Jury Found Kelvin Atkins Guilty of Murder
The New Orleans man was convicted of killing Johnshane Powell in 2023.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Violence
A jury has convicted 39-year-old Kelvin Atkins of second-degree murder and firearm possession in the 2023 shooting death of Johnshane Powell. Atkins now faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Why it matters
Prosecutors argued that Atkins murdered the victim to avoid facing an enhanced life sentence under state habitual offender laws. The victim, who was 33, identified Atkins as her attacker before she died.
A jury reached a verdict after a weeklong trial, with sentencing scheduled for November 6, 2026. Atkins, who was previously sentenced to 60 years for obstruction and firearm possession, faces mandatory life imprisonment.
The players
Kelvin Atkins
The 39-year-old defendant was found guilty of second-degree murder and firearm possession.
Johnshane Powell
The 33-year-old victim was the niece of a Criminal District Court judge.
Kimya Holmes
She serves as a Criminal District Judge and is the aunt of the late Johnshane Powell.
The details
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence including 911 calls, body camera footage, and a .40-caliber Glock pistol equipped with a drum magazine. The shooting took place on July 3, 2023, in the 2400 block of New Orleans Street.
Timeline
July 3, 2023: The shooting of Johnshane Powell occurred in the 7th Ward.
September 18, 2026: Judge Kimya Holmes provided testimony during the trial proceedings.
September 19, 2026: The jury returned a guilty verdict for Kelvin Atkins.
November 6, 2026: The court will formally sentence Atkins for the murder conviction.
Legal Context
The case highlights the high-stakes incentives created by Louisiana habitual offender laws, where defendants may resort to extreme violence to circumvent potential life sentences. This conviction follows a pattern of legal proceedings against Atkins, who was previously sentenced for obstruction of justice.
The trial resulted in a guilty verdict, concluding a high-profile case within the 7th Ward community. Residents may observe ongoing legal developments as the defense prepares for the upcoming sentencing phase.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe consequences of habitual offender sentencing mandates on criminal behavior. Legal experts note that the trial serves as a reminder of the evidentiary weight placed on victim testimony recorded before death.
What happens next
The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for Kelvin Atkins for November 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial outcomes, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
