In the early morning hours of April 2, 2024, surveillance footage captured Charles Fink lying on the ground in the 800 block of Orleans Avenue. He remained there for more than 50 minutes before Darnell Hunter approached and, in what investigators described as an unprovoked attack, cut him in the neck. Fink suffered a fatal wound and was later pronounced dead at University Medical Center.
New Orleans Police Department Eighth District officers located Hunter shortly after the attack in the 300 block of Bourbon Street. After obtaining a search warrant, detectives recovered two switchblade knuckle knives from Hunter’s backpack; one appeared to have blood on it. NOPD Homicide Detective Walter Edmond reviewed the surveillance footage and identified Hunter as the person who attacked Fink.
Following a two-day bench trial, Judge Harris found Hunter guilty on both counts. The State presented 911 audio, surveillance and body-worn camera footage, the recovered knives and backpack, crime-scene and autopsy evidence, Hunter’s recorded statement, and forensic evidence. Hunter’s sentencing is set for September 10, 2026, in Section L.