Government intervention urged by former police officer after triple murder in homeless camp

An expert told Planet Chronicle Digital that a triple homicide at a Louisiana homeless camp, allegedly due to a stolen bicycle, highlights the dangers of these encampments not only for their residents but also for those in nearby communities.

On April 3, three individuals - Mindy Ann Robert, Marcey Vincent, and Warren Fairley - were discovered dead at a makeshift campsite in Jefferson Parish, all having been shot multiple times.

The increase in homelessness in 2024, as reported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has raised concerns about crime in these camps across the country. Federal officials have identified the reasons for this increase, including a growing number of asylum seekers, a shortage of affordable housing, and natural disasters.

"Mark Powell, a former reserve police officer in San Diego, stated that homeless encampments pose a health and safety threat to the public. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of city leaders and elected politicians to eliminate these camps and offer shelter programs to those living in them."

In the Louisiana case, Noel Marine, who was known to visit the victims at the campsite, was arrested and is currently being held on $100,000 bail. He faces three counts of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in their deaths.

According to investigators, Vincent and Robert were homeless and resided at the campsite, while Fairley lived in a nearby home. NOLA.com reported that Robert's family believed she was living in the area because they recently saw her panhandling at a nearby street corner.

During a Nov. 19 hearing in Jefferson Parish Magistrate Court, Det. Ryan Vaught testified that other individuals would occasionally stay at the campsite and use narcotics.

The man who was dating one of the female victims allegedly called 911 at approximately 9:40 a.m. after discovering the three bodies.

A 55-year-old Marine was identified as the prime suspect in a crime after his fingerprint was discovered on a metal folding chair at the scene. His fingerprints were already in the national Combined DNA Index System due to previous convictions, which included four counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and other drug charges.

In April 2005, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a misdemeanor theft case. At the time of the shooting, he was wanted for missing court in this case.

The alibi of the Marine, who claimed to be staying at a friend's house in Metairie during the shooting, was shattered after the friend revealed that Marine was not present.

Despite Vaught's claim that no one witnessed the killings, a friend of the Marine confessed to the crime and gave a statement to police, according to Vaught's testimony.

Marine stated that he was conversing with the man who confronted him at the camp after he stole his bicycle. The man brandished a gun, and Marine went into the campsite to retrieve his stolen property. However, he claimed that he heard gunfire and another man shot the three victims.

No one else has been arrested in the homicides, and the police have not named the Marine who is accused.

The latest example of why the government should regulate homeless encampments, according to Powell, is the incident.

Powell stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that in this case, three individuals were killed. However, it's important to note that anyone, including those jogging in the park or near the homeless camp, could also become a victim just as easily.

Powell stated that it is the responsibility of the city to ensure that homeless camps like this are cleaned, regulated, and have a regular law enforcement presence.

""You'll find rampant drug dealing, assault, batteries, theft, rapes, and murders in homeless encampments unless there is some type of security present," he stated."

"Many individuals avoid jogging in the park due to the presence of a homeless encampment, fearing the criminals residing there. However, Powell stated that those who pay taxes but do not commit crimes are the ones who are affected."

Planet Chronicle Digital's Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.