters as reasons for the rise in homelessness.
“These homeless encampments pose a health threat and a safety threat to the public,” said the former reserve police officer for the city of San Diego, who served on the city's school board during his time on the city's school board. Mark Powell, who oversaw the Monarch School for homeless youth, told FOX News Digital. “It is up to our city leaders, and we, to do everything within the law to eradicate these camps and give the people living in them the dignity they deserve through some kind of protection program. It is the duty and obligation of elected politicians.”
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Noel Marine is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of obstruction of justice. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office)
In the Louisiana case, Noel Marine, who was known to have visited the victim at the campground, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and three counts of obstruction of justice in the victim's death. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail, according to court records.
Investigators believe Vincent and Robert were homeless and living at the campground, while Fairey lived in a nearby house. Robert's family believed she lived in the area because they had recently seen her begging on a nearby street corner. NOLA.com reported.
“Sometimes other people stay here. [at the campsite] and using drugs,” Detective Ryan Vaught testified during a Nov. 19 hearing in Jefferson Parish Magistrate Court.
A man who was in a relationship with one of the female victims reportedly called 911 when he discovered the three bodies around 9:40 a.m.
People living in a homeless encampment after Louisiana State Police told them to move to another pre-designated location during a cleanup ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. picks up his belongings. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Marine, 55, became the prime suspect after his fingerprints were also found on a metal folding chair at the scene. His fingerprints were entered into the national composite DNA index system due to his criminal record, which included four counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and other drug charges.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty in April 2005, according to court records. At the time of the shooting, the suspect was wanted for failure to appear on a misdemeanor theft charge for allegedly stealing from a Walmart in February, according to court records.
Marine claimed he was staying at a friend's house in Metairie at the time of the shooting, but his alibi was debunked when the friend told detectives Marine was not there.
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Mindy Ann Robert, 44, was one of the victims in the triple murder. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office)
Vought said gunshots were heard nearby around 1 or 2 a.m., but no one saw the killing take place. However, Vought testified that Marine's friend gave a statement to police after he allegedly confessed to the killing.
After being taken in for a second interrogation, Marine claimed that another man had shot the three victims. The Marine said he was talking to a man he confronted at the encampment after stealing his bike. Marine said the other man brandished a gun and Marine heard gunshots after he entered the campsite to retrieve stolen property.
However, police have not named the Marine as a suspect, and no other arrests have been made in the murder.
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Marcy Vincent, 33, was shot to death on April 3 at the Old Jefferson homeless camp where she lived. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office)
Powell said the case is the latest example of why the government has a duty to regulate homeless encampments.
“In this case, three people were killed,” Powell told Fox News Digital. “That doesn't mean you can become a victim.”
“It's the city's duty. If they're going to allow homeless camps like this, it's up to the city to make sure they're cleaned and regulated and that there's some kind of law enforcement that frequents those homeless people.” “It is our duty to camp regularly,'' Powell said.
Warren Fairley, 53, worked as a cook at a nearby restaurant, his family told the Times-Picayune. Police said the man had been regularly visiting a homeless camp until he was shot and killed on April 3. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office)
“We need to have some security in place, not once a month or when we get a call,” he continued. ”[Otherwise] There will be more rapes, murders, assaults, shootings, thefts, and rampant drug dealing — as we see in homeless encampments. ”
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“Many people don't even want to jog in the park because they know there's a homeless encampment in the park because they're scared,” Powell said. “It's the people who maintain the grounds that are committing the crimes. ” he said. “They haven't paid taxes and haven't done anything yet. [But] Those who pay taxes without committing crimes are the ones who are affected. ”
Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
