Marcus McNeil

On October 13, 2017, Officer Marcus McNeil exited his patrol car to investigate a suspicious person. A struggle ensued, and Officer McNeil was shot and killed by the perpetrator. He was 29 years old and had served in the New Orleans Police Department for three years. 

McNeil was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Dr. Kimberly McNeil. He was the oldest of his siblings. As a child, he played the piano and tuba. He graduated from the historical St. Augustine High School, where he was a member of the Marching 100 Band. In his youth, he volunteered with the YMCA of Greater New Orleans and later taught at the Children’s Defense Fund during the summer and after-school programs. He graduated from Dillard University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, then began his career in banking. McNeil loved all thing NFL. He watched the games, played video games, rocked clothing and had about 10 fantasy football teams. After living in Washington, D.C., for four years, he became a die-hard fan of the Washington Redskins. He had a passion for music and food. He loved playing the tuba in high school and planned on joining an adult marching band. He was an excellent cook, trying new recipes that always turned out to be delicious.  

McNeil had a desire to serve his community in some way and decided to look into law enforcement. He had a goal to become an officer and pursued that goal with determination. He joined the New Orleans Police Academy in 2014 and graduated in March of 2015. He was proud of his service to the community and was always happy to be together with his team of officers. He was the happiest when helping kids, helping a lost child, helping a former student, or donating toys and games during the holidays.  

McNeil and his future wife, Brittiny, met on a blind date that was set up by a friend of Brittany’s without her knowledge. On the blind date, they realized they had graduated high school together but never met each other. They bonded over a mutual love of music, and their relationship grew. They married and had two daughters, Maisie Ann and Camille Louise. He was a loving husband and father, playing hide and seek with the girls and taking his wife out on date nights. He loved to laugh, sing, and be happy. The family loved going to Mardi Gras together, especially since Dad had marched in the parade when he was young and then worked the parade as an officer. He passed his excitement for Mardi Gras to his wife and children. He was always joyful. He was living his dream, achieving his goals and serving his community. 

Police Officer Marcus McNeil is survived by his loving wife, Brittiny, daughters, Maisie Ann and Camille Louise, son, Jax Marcus, mother, Dr. Kimberly McNeil, several siblings and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the McNeil family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.