Content Tagged As court
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Trial concludes, ruling to come on state legislative maps
December 5, 2023 7:31 PM
BATON ROUGE - A federal court judge is expected to rule soon in a case that will determine if Louisiana must redraw its state legislative maps. A seven-day trial concluded in Baton Rouge on Tuesday. At issue: Whether Louisiana's state House and Senate districts diluted minority voting power.... more » -
Fight over redistricting Louisiana heads to court for trial
November 26, 2023 8:56 PM
BATON ROUGE - The battle over redistricting in Louisiana returns to court on Monday -- the first day of a scheduled 7-day trial that could determine if and when political lines are redrawn for state legislative seats. The focus this week is expected to be not on the congressional... more » -
Playground spat between 5-year-olds goes to Louisiana Supreme Court; trial set for 2024
October 11, 2023 2:38 PM
BATON ROUGE - A playground dispute between a pair of 5-year-olds landed before the Louisiana Supreme Court this week, and justices say a judge must determine whether one boy deliberately hurt another during a game of tag. The case dates to 2018, when one child suffered a broken hip... more » -
Decades in prison for teenage gang member who killed another teen, wounded 10-year-old
September 1, 2023 7:11 PM
BATON ROUGE -- A gang member arrested in connection with a Christmas Eve double shooting that killed another teen and wounded a 10-year-old boy has been sentenced to decades in prison. The terms are mostly stacked, meaning that Koverias Garner will likely spend most of his life in confinement.... more » -
Bond reduced for defendant in Brooks rape case; videos shown at hearing
August 31, 2023 10:43 PM
BATON ROUGE - A judge on Thursday lowered the bond for one of four defendants in the Madison Brooks rape case -- but only after prosecutors showed videos that could play a significant role in the upcoming trials. Desmond Carter has remained in custody since he was charged earlier... more » -
Jury poised to deliberate murder-for-hire case after defense blames son for woman's death Play Video
August 14, 2023 2:50 PM
The first-degree murder trial of a Baton Rouge businessman is entering its final stages, with lawyers presenting closing arguments to jurors in the murder-for-hire case. Hamid Ghassemi, 72, is accused of hiring three men to kill his ex-wife so he wouldn't have to pay her $1 million after their... more » -
Hearing on La. congressional maps now set for October
July 17, 2023 5:03 PM
BATON ROUGE - A federal trial court will hear arguments for and against congressional redistricting in a three-day session now set for early October. Chief Judge Shelly Dick of the Middle District on Monday ordered parties to appear for a hearing starting on Oct. 3 in U.S. District Court... more » -
Police: Accused rapist beat up girlfriend who wouldn't appease his fecal fetish Play Video
May 15, 2023 3:54 PM
BATON ROUGE - It appears the system has failed again after a man with an active arrest warrant for beating up his girlfriend managed to make three court appearances without anyone realizing he was also wanted on more charges. That man, Corey Handy, was out of jail on bail... more » -
Homeowner sues over sewer repair debacle, city responds Play Video
March 7, 2022 3:43 PM
BATON ROUGE - Following a 2 On Your Side story last October , a woman sued the city. Barbara Davis said it was one of two choices she had after she felt she wasn't getting any help. The lawsuit was filed soon after the WBRZ story aired last year... more » -
Man convicted of murder in 2015 killing of Baton Rouge couple Play Video
February 17, 2022 3:19 PM
BATON ROUGE - A handyman accused of killing a couple who used to employ him on their property was found guilty of murder Thursday, over six years after the victims were found dead in an abandoned vehicle. The jury's decision to convict Ernesto Alonso on two counts of first-degree... more » -
CASA volunteers needed as foster system faces shortage Play Video
September 21, 2021 6:02 PM
BATON ROUGE - Court Appointed Special Advocates play one of the most crucial roles in a potential foster child's life, and they're in high demand right now. "They speak up for abused and neglected children that are currently in the foster care system," said Sarah Tranchina, recruitment coordinator. ... more » -
Britney Spears' father asks judge to end her conservatorship
September 8, 2021 4:37 AM
LOS ANGELES - For years, pop star Britney Spears has been longing for freedom from the conservatorship that gave her father and others control over major aspects of her personal life; on Tuesday, Spears' father told a judge he wants the same freedom for his daughter. According to Variety,... more » -
