A federal judge has upheld Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage. Opponents of the ban filed a federal lawsuit against the state in February arguing the ban violated portions of the US Constitution. In his ruling, US District Judge Martin Feldman stated that Louisiana has a “legitimate interest” in “addressing the meaning of marriage through the democratic process.” This makes Feldman the first federal judge to uphold a state’s ban on same-sex marriage. An appeal of the ruling is expected.

A federal investigation is underway into the death of a New Iberia man who was shot and killed while he was handcuffed in March. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled that 23-year-old Victor White III committed suicide while in custody but his parents are disputing the conclusion. State Police Cpt. Doug Cain says the public should reserve judgement until the investigation is complete…

cut 7 (09) “we deal in facts”

He says the role of the Department of Justice in this case is the same as theirs and that is to find out the truth.

Authorities say a 4-year-old child is in critical condition after being injured in a residential fire last night in the DeSoto Parish town of Mansfield. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says two adults and a 10 year old child were able to escape the home but they soon realized the toddler was still inside. He says a male relative went back inside to rescue the 4-year-old…

cut 4 (11) “child’s body”

The toddler was air lifted to University Hospital in Shreveport.

Bond has been set for the Nathitoches teen accused of fatally punching 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith during an altercation at Natchitoches Central High School last month. 16-year-old Timmy Robinson will be tried as an adult on one count of manslaughter. Bond was set at 100-thousand dollars.