51-year-old Leon Ruffin who was being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center escaped from the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday and drove off in a deputy’s car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the convicted murderer was being transported back to the JPCC from the hospital and escaped after he pepper-sprayed a deputy.

Cut 10 (08) “…point and time.”

The car was found abandoned in Algiers.

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s bill to allow non-felon adults to legally conceal carry a handgun without a permit or training was approved in House Criminal Justice today after passing the full Senate last week. Miguez says Senate Bill 1 does not change current law, which prohibits guns near a parade route or in bars and that there’s evidence his legislation will help deter shootings…

Cut 14 (09) “… took effect”

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office has not released many details about the November in-custody death of Jerome Stevenson. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump says an autopsy report shows the 26-year-old died from blunt force trauma to the head and stomach…

Cut 7 (13) “…to death”  

Two correctional officers have been charged with his death.

The remains of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia have been positively identified as those found in the Ouachita River on January 24^th. Turner’s body was found dismembered in the river. Her twin sister told authorities that Turner left New Iberia to go to Monroe with a man around New Year’s. Catahoula Parish detectives are asking for anyone with information about the case to contact them.

51-year-old Leon Ruffin, who’s been in custody for second-degree murder in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, escaped from the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday and drove off in a deputy’s marked car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Ruffin was being treated for a seizure and other injuries they believe he was now faking.

Cut 9 (11) “…on her.” 

The stolen unit was later found abandoned in Algiers.

Legislation that would give non-felon adults the ability to legally carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training continues to sail through the Legislature. The full Senate has already approved New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s measure and today it received approval from the House Criminal Justice Committee…

Cut 12 (10)  “…our state”  

After several wildfires sparked over the weekend a statewide burn ban is expected

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump is with the family of Jerome Stevenson and says they deserve answers as to what happened Stevenson who died while in custody at the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s jail in Marksville last November. Inmate, 37-year-old John Williams of Mansura has been charged with second degree murder. Corrections deputies, Byron White Frank Overbey also face charges.

Cut 8 (10) “…that yet” 

Wildfire activity has been reported across the state and in DeRidder alone, within 10 minutes they had six fires says Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 5 (09) “…the parish.”

Strain says a statewide burn ban is planned

Officials from New Orleans oppose legislation that would give non-felon adults the ability to legally carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training. City council president Helena Moreno says New Orleans police officers question individuals when they believe a person may be possessing a gun underneath their clothes. Moreno says it’s an important police tactic used during Mardi Gras and other big events…

Cut 13 (10) “…possible”  

Miguez says his legislation does not change current law, which prohibits guns near a parade route or in bars.

The family of Jerome Stevenson has hired nationally renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump as they are seeking justice and more information on Stevenson’s in-custody death in Marksville. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

State Police, NOPD, and the FBI are assisting in the search for a Jefferson Parish Correctional Center prisoner who escaped in the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday while being transported back to the correctional center. 51-year-old Leon Ruffin pepper-sprayed the deputy to gain control of the car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto…

Cut 11 (09) “…a firearm.”

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s measure that would give non-felon adults the ability to legally carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training received approval from the House Criminal Justice Committee today after passing the full senate Friday.  Miguez says his legislation does not change current law, which prohibits guns near a parade route or in bars. He also says there’s evidence his legislation will help deter shootings…

Cut 14 (09) “. took effect”

Wildfires cost Louisiana tens of millions of dollars last year and Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says a statewide burn ban is planned prompted by a weekend increase in fires.

Cut 4 (08) “…massive wildfires.”

Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump was in Avoyelles Parish today as he’s representing Jerome Stevenson. He died while in custody at the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s jail in Marksville last November. An inmate and two correction officers have been charged in his murder. Crump says he will fight for justice for the Stevenson family

Cut 6  (11) “…were fighting” 

Heartbreaking news for a New Iberia family as the body of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia who had been missing since early January has been identified as the body found in Catahoula Parish in the Ouachita River on January 24^th. A fisherman spotted her body about three miles north of Jonesville. The case is being treated as an active homicide investigation and a GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for Turner’s funeral expenses.

A Jefferson Parish Correctional Center prisoner escaped from the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday and drove off in a deputy’s marked car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says 51-year-old Leon Ruffin, who’s been in custody for second-degree murder, was being transported back to the correctional center from the hospital when he escaped. Lopinto says Ruffin pepper-sprayed the deputy to gain control of the car.

