One of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a New Orleans tour guide has been identified as an illegal immigrant with a criminal background in the United States. The suspects, Joshua Bonifacio-Avila, Jerben Albarec, and Kevin Nunez, were apprehended by the New Orleans police following the shooting death of 43-year-old Kristie Thibodeaux.
Nunez is believed to be the one who pulled the trigger, while Aviala-Bonifacio, a Honduras national, is accused of entering the country illegally. He has a history of arrests for theft and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Despite this, he was able to evade immigration authorities and commit further crimes in the United States.
The murder of Thibodeaux took place during an armed robbery in the early hours of June 30 on St. Peter Street. The suspects were arrested the following day, and Thibodeaux was identified by the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office on July 2. The police are urging anyone with information on the case to come forward.
Nunez, who was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the crime, had a warrant out for his arrest and a history of violent offenses. Despite this, he was sentenced to house arrest, which he violated in May. Aviala-Bonifacio also had a criminal record, including theft charges.
The incident has shed light on the failures of the city’s juvenile justice system and the company responsible for monitoring offenders like Nunez. The lack of proper monitoring for violent offenders has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of electronic monitoring programs.
Thibodeaux, a beloved tour guide in the French Quarter, will be remembered for her love of dogs, motorcycling, and watching the sunset over Lake Pontchartrain with her husband. A memorial service was held in her honor, and she is survived by her family.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for stricter border control measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The community is mourning the loss of a cherished member and seeking justice for the senseless act of violence that took her life.
