A Kaplan man faces mandatory life in prison following his conviction in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says they decided not to seek the death penalty.

Cut 15 (07) “…death penalty case.”

Several gang members are under arrest and several more are still on the loose in connection with fights at Pecanland Mall and Hibbett Sports in Monroe. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says it’s strong in their gang-culture to post videos to social media, and police have the technology to monitor those outlets.

Cut 9 (13)  “…individuals to justice.”

A new trial was granted in a sexual battery case in Calcasieu Parish after the verdict was thrown out after an incident involving a CPSO captain. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Carnival parades are ramping up this weekend with Mardi Gras now just days away, and it looks like the weather is going to cooperate. Temperatures statewide will be in the low to mid-70s tomorrow and in the 60s on Sunday. There is, however, a chance for thunderstorms late in the day on Fat Tuesday.

Carnival parades are reaching a crescendo this weekend with Mardi Gras now just days away. This Sunday evening, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be aboard one of the floats in the Krewe of Bacchus parade. Nungesser says the theme of Bacchus’ parade is the fairs and festivals that Louisiana is famous for.

Cut 4 (15) “…all over Louisiana.”

A freshman pole vaulter from LSU is killed in a crash. 18-year-old Dillon Ridenhauer was killed when her car was hit by a motorcycle. The driver of the bike, 23-year-old Bohdi Linton, also died in that crash.

Also in Baton Rouge, a member of Southern University’s Human Jukebox died after a fraternity-related event off campus. Police say 20-year-old Caleb Wilson became unresponsive at a local park and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A Kaplan man is convicted in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says Cormier will in all likelihood spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Cut 14 (08) “…those sentences imposed.”

After getting a conviction against a man for sexual battery, Calcasieu Parish prosecutors may need to start again from square one. That’s because the judge has declared a mistrial in the case of 42-year-old Joshua Boyd because of the actions of Sheriff’s Captain Todd Ory during deliberations. Sheriff Stitch Guillory could not go into detail of what those actions are because of the ongoing internal affairs investigation; he says his heart goes out to the victim and her family.

Cut 12 (10) “…through this again.”

In Calcasieu Parish a new trial is granted in in a sexual battery case, the initial verdict thrown out after an incident involving a Sheriff’s Captain.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A tragic loss for Southern University as a member of the Human Jukebox died early yesterday morning, after a fraternity related event off campus.  Authorities say 20 year old Caleb Wilson became unresponsive at a local park and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Southern has  issued an order halting all membership intake activities for campus organizations until further notice.

—————————

A suspect has turned himself in in Monroe in connection with gang-related fights over a shoe release at Pecanland Mall.  24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins is facing a rioting charge.   Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan

Cut 8 (10) “…the stomach area.”

Carnival parades are reaching a crescendo this weekend with Mardi Gras now less than two weeks away. This Sunday evening, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be aboard one of the floats in the Krewe of Bacchus parade, which this year celebrates the fairs and festivals of our great state..

Cut 5 (13) “…fairs and festivals.”

A Kaplan man is convicted in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says it started with an accusation in 2019.

Cut 13 (12)  “…about that allegation.”

A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out and the judge declared a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain Tod Ory. Sheriff Stitch Guillory was not at liberty to specify what happened as an investigation is ongoing

Cut 11 (09) “…in this case.”

————————————–

Carnival parades are ramping up as the countdown to Mardi Gras continues. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight marks the final time ULM’s Keith Richard (REE-shard) will coach his team in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Richard is retiring at the end of the season, following 15 years as a head coach at his alma mater. Richard also played at ULM, was a grad assistant and an assistant coach….

A tragic loss for Southern University as a member of the Human Jukebox died early yesterday morning, after a fraternity related event off campus.  We’re told 20 year old Caleb Wilson, became unresponsive at a local park and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Southern has issued an order halting all membership intake activities for campus organizations until further notice.

LSU is mourning the loss of freshman pole-vaulter Dillon Ridenhauer,  who was killed in a traffic accident Wednesday night.  The 18 year old was killed when her car was hit by a motorcycle.  The driver of the bike 23 year old Bohdi Linton, also died in that crash.

A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out, the judge declaring a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain.  But Sheriff Stitch Guillory tells us…

Cut 10 (10) “…uphold the conviction.”

————————————–

A man is convicted in a murder-for-hire in Terrebonne Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A suspect in turned himself in to Monroe Police in connection with gang-related fights at Pecanland Mall and Hibbett Sports. 24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center, charged with rioting. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says it was due to a shoe release.

Cut 7 (11) “…fist fights.”

Carnival parades are ramping up with Mardi Gras now less than two weeks away. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

A new trial was granted in a sexual battery case in Calcasieu Parish after the verdict was thrown out after an incident involving a CPSO captain. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

A man is convicted in a murder-for-hire in Terrebonne Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________________

Carnival parades are reaching a crescendo this weekend with Mardi Gras now less than two weeks away. This Sunday evening, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be aboard one of the floats in the Krewe of Bacchus parade. Nungesser says the theme of Bacchus’ parade is the fairs and festivals that Louisiana is famous for.

Cut 4 (15) “…all over Louisiana.”

Nungesser says the floats pay tribute to those fairs and festivals.

Cut 5 (13) “…fairs and festivals.”

