News Summary
The NOPD is investigating the tragic homicide of Miguel ‘Nation’ Stemley, an Uber driver, who died during a carjacking in the French Quarter. Witnesses saw him struggle with a suspect before his vehicle rolled over, pinning him beneath. The investigation is ongoing, with three persons of interest identified, amid rising concerns over violent crime in the city.
New Orleans
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is investigating a homicide incident that occurred on October 9, 2025, in the French Quarter, where a 61-year-old Uber driver named Miguel “Nation” Stemley died as a result of injuries sustained during an apparent carjacking. The incident took place at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Bienville and Dauphine streets.
According to reports, Stemley was engaged in a struggle with a suspect when his vehicle rolled over, pinning him underneath. Witnesses described seeing Stemley attempting to prevent the carjacking, with some observing that his vehicle was dragged by the suspect. Following the incident, Stemley was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Family members confirmed that Stemley was working as a rideshare driver for Uber at the time of his death.
Stemley’s wife, Lisa Stemley, noted that he was a devoted family man and is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Friends and onlookers made efforts to lift the vehicle off Stemley immediately after the incident, showcasing the community’s concern and urgency in the crucial moments that followed.
Following the tragic occurrence, NOPD has identified three persons of interest and is actively seeking them for questioning in relation to the case. This incident marks a concerning trend as it follows another recent fatal carjacking case in New Orleans, emphasizing a growing issue of violent crime in the city.
Despite an overall decline in crime rates in New Orleans, the city has experienced a recent uptick in violent crimes, including carjackings. The NOPD is urging the public to assist in the investigation, calling for anyone with information to come forward and contact their Homicide Division or the Crimestoppers hotline.
The heightened concern surrounding violent crime, particularly carjacking incidents, has sparked discussions among city residents and officials, raising questions about safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Authorities continue to investigate the specifics of the carjacking incident that led to Stemley’s death, as they work to ensure that justice is served and the culprits are apprehended. The case underscores the risks faced by rideshare drivers and highlights a need for increased safety measures in urban environments.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: Fatal Traffic Incident Shuts Down Streets in French Quarter
- Wikipedia: Carjacking
- NOLA: Uber Driver Killed in Carjacking
- Google Search: New Orleans violence October 2025
- WWLTV: Family Identifies Man Killed in French Quarter Carjacking
- Google Scholar: New Orleans crime trends
- NOLA: Homicide Following Carjacking in French Quarter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Fox 8 Live: NOPD Investigating Fatal French Quarter Carjacking
- Google News: NOPD investigation October 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