Federal courthouse in Baton Rouge going virtual due to COVID surge
August 5, 2021 4:13 PM
BATON ROUGE - Citing an outbreak among key staff and a surge in COVID cases across the state, the federal courthouse in downtown Baton Rouge says it will halt all in-person proceedings until mid-August. Louisiana's Middle District Court announced that as of Wednesday it was moving all court activities... more » -
Judge allowing offenders to get COVID vaccine in place of community service hours Play Video
July 27, 2021 12:06 PM
BATON ROUGE - At least one judge in East Baton Rouge is offering some people on probation the option to get the coronavirus vaccine in place of some of their court-mandated service hours. Court records obtained by WBRZ show Judge Fred T. Crifasi allowed at least two different people... more » -
Judge rules Baton Rouge rapper's attempted murder trial can include Miami death tied to local rap feud
February 26, 2021 8:13 AM
BATON ROUGE - According to The Advocate , a judge has ruled that as Baton Rouge rapper Lit Yoshi appears in court to be tried on attempted murder counts stemming from two 2020 Baton Rouge shootings, a jury will also hear about his alleged involvement in a deadly May 2019... more » -
Baton Rouge rapper Lit Yoshi placed under house arrest, must obey curfew Play Video
November 9, 2020 8:44 AM
BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge rapper who investigators say is deeply rooted in a local gang and connected to a string of shootings is under house arrest until his next court appearance, a judge ordered Monday. Mieyoshi Tyree Edwards, also known as Lit Yoshi, is allegedly tied to... more » -
Court: Denham Springs woman indicted on charges of stealing $750k from employer
October 29, 2020 10:04 AM
BATON ROUGE - A 34-year-old Denham Springs woman who worked for a mental healthcare facility has been indicted for allegedly embezzling $750,000 from the facility. According to the Department of Justice, Brittany Monroe Knapp was charged with wire fraud and identity theft, which she allegedly carried out while working... more » -
Trial for BR man accused of orchestrating ex-wife's murder postponed to March 1
September 15, 2020 6:57 AM
BATON ROUGE - The trial for a former Baton Rouge businessman accused of having his ex-wife murdered was pushed back to March 1 after he faced a judge on Monday and said he no longer wants to represent himself, The Advocate reports. Hamid Ghassemi, a 69-year-old who used to... more » -
Tigerland apartment building logs 195 police calls since 2016, declared a nuisance Play Video
August 18, 2020 7:02 PM
BATON ROUGE - An apartment building in Tigerland could be forced to shut down or make some serious safety changes after a Baton Rouge judge has deemed the property a nuisance. District Attorney Hillar Moore filed a petition for injunctive relief and order of abatement against the troubled apartment... more » -
State Supreme Court gives go-ahead for jury trials to begin Play Video
June 30, 2020 8:22 AM
BATON ROUGE - Courthouses across the state have been closed for months due to the COVID-19 health crisis, but with Louisiana's Supreme Court guidance allowing for all jury trials to resume Tuesday, June 30 officials who oversee the 19th Judicial District court in downtown Baton Rouge are preparing the facility... more » -
Baton Rouge City Court set to open on Monday
May 14, 2020 1:59 PM
BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge City Court will be open to the public on May 18, 2020. The court will open its doors at 8 a.m. allowing visitors to pay fines & fees, file civil pleadings, complete drug screens, pay and handle outstanding bench warrants, obtain extensions, and... more » -
Couple accused of sex crimes against children to return to court April 21 Play Video
March 6, 2020 7:09 AM
LIVINGSTON PARISH - Cynthia and Dennis Perkins, a couple accused of child rape and other sex crimes, returned to court Friday (March 6) morning. In December, Cynthia filed for divorce, only days after the couple's indictment. But their divorce hearing was pushed back as Dennis didn't have legal... more » -
Woman at center of shocking elder abuse video takes plea deal, released from jail Thursday
February 13, 2020 5:40 PM
BATON ROUGE - Lottie Morgan, a woman accused of beating her elderly mother in an infamous viral video in January , took a plea deal and was released from custody Thursday afternoon. Morgan pleaded guilty to cruelty to the infirmed; A charge of aggravated battery was dropped as part... more » -
Livingston schools release statement amid public outcry over allegations Perkins served tainted food at school
November 7, 2019 12:38 PM