Another big name – emphasis on the word “big” – in Bacchus’ parade is Shaquille O’Neal. Nungesser says Shaq will be on float in front of his – and that’s a good thing, because he says he cannot compete with the NBA Hall of Famer and former LSU star.

Cut 6 (08) “…is for Louisiana.”

The Krewe of Bacchus parade will roll along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans’ Garden District at 5:15 Sunday evening.

______________________________________________________

A suspect in turned himself in to the Monroe Police Department in connection with gang-related fights at Pecanland Mall and Hibbett Sports. 24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center and charged with rioting. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says it was due to a shoe release.

Cut 7 (11) “…fist fights.”

The fights occurred on February 8th. At Hibbett Sports, two victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospitals. Zordan says no one was killed in the incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…the stomach area.”

Surveillance and Facebook Live footage confirmed all parties engaged in mutual combat, and Zordan says its strong in their gang-culture to post to social media and have the technology to monitor those outlets.

Cut 9 (13)  “…individuals to justice.”

Zordan says five individuals are still wanted in connection to these incidents.

______________________________________________________

A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out and the judge declared a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says this throws out the conviction of 42-year-old Joshua Boyd.

Cut 10 (10) “…uphold the conviction.”

The actions of Captain Todd Ory, who was on-duty as courtroom security, led the judge to declare a new trial. Guillory was not at liberty to specify Ory’s actions, since an internal affairs investigation is ongoing, only saying that he strongly disagreed with them.

Cut 11 (09) “…in this case.”

Guillory reaffirmed his support for the CPSO SVU detectives, emphasizing that physical evidence was collected and presented, and the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict was justified. He acknowledged the distress caused to the victim and their family, stating the department remains committed to accountability and transparency.

Cut 12 (10) “…through this again.”

______________________________________________________

A Kaplan man is convicted in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says it started with an accusation in 2019.

Cut 13 (12)  “…about that allegation.”

So Elfert says Cormier hired Dalvin Wilson of Rayne and Andrew Eskine of Carencro to kill his niece; but they killed the two women instead. Wilson was previously convicted, while Eskine confessed and took a plea deal in exchange for testimony against the other two. Elfert says Cormier will in all likelihood spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Cut 14 (08) “…those sentences imposed.”

Elfert says they decided not to seek the death penalty.

Cut 15 (07) “…death penalty case.”

Cormier will be sentenced following a post-trial hearing in May.

_______________________________________________________

Tonight marks the final time ULM’s Keith Richard (REE-shard) will coach his team in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Richard is retiring at the end of the season, following 15 years as a head coach at his alma mater. Richard also played at ULM, was a grad assistant and an assistant coach….

Cut 16 (17) “…for me.”

ULM is suffering through a difficult season as the Warhawks are 7-and-23. Richard says he plans to still be around after he coaches his last game…

Cut 17 (12)  “…ULM.”

ULM hosts Arkansas State

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball is looking for more scoring from Daniel Batcho. The six-foot-11 senior from France has scored just 10 points in each of the last two games. Coach Talvin Hester wants Batcho to crash the glass more….

Cut 18 (17)  “…take shots.”

Tech is at Sam Houston on Saturday.

__________________________________________________________

The second ranked LSU baseball team will spend the weekend in Frisco, Texas playing three different teams. Kade Anderson is set to start today for the Tigers. The left-hander is 2-and-0, but was upset he gave up two runs in his last start. Coach Jay Johnson says Anderson expects a lot out of himself…

Cut 19 (19) “…next week.”

The Tigers will face Kansas State at 2 PM today. The Wildcats are 4-and-4, but won three games last week, two of the victories were against ranked opponents, Arkansas and TCU. Johnson is looking forward to another tough test for his team…

Cut 20 (18) “…at bats.”

There are many unknowns with the next fiscal year’s budget that the legislature will be considering in the session that gets underway in April. A lot will ride on the outcome of next month’s vote on Amendment 2. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says along with the passage of the tax reform plan last November, the passage of Amendment 2 would lead to better predictability in forming future budgets.

Cut 11 (10) “… going forward.”

The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana continues to drop as Mardi Gras approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King, live crawfish now average $3.75 per pound.

Cut 6 (07) “…$3.00 a pound now.”

This is the fourth straight week that the price of crawfish has gone down.

A huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit executed four search warrants, which netted the seizure of 170 pounds of high-grade marijuana, along with 40-thousand dollars in cash, two firearms and body armor. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says high-grade marijuana causes chronic users to do more aggressive things.

Cut 14 (04) “…look at it.”

U-L Lafayette received a silver award from the League of American Bicyclists for fostering a bike-friendly campus. The University’s Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, led by Gretchen Vanicor, credits collaboration with local governments and student groups.

Cut 3 (14) “…in and around campus.” 

UL-Lafayette is the only Louisiana school to be recognized by the organization.

Six people were arrested after a huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says it was great work by the multi-jurisdictional Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit.

Cut 13 (06)  “…on the street.”

Four of the six arrested have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation.

In April when the regular legislative session begins, lawmakers will consider next fiscal year’s budget and it may look a lot like the current one. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says there are a lot of unknowns pending the outcome of the vote on Amendment 2 next month but they had to prepare a budget that does not include the provisions contained in that amendment.

Cut 10 (14) “…one-time stipend.”

If you’re looking for a cycling friendly place, look at a well-known campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana has dropped for the fourth consecutive week According to Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King…

Cut 8 (10) “…$3 per pound.”