4:30 LRN Newscast January 31

Republican leadership in the state legislature calls for an investigation into whether Governor Edwards took part in any cover-up of the May 2019 death of Ronald Greene, after a beating by state troopers and other LEOs. According to an Associated Press report, Edwards was informed the day after Greene died that he was involved in a violent struggle with troopers, while Green’s family was told for nearly two years he died in a car crash. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Edwards has faced numerous challenges during his time in office, but this one is unique for his administration…:

CUT 04(12)      “…honor code.”

Alford says Republicans want to know if Edwards helped keep the details of Greene’s death quiet for political reasons, as that was a re-election year. The Governor’s office issued a written statement this afternoon stating Greene’s name was not provided in the initial email from LSP and that Mr. Edwards (quote) “did not see, nor was he aware of,” the videos of Greene’s arrest until October 2020. It also states that the Governor has never intervened in any criminal investigation.

 

In Rapides Parish over the weekend, a jury convicted 35-year-old Kayla Giles of gunning down her estranged husband, Thomas Coutee Jr., in a Wal-Mart parking lot during a child custody exchange back in September 2018. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says, based upon statements made by Coutee’s family, they’re pleased with the verdict…:

CUT 12(12)      “…what we did.”

Giles faces probable life in prison when sentenced in late March.

 

The man accused of killing former New Orleans Saint Will Smith, in April of 2016, will face re-trial in the Crescent City, after a defense motion for change of venue was denied. Cardell Hayes earlier conviction for Smith’s death was overturned by the state Supreme Court last year. Smith was shot and killed – and his wife shot and wounded – during a fight over a fender-bender. Hayes says he acted in self-defense. His re-trial begins April 4th.