The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans are asking for the public’s help in solving the 1981 cold case murder of Donald Cedric Faul, a Lafayette man who was stabbed to death in the French Quarter. More than 45 years after the tragic incident, authorities are reopening the investigation after receiving new information.
The Murder of Donald Cedric Faul
On January 25, 1981, 30-year-old Donald Faul traveled to New Orleans with friends for a basketball game between the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) and the University of New Orleans (UNO). After attending the game, the group went to a house party before heading to the French Quarter to enjoy live jazz music.
That night, Faul was set up on a blind date. After spending time in the Quarter with friends, Faul and his date visited Café du Monde for beignets before walking to the Moon Walk, a riverside promenade along the Mississippi River, around 6 a.m. to enjoy the view of the river.
It was there that two men approached the couple, initially making small talk about the cold weather, according to Crimestoppers President and CEO Darlene Costanza. Suddenly, the two men attacked Faul from behind, stabbing him 15 times.
A Woman’s Escape and Faul’s Death
Faul’s date managed to escape, running toward Decatur Street, where she found a police officer sitting in his patrol car. By the time the officer returned to the scene, the attackers had fled, and Faul was found critically wounded near the rocks at the foot of the Moon Walk. Despite attempts to save him, Faul died at the scene.
Investigators Hopeful for New Leads
Crimestoppers has released sketches of two individuals believed to be connected to the crime. One suspect is described as a slender man, between 35 and 40 years old, with a thin mustache, wearing a large-brimmed brown hat and a long coat with large pockets. The second suspect, who is believed to have acted as a lookout, was described as having curly blond hair and wearing a rust-colored jacket.
At the time of the murder, the riverfront area was crowded, and investigators are hopeful that someone may remember something from that night or recognize the suspects from the sketches.
A Reward for Information
In an effort to encourage tips, Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 cash reward for any information leading to the resolution of the case. “Somebody might just remember something that day, or certainly recognize seeing these individuals,” Costanza said. “We’re praying with the family that this information’s gonna come forward and find justice.”
Anyone with information about the murder of Donald Faul is urged to contact Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans or the NOPD Homicide Division. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling (504) 822-1111 or 1-877-903-STOP, or through the Crimestoppers website.
