Myles Tragedy Causes a Reader to Remember

When I received my November issue of OffBeat, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic murder of Raymond Myles. When I read the article, I became even more saddened that his death caused such an outpouring of sympathy, tributes, benefits, public outrage and vows that his death would not soon be forgotten.

Does anyone remember what happened on December 1, 1996?

New Orleans was shocked, outraged and saddened by the senseless murders at the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. We marched, we held vigils, tributes and benefits. We cried: Enough is enough! Apparently, it will never be enough. My heart aches for the family and friends of Mr. Myles, as I know the immensity of their tragedy. You see, Cara Lopiccolo, Santana Meaux and Michael Witcoskie were dear to me. Those were their names; does anyone remember?

Until the mayor and the rest of the city decide that there is enough money to fight these crimes, New Orleans will remain a city under siege. As for myself, I moved away. Slowly but surely, anyone who values their life will [as well].

Branden R. Haley

Seattle

The three people that Mr. Haley mentioned in his letter were murdered on Dec. 1 at the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. Their killer is now on Louisiana’s Death Row.–Ed.

A First Time For Everything

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your piece on David & Roselyn (OffBeat, December 1998). As a first-time reader of your magazine, I was very impressed. A good piece of writing.

Sonny Martinez

Cleveland, OH

Take a bow Mr. Keith Pandolfi. It just so happens that he’s a first-time writer for our magazine.–Ed.

Down Under is Coming Up

Congratulations on one amazing mag, guys! A friend of mine passed the May 1997 issue to me when I was heading to New Orleans for the Jazz Fest in 1999. Here, in that Land Down Under, we don’t get much info about the heritage festival but, being a music teacher, I have know about it and longed to come over to groove with you all these years. My opportunity is here now and I’m flat out getting travel plans underway. Getting over there won’t be a problem but getting accommodations has already proven difficult. I’d like to stay somewhere safe and close to the festival. The ideal situation would be to rent a room for about three to four weeks. I have just accessed your web site and put a message on your message board. With any luck, I’ll get some replies. Looking forward to getting over there.

Regards,

Lee Rischitelli

Melbourne, Australia

Man, them Aussies are really catching on to a good thing. They also must have one of the best vacation schedules in the world…”the ideal situation would be to rent a room for three to four weeks.”

You know, sometimes these Yankees just make too much sense.–Ed