The man who shot and killed former Saints player Will Smith has been found guilty of manslaughter. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the defense spent a lot of time trying to point fingers at police for not handling the evidence properly and the prosecution for misconduct. But he says those attempts to distract the jury clearly didn’t work.
Cut 11 (07) “himself”
Hayes was also found guilty of attempted manslaughter for shooting Smith’s wife Racquel in both legs.
Hayes will face at least 20 years in prison, but Orleans Parish DA Leon Cannizzaro says he will seek the maximum 60 year sentence. He says when Hayes goes to court for sentencing on February 12, they will present the victim impact because they believe Hayes should get the maximum.
Cut 14 (12) “come out”
In light of a Republican victories in all of Louisiana’s federal runoffs, the Louisiana Republican Party says Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ victory in last year’s gubernatorial race was a fluke. Executive Director Jason Dore says Edwards says in the governor’s mansion are numbered, and he fully expects the governor to be voted out in the next election.
Cut 17 (08) “in 2019”
One of the GOP victors is Mike Johnson, who won the 4th Congressional District seat. Johnson says he believes the Republican wave moving across the nation means that God has given the country another chance.
Cut 4 (10) “in generations”
Louisiana Democrats did get a win in Baton Rouge with the election of Sharon Weston Broome as mayor-president.