When someone is charged with murder, it’s likely that the media will follow the case closely. This could present a problem, as it could be very difficult to get a fair trial. Criminal defense attorneys work diligently to ensure their clients receive a fair and unbiased trial, even in cases that are closely followed by the media. In this murder case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the media has followed the story for months, if not years at this point. Now, a decision has been made.
According to the news from Feb. 27, a man in Baton Rouge was charged with the murders of three women. The murders happened in 2011. The story claims that the 24-year-old man, who is mildly mentally retarded, had shot his ex-girlfriend, a 29-year-old woman, as well as a 76-year-old woman and 18-year-old woman who were with the ex-girlfriend.
Before the shooting happened, it’s believed that the 24-year-old man had a history of domestic violence with his ex-girlfriend. It’s not clear if that led up to the shooting in any way. The reports also don’t say how long the two had been separated at the time of the shooting on Sept. 10, 2011.
The man now faces a mandatory life sentence for the murders. He was convicted and found guilty on Feb. 27 in the 19th Judicial District Court. Louisiana still upholds the death penalty for many murderers and serious crimes; however, that penalty was removed in this man’s case at an early stage in the trial. This was likely to do with the discovery that the 24-year-old man was found to be mildly mentally retarded. However, despite that, he will still have to serve life in prison for the crimes he committed.
Source: Nola.com, “Baton Rouge man Courtney Williams convicted of triple murder” Emily Lane, