35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. of Baton Rouge is charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of 34-year-old Janice David that was broadcast on Facebook Live. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation designed to expand the state’s medical-marijuana program. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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Baton Rouge Police have arrested 35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. for the murder of a woman that was broadcast on Facebook Live Monday. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Johnson was already in custody after a chase involving a stolen vehicle when they learned he was a suspect in the brutal stabbing of 34-year-old Janice David.
McKneely says someone who saw the video notified Facebook and they contacted authorities in Louisiana.
McKneely says East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies located a vehicle with the victim’s body inside and then Baton Rouge Police was informed about the murder in the Sherwood Forest area.
McKneely says they received a call Monday at 5 PM about a stolen vehicle before they were notified about the gruesome murder broadcast on Facebook.
Johnson faces First Degree Murder, Theft of a Vehicle, and Aggravated Flight from an Officer charges. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
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The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation that would move regulation of the state’s medical-marijuana program from the state’s agriculture department to the Louisiana Department of Health. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s measure is in response to criticism the ag department has hindered medical marijuana availability…
Cut 6 (10) “…program overall.”
Magee says the legislation allows L-D-H to contract with private labs to streamline the testing of medical cannabis. His legislation also allows for the nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacy owners to open more locations…
Cut 7 (09) “…pharmacy locations”
The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion. But there are medical marijuana patients who believe the bill doesn’t go far enough to help with the supply, access, and cost of medical cannabis. Veteran Tony Landry expressed his concerns…
Cut 8 (12) “…current monopoly.”
The legislation doesn’t increase the number of licensed growers and pharmacy operators. The bill will allow licensed pharmacy operators to open more than one location.
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After 18 years and 17 games, the final Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic will be played tonight at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. The All-SEC third baseman passed away in 2002 at the age of 21. Pontiff’s father, Wally Sr., says the games may be ending, but the mission continues.
Cut 9 (11) “…we’ve been blessed.”
Pontiff says there were simple goals when the family started the Wally Pontiff Jr Foundation in his son’s honor…spread the gospel of LSU baseball to kids in the New Orleans area, and give back to the community that gave so much to them.
Cut 10 (10) “…he passed away.”
The Pontiff family has been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received over the years, from volunteers and from the university. Wally Sr. says the foundation will be able to continue its work, keeping Wally’s spirit and dream alive.
LSU is 12-4 all-time in The Classic, heading into tonight’s matchup with UL If you’d like to contact or support the Wally Pontiff Jr. Foundation, visit wally-pontiff-j-r-foundation-dot-com.
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A Bastrop man is under arrest for allegedly setting two arson fires in Morehouse Parish. An abandoned funeral home and an unoccupied nearby were both torched within an hour of each other on April 3rd. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he is 28-year-old Jamie Wall…:
Cut 12 (10) “…criminal trespassing.”
In the latter fire, the flames grew so hot that a neighboring house was threatened, so first responders evacuated a family of four living there; including two small kids. Rodrigue says it could have been much worse…:
Cut 13 (06) “…from being injured.”
Wall has been charged with aggravated arson for one fire, simple arson for the other, and criminal trespass. Rodrigue credits the Morehouse Sheriff’s Office and Bastrop firefighters, and the public for helping with a speedy arrest…:
Cut 14 (11) “…without even asking.”
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Cut 15 (11) “…checks and balances system.”
Cut 16 (07) “….judicial restraint“