LIVINGSTON – The public school district released a statement amid outcry over the handling of various investigations into child sex abuse centered on a system teacher and her sheriff’s deputy husband. WBRZ was first to report on the couple’s arrest and the ongoing saga , which Chris Nakamoto broke... more » -
Highly-anticipated John Paul Funes sentencing for Thursday rescheduled Play Video
October 16, 2019 6:46 PM
BATON ROUGE – Sentencing for the former head of the Our Lady of the Lake Foundation has been delayed a week, WBRZ has learned. Sentencing for John Paul Funes was scheduled for Thursday (Oct. 17) but it was rescheduled for next week because of a scheduling conflict with the... more » -
Baton Rouge medical testing center raided was part of 'largest health care fraud schemes ever' Play Video
September 25, 2019 11:08 AM
BATON ROUGE – The manager of a medical testing company raided by the FBI this week was paying doctors to refer patients – mostly elderly – to his clinic for medically unnecessary cancer tests, the federal government said. Kevin Hanley, 42, was charged in the $2.1 billion fraud scheme,... more » -
Second-degree murder conviction in 2017 Livingston Parish case
August 21, 2019 9:39 AM
LIVINGSTON PARISH - A jury found a man guilty of a lesser, second-degree murder charge as they wrapped a case in Livingston Parish Monday afternoon. Blayson Fife was on trial for first-degree murder but the jury convicted him of second-degree murder in a deadly plot to break into the... more » -
Dogged fight headed to court involving feuding Blue Dog heirs
July 31, 2019 7:06 PM
NEW ORLEANS – The sons of famed Louisiana Blue Dog artist George Rodrigue are suing their one-time stepmother and her new husband over claims they’ve been wrongfully shutout of the family business and are ruining the Rodrigue name. WWL TV reported the details of the lawsuit HERE which puts... more » -
Report: Former LSU player Rohan Davey says Funes funneled more than $100,000 to his family
June 18, 2019 4:35 PM
BATON ROUGE – Former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey said it’s his family referenced as “Individuals A and B” in court documents first reported by WBRZ related to the federal investigation into John Paul Funes. The Business Report published an account from Davey late Tuesday. Davey told the Baton Rouge... more » -
Another delay in Dakota Theriot case
May 24, 2019 11:48 AM
ASCENSION PARISH- Another hearing date has been set for Dakota Theriot, the man accused of going on a killing spree in two parishes earlier this year. Theriot was in an Ascension Parish courtroom Friday morning. In court, his attorneys asked for the judge to determine a source of funding... more » -
Judge Trudy White, controversial judge in Baton Rouge, leaving criminal bench for civil court
March 28, 2019 1:46 PM
BATON ROUGE – Judge Trudy White of the 19th Judicial Court will no longer be presiding over criminal cases, WBRZ learned Thursday. Judge White will instead move to the civil court bench, overseeing over cases involving lawsuits filed among individuals and businesses. White was moved to the civil court... more » -
'DC sniper' can argue he committed crimes at age too young for his sentence
March 18, 2019 1:25 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The then-teenage half of the so-called “DC snipers” whose violence had ties to Baton Rouge can challenge a life sentence without parole because of his age when he was arrested. The Supreme Court ruled Monday involving such sentences in the state of Virginia and is expected... more » -
D.A. recuses self from case after salacious court filing Play Video
July 2, 2018 6:25 PM
ST. FRANCISVILLE – A lengthy motion to have District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla recused from prosecuting another attorney paints a dirty picture of a small-town political scandal – ranging from favors for family to destroying evidence and a federal investigation. The motion, filed Monday, asks to have D’Aquilla removed from... more » -
Fired for controversial stick used to stop school fight, court rules principal should get job back
June 22, 2018 1:59 PM
BATON ROUGE – A state court of appeals sided with a former football player turned principal and found he should not have been fired after using a stick to break up a fight at an area high school three years ago. Calvin Nicholas, a former NFL wide receiver, was... more » -
Judge Trudy White might not hear cases involving criminals anymore
March 22, 2018 4:49 PM
BATON ROUGE – Some district court judges are interested in switching jobs, meaning Judge Trudy White could leave the criminal court system days after an Investigative Unit report on concern over her record of bonds given to repeat offenders. Judge Donald Johnson initiated the request - he wants to... more » -
Wary colleague may have tried to warn Judge Trudy White of accused cop-killer's ability to skip court
March 13, 2018 6:47 PM
BATON ROUGE – It appears a 19th District Judge was wary about recurring issues with the man accused of running over and killing a Zachary Police officer this week that months before the deadly parking lot altercation, a notation was put in the suspect's file. "Notify Judge White of... more » -
Accused serial killer Ryan Sharpe pleads not guilty in EBR Parish Play Video
January 9, 2018 9:09 AM
UPDATE: Accused serial killer Ryan Sharpe has pleaded not guilty in one of three deadly shootings he was allegedly responsible for in 2017. Sharpe had been indicted in East Baton Rouge Parish for the murder of Carroll Breeden, who was shot outside his home in Pride, according to District... more » -
Jury finds Jace Crehan guilty of murder in 2015 vigilante-justice killing Play Video
December 14, 2017 7:37 AM
BATON ROUGE- A jury has found Jace Crehan guilty of second-degree murder in the 2015 killing of Robert Noce, Jr., the man Crehan's lover says sexually abused her as a child. The decision came down just a little more than an hour and a half after the case was... more » -
Prosecutor: Too early to say if suspect in random slayings will face death penalty; grand jury postponed
October 13, 2017 11:23 AM
UPDATE: A grand jury set for Tuesday in East Feliciana Parish for Ryan Sharpe was postponed until November at the request of law enforcement. BATON ROUGE – The district attorneys for East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana will likely meet next week to discuss how to move forward with... more » -
Lawson fails to appear in court for Matassa bribery case
August 14, 2017 1:02 PM
GONZALES - Monday morning, former Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa was in court for a motions hearing regarding his bribery charges . However, the man who accused Matassa of offering him money, was not. Wayne Lawson, says Matassa and a Gonzales business man offered him cash to drop out... more » -
In first interview, educator says he didn't kill pregnant girlfriend Play Video
July 6, 2017 4:57 PM
BATON ROUGE - Outside a Baton Rouge courthouse Thursday morning, a former school administrator maintained his innocence over an alleged role in a murder plot that took the life of Lyntell Washingon. Washington's body was found in a field 25 miles west of Baton Rouge. Police have accused Robert... more » -
Tennessee man gets $14M bond after daring judge to raise his bond
May 20, 2017 3:27 PM
CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. - A judge reportedly gave a Tennessee man a $14 million bond after he continuously tried the judge's patience. According to a report from WHAS , 33-year-old Charles Nichols was standing before Judge Phillip Maxie on Thursday for sex-related charges involving a minor. Sources say... more » -
West Baton Rouge official accuses suspended judge of harassing deputies
May 15, 2017 8:51 PM
BATON ROUGE - A memo released by a West Baton Rouge Parish official over the weekend suggests that a suspended state judge has been harassing deputies. While the memo doesn't mention the judge by name, it's author, Col. Richie Johnson, has identified the citizen referenced in it as suspended... more » -
EBR District Attorney to observe court hearing for 9/11 mastermind
May 11, 2017 6:42 PM
BATON ROUGE- East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore is one of five people selected from across the nation to attend a military hearing for the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America. Moore said he just found about it two weeks ago and leaves tomorrow afternoon.... more » -
Judge lifts Council on Aging director's restraining order against client's family Play Video
May 10, 2017 8:33 AM
BATON ROUGE - A judge has lifted a restraining order filed by the director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging against the family of one of her clients. Judge Tarvald Smith said there was no evidence that the Plummer family was a threat to Tasha Clark... more » -
Council on Aging director suing elderly woman's family for talking about her Play Video
May 4, 2017 5:56 PM
BATON ROUGE- The Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging has sued the family of one of her elderly clients again. In court records obtained by the WBRZ News 2 Investigative Unit, Tasha Clark Amar claimed H elen Plummer's family defamed her in a series of news... more » -
Louisiana senators meet with Supreme Court nominee Gorsuch
February 13, 2017 4:35 PM
WASHINGTON - Louisiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy met with President Donald Trump's Supreme Court justice nominee Neil Gorsuch Monday. Gorsuch was nominated by the president to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in Feb. 2016. "Judge Gorsuch is a... more » -
Small fire extinguised at old Livingston Parish courthouse
February 2, 2017 10:13 PM
LIVINGSTON - Firefighters extinguished a small fire at the old Livigston Parish Courthouse Friday. Officials said they responded to calls about a fire at the building and smelled smoke when they first arrived on scene. Smoke inside the building set off the sprinkler system inside. The extent of... more » -
Jury clears cops in 2014 park attack
January 28, 2017 5:48 PM
BATON ROUGE - A jury cleared three former Baton Rouge Police officers who were on trial for abuse of power. The trial related to the 2014 accusations by a woman who said an officer forced her to perform oral sex on him while two other officers acted as "look... more » -
Report: rat causes power outage, closes Orleans criminal court
January 18, 2017 3:50 PM
NEW ORLEANS - An Entergy spokesperson says a rodent caused a power outage at the Orleans Parish criminal court, forcing the court to close Wednesday. According to a WWLTV report , a rat or rodent made contact with an arrester, a piece of equipment that protects the building against... more » -
Appeal ruling affects funding for over 30 charter schools
January 10, 2017 4:22 PM
NEW ORLEANS - A state appeal court ruling could endanger the funding of more than 30 of Louisiana's 150 public charter schools. The schools in question were all granted charters by Louisiana's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. But they were funded through a state education formula that distributes... more » -
Suspect in 6-year-old, high-profile Beauregard Town murder in court today Play Video
December 2, 2016 10:27 AM
BATON ROUGE – A status hearing scheduled Friday in the case against a high-profile murder suspect was accompanied with an unusual news release from the district attorney's office announcing the court schedule. Sources close to the case told WBRZ's Investigative Unit and Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto that there could... more » -
Judge: DA can still prosecute suspect in retaliation murder case
November 4, 2016 3:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - A judge has denied an attempt by the defense team of Jace Crehan to block the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office from prosecuting his client. The defense contends that since a prosecutor testified in grand jury proceedings indicting Crehan on charges he killed the man... more » -
Former officer arrested for failure to appear in court following fraud charges
October 20, 2016 8:39 PM
BATON ROUGE - A former BRPD officer, arrested in 2015 for using a department-issued credit card to make more than $1,450 in unauthorized charges, has been arrested for failure to appear in court. A Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office spokesperson says Christopher Guerra was rearrested recently. Guerra was arrested... more » -
2010 suspect in high-profile murder cleared to face death penalty Play Video
October 14, 2016 12:21 PM
BATON ROUGE - A judge found the man suspected of a 2010 high-profile murder in Beauregard Town isn't intellectually disabled, clearing the way for a death penalty case. The judge ruled Friday morning in the motions hearing dealing with Aramis Jackson. Jackson is the lone suspect in the killing... more » -
Five wanted for skipping court date in Ascension Parish
September 21, 2016 5:39 PM
GONZALES – Deputies in Ascension Parish say they are looking for five individuals who failed to appear in court after being arrested on criminal charges. Major Kevin Hanna said the efforts are part of the ongoing initiative “Operation No Show” that targets individuals that bonded out of jail but... more » -
Walker hires attorneys in planned lawsuit over flooding
September 19, 2016 3:23 PM
WALKER - The city announced Monday, it hired attorneys for a planned lawsuit over the August flood. The city said Michael C. Palmintier, APLC and John Neale deGravelles, LLC of Baton Rouge will handle a possible lawsuit against state and federal government agencies related to the flood. Days after... more » -
Man cited after gun fires on CATS bus Tuesday
September 13, 2016 5:09 PM
BATON ROUGE - A wheelchair-bound man was issued a court summons after his gun accidentally fired inside a CATS bus Tuesday. Police identified the man as Belin Milton, 63. Investigators said Milton was exiting a CATS bus near the intersection of Picardy and Flanders when the gun he was... more » -
Autopsy of Alton Sterling sealed from public by court order
August 2, 2016 1:52 PM
BATON ROUGE – A court order has been issued by a federal judge to keep the autopsy results of Alton Sterling sealed from the public. An additional court order was issued to seal the initial order to seal the autopsy, according to East Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark. "Our... more »