Bourbon Street murder victim's family learns suspect was released

Roughly four months later, the wound of the family's loss was ripped open when they learned the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Mia Lindsey, was released from jail.

NEW ORLEANS — On a video call more than 800 miles from New Orleans, you could feel the frustration and heartbreak of Christopher Oates' family.

The Florida family wants answers after they learned via a Christmas Eve text message that the suspect in their brother and son's murder was released from jail.

The family of the 39-year-old murder victim said they are shocked by New Orleans' justice system.

“Chris has no voice right now," Oates' mother, Queen Carver, said. "We all are advocating for my son. He don’t deserve this. Neither do we," she said.

Oates and his cousins visited New Orleans in late June, but Oates didn't return. Oates was a father of two boys, his family said.

“We went there as a party of eight, and we had to come back as a party of seven," Oates' sister, Quintella Graham, said. "And my brother had to be transported back a week later in a box," she said.

Oates was shot around 4 a.m. on Jun. 22 in the 600 Block of Bourbon Street, and he later died at the hospital, according to NOPD.

His sister said he was walking back to his hotel on Bourbon Street at the time.

Roughly four months later, the wound of the family's loss was ripped open when they learned the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Mia Lindsey, was released from jail.

Court documents show Lindsey's bond was reduced to $25,000 by Criminal District Court Judge Nandi Campbell. Lindsey posted bond, and she was granted permission to return home to Mississippi on house arrest the week before Christmas.

“OPDA absolutely objected to the judge’s decision to release the defendant," the Orleans District Attorney's Office said in a statement, "We also requested an additional bond be set on an obstruction of justice count, which the judge likewise denied."

The victim's family said Lindsey should still be behind bars.

“So, when Mia Lindsey can go and celebrate the New Year with her family, Chris cannot," Carver said.

The District Attorney's Office said their request for ankle monitoring was also denied, but the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed to WWL Louisiana that Lindsey was released to an ankle monitoring company.

Lindsey's next court date is set for Jan. 22.