NEW ORLEANS, LA — A quiet New Orleans neighborhood is reeling after a tragic family incident that left Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) professor Dr. Samuel Eweni dead and two of his daughters injured. Authorities say the suspect his son, Chukwuebuka Eweni is now in custody and facing charges of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
The shocking attack happened Tuesday night at the family’s home on Pebble Drive. Family members told WWL Louisiana that the evening began like any other — until, without warning, Chukwuebuka allegedly grabbed a knife and attacked his father and sisters.
Neighbors and relatives are struggling to understand what caused the sudden outburst. Those close to the family say Chukwuebuka had long battled mental illness, though they emphasized he had never shown signs of violence before. “It was just a normal evening,” a relative shared softly. “No one could have imagined something like this happening.”
Emergency crews responded quickly, but despite their efforts, Dr. Eweni was pronounced dead at the scene. One of his daughters was treated at a local hospital and released, while the other remains hospitalized but is expected to recover.
After the attack, family members say Chukwuebuka went to New Orleans East Hospital, a facility he had visited in the past seeking mental health treatment. Unaware of the incident, hospital staff reportedly transferred him to another facility in Jefferson Parish, where police later tracked him down and took him into custody on Wednesday morning.
The news of Dr. Eweni’s death has sent ripples of grief across the SUNO community. Known for his passion for teaching and his dedication to students, Dr. Eweni was a respected figure in the College of Business and Public Administration.
In a heartfelt statement, SUNO Chancellor Dr. Joseph Bouie, Jr. said:
“Dr. Eweni was more than an educator — he was a mentor and a guiding light to so many of our students. His contributions to the university’s mission of transforming lives through education will be remembered and celebrated. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this deeply difficult time.”
As police continue to investigate the events leading up to the fatal stabbing, the community mourns the loss of a man described as both brilliant and compassionate — a teacher whose legacy will live on through the countless lives he helped shape.