Unthinkable Tragedy Shatters New Orleans Family
A New Orleans family is reeling from a heartbreaking loss after a double murder-suicide claimed the lives of Zennitria Stevenson, 50, and her partner, Esvin Carrera, 55, inside their Pines Village home on Sunday, August 10, 2025. According to the New Orleans Police Department, the alleged shooter was Stevenson’s own son, Jarrell Stevenson, 31, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being transported to a hospital.
Family members say the violence began outside the home, where Jarrell fatally shot his mother. He then entered the living room and turned the gun on Carrera, who was in a wheelchair due to a stroke he suffered two years ago. Tragically, a young child was in the room during Carrera’s killing but was unharmed.
A Love Story Cut Short by Violence
Loved ones describe Zennitria Stevenson as a “sweet soul” — a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose life revolved around caring for her family. She was the heart of her home, offering kindness and warmth to everyone she met. Esvin Carrera is remembered as a dedicated, hard-working man who embraced his blended family and cherished Zennitria deeply. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, compassion, and unwavering love.
Family members say the couple’s love story was one of perseverance and shared dreams. They stood by each other through health struggles and life’s challenges, always choosing love over hardship. Their deaths, so sudden and violent, have left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew them best.
Grief, Shock, and Unanswered Questions
The family is struggling to process the devastating events, especially given the identity of the shooter. While some loved ones can’t reconcile Jarrell Stevenson’s actions with the person they once knew, others recall signs of change after his release from jail in 2022. Esvin Carrera’s son, Alexander, recounted that Jarrell became enraged during an argument with his mother and opened fire after she threatened to call the police.
This tragedy has left the family not only mourning the loss of two cherished lives but also grappling with the painful reality that the person responsible was their own flesh and blood. They now face the challenge of healing, honoring the memories of Zennitria and Esvin, and ensuring the surviving child receives the love and care they need after witnessing such horror.
As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to support the grieving family. In the words of a cousin, “All they did was love each other — and now they’re gone.” The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly domestic disputes can turn deadly and the urgent need for resources and interventions to prevent such irreversible heartbreak.