Cut 10 (08) “…point and time.”

he Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office has not released many details about the November in-custody death of Jerome Stevenson. The Stevenson’s Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump says an autopsy report shows the 26-year-old died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and stomach…

Cut 7 (13) “…to death”  

An inmate at the time, 37-year-old John Williams of Mansura, has been charged with second degree murder. Corrections deputies, 60-year-old Byron White and 61-year-old Frank Overbey also face charges.

After several wildfires sparked over the weekend a statewide burn ban will be issued. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislation that would give non-felon adults the ability to legally carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training continues to sail through the Legislature. The full Senate has already approved New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s measure and today it received approval from the House Criminal Justice Committee…

Cut 12 (10)  “…our safety”  

51-year-old Leon Ruffin, who’s been in custody for second-degree murder in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, escaped from the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday and drove off in a deputy’s marked car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Ruffin was being treated for a seizure and other injuries they believe he was now faking.

Cut 9 (11) “…on her.” 

The stolen unit was later found abandoned in Algiers.

Wildfires in the Bayou State increased dramatically over the weekend prompting a statewide burn ban. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 4 (08) “…massive wildfires.”

He says several burn piles got out of control and they believe in some blazes arson could be involved.

The family of Jerome Stevenson have hired nationally renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump as they are seeking justice and more information on Stevenson’s in-custody death in Marksville. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

LSU Women’s basketball won their 6th straight game yesterday against Tennessee 75 to 60. The Lady Tigers were only up by 3 heading into the 4th quarter after Tennessee outscored LSU 19 to 10. LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey says that LSU could’ve lost to Tennessee, but her team’s grit helped them find a way to win.

Cut 20 (14) “… make us better.”

LSU will visit Georgia on Thursday.

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LSU baseball went 3 and 1 in its four game series against Northern Illinois and Stony Brook. The Tigers avenged their loss to Stony Brook on Friday by beating the Sea Wolves 18 to 10 yesterday. The Tigers had an offensive explosion in the game recording 18 runs on 17 hits.

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And the Pelicans have now lost two in a row after the Bulls defeated New Orleans, 114 to 106 yesterday. Brandon Ingram had 22 points and Zion Williamson had 11 assists in the game.

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LSU men’s basketball magical run of come back victories has come to a close as the Tigers lost to Mississippi State 87 to 67 on Saturday. LSU had comeback victories against South Carolina and Kentucky after being down double-digits in both games at halftime, and the Tigers were only down 7 against Mississippi State on Saturday. LSU guard Jordan Wright says that the Tigers shouldn’t have to comeback in order to win games.

Cut 16 (16) “… you know.”

LSU will host Georgia tomorrow, with tipoff at 6pm on the SEC Network.

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In college baseball news, Louisiana Tech is still undefeated after defeating Kent State 13 to 2 yesterday.

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And McNeese men’s basketball will look to secure at least a tie for the Southland Conference regular season title when they take on Lamar tonight at 7 pm. The game will be on ESPN+.

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would require first offense DWI offenders to install an interlock ignition device for at least six months in order to get their driver’s license back. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds says passing this legislation will save lives and it will result in federal grant dollars from the National Traffic Safety Administration…
cut 16 (08) “…having struggles”
The measure sill needs House approval.

Wildfires in the Bayou State increased dramatically over the weekend which has led to parishes issuing burn bans again. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says some of the fires were a result of burn piles that got out of control or were abandoned.
Cut 3 (10) “…aggressively.”
The next big chance for rain is on Friday.

Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump was in Avoyelles Parish today as he’s representing Jerome Stevenson. He died while in custody at the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s jail in Marksville last November. An inmate and two correction officers have been charged in his murder. Crump says he will fight for justice for the Stevenson family
Cut 6 (11) “…were fighting”
37-year-old John Williams of Mansura has been charged with second degree murder. He was an inmate at the jail. Corrections deputies, 60-year-old Byron White and 61-year-old Frank Overbey also face charges.

A little good news from UL Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner’s latest Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast. The state has gained nearly 40,000 jobs in the last 12 months, the biggest increase in almost 20 years…
Cut 26 (07) “…metro region.”
New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas are responsible for about 62% of the growth.