NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, District E City Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas Jr. issued the following statement:

“Our hearts are heavy upon learning the news of the passing of Bryan Vasquez, the 12-year-old boy who went missing in his neighborhood,” said Thomas. “This tragedy affects not just the residents of New Orleans East or even District E, but all of our neighborhoods in the city of New Orleans.

Our Sheriff Susan Hutson has recently notified partners in the Criminal Justice System that Deputy Sheriffs will be pulled away from their assigned duties and responsibilities to support prevention of the recent tragedies that have happened at the Criminal Justice Center.