According to various accounts, Jonshel Alexander, a prominent young actor in the Academy Award-nominated picture Beasts of the Southern Wild, was tragically murdered Saturday night in New Orleans’ 7th Ward. She was 22.
Around 9 p.m., Jonshel Alexander and an unnamed male were shot in a car in the 1500 block of North Claiborne Avenue, according to authorities. Alexander was confirmed dead on the spot by police, but the man drove himself to the hospital.
Jonshel Alexander is raised on St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans’ 8th Ward.
Jonshel Alexander starred as Joy Strong in the 2012 drama Beasts of the Southern Wild, which was filmed in Louisiana. The video follows the youngsters who live in a storm-prone bayou town beyond the levee system. Director Benh Zeitlin auditioned over 4,000 performers before casting Louisiana residents in the key roles.
The movie was nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and received the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
