A state judge has sentenced Cardell Hayes to 25 years for killing former Saints star Will Smith and wounding his wife following a traffic crash in April 2016. Judge Camille Buras handed the sentence down after two days of emotional testimony that included Saints Coach Sean Payton. Legal analyst Tim Meche…
cut 14 (09) “…under these circumstances”
Hayes had faced up to 60 years.

Reducing lengthy sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes was on the mind of the hundreds who rallied on the steps of the state capitol yesterday. They are calling on the legislature to pass a justice reform package. Former Angola inmate Norris Henderson…
cut 9 (09) “…present themselves”
The Louisiana Sheriffs Association says they oppose reductions in sentences of violent offenders.

A Shreveport man has been arrested for pretending to be a state trooper. LSP spokesperson Matt Harris says they received a complaint about a door to door steak salesman impersonating a trooper. He says after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, they requested 47-year-old Lester Wells’ service at the criminal investigations division in Bossier City.
Cut 10 (11) “police officer”
Harris says Wells confessed to the crime, claiming it helped his sales to portray himself as a state trooper.

It’s another big weekend for festivals across Louisiana. In Lafayette Parish, they’ll be celbrating the fifth annual Boudin Festival in Scott.