2 dead, 5 wounded in Lower Ninth Ward drive-by

Two young children, ages 2 and 4, are among the critically injured following a deadly Sunday night shooting in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Police say that several men opened fire on a group of people, speeding away from the scene in their vehicle. The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Sunday in the 5400 block of Burgundy Street.

The mass shooting left two dead. Officers say that Jasmine Anderson, 16, and Terrance McBride, 33, were pronounced dead at the scene.

At a Monday afternoon news conference,  NOPD Cheif Ronal Serpas said there is significant reason to believe the shooting invovled drugs and guns. Serpas also said McBride was the intended target and stresses the shooting was not a random attack.

So far, no suspects have been identified. Homicide detectives are actively working to identify the shooter and the vehicle involved.

Five additional victims were transported to the hospital. As of Monday afternoon, two had been released.

Police say among the victims are a 2-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy. Officers say both children are in critical condition. A third unidentified female is also in critical condition, according to authorities.

Police say that a 13-year-old girl and 37-year-old woman are listed in stable condition.

According to witnesses, a dark colored vehicle occupied by several black males drove up and opened fire on the victims. Witnesses say the suspects fled the scene at a high rate of speed.

Crimestoppers has increased its reward to $5,000.

If you have any information that could help police, you are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

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