A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in New Orleans, where a mentally-ill Nigerian man reportedly attacked his family, killing his father and severely injuring two of his sisters. The suspect, 27-year-old Chukwuebuka Eweni, has now been taken into custody as authorities investigate what led to the violent outburst that has shocked both the local community and Nigerians living abroad.
According to reports from New Orleans police, the tragedy occurred late on Tuesday night, November 11, 2025, at the family’s home on Pebble Drive. The victim, Professor Samuel Eweni, was a respected academic and a long-serving computer science lecturer at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). His sudden death has left colleagues, friends, and students devastated.
Initial findings revealed that the suspect fatally stabbed his father before turning the knife on two of his sisters. Emergency responders rushed the young women to the hospital, where one was treated and discharged. The other remains hospitalized but is expected to recover, according to updates provided by local news outlet 4WWL. The attack has left the family struggling to understand what could have triggered such a horrific event, especially since relatives say that although Chukwuebuka had long battled mental illness, he had never been violent.
Family members disclosed that the mentally-ill Nigerian man often sought psychiatric assistance voluntarily. In fact, shortly after the attack, he walked into New Orleans East Hospital on his own — a place he regularly visited whenever he felt overwhelmed or unstable. Hospital staff, unaware of what had taken place at his home, transferred him to another mental health facility in Jefferson Parish for further observation. It was there that law enforcement officers eventually tracked him down on Wednesday morning, November 12, and arrested him without incident.
Authorities have now charged him with one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Investigators are still reviewing the crime scene, medical history, and possible triggers behind the disturbing attack. Mental health experts have also weighed in, noting that sudden violent episodes, though rare, can occur without warning in untreated or worsening psychiatric conditions.
The death of Professor Samuel Eweni has created a deep void within the academic community at SUNO, where he had earned a reputation for dedication, intelligence, and compassion. The Chancellor of the institution, Dr. Joseph Bouie Jr., released an emotional statement mourning the loss of the lecturer. He described Professor Eweni as a remarkable educator whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Eweni was more than an educator—he was a mentor and a guiding light to many,” Dr. Bouie wrote. He added that the professor’s impact on the College of Business and Public Administration, as well as on SUNO’s mission to empower students through education, would continue to be honoured for years to come. He extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, emphasising that the entire university community stands with them during this painful period.
As investigations continue, the New Orleans community remains shaken, grappling with the tragic reality of how mental illness — when not fully managed — can escalate into unimaginable consequences. The case of the mentally-ill Nigerian man serves as another reminder of the urgent need for stronger mental health support systems, early intervention, and sustained treatment for vulnerable individuals.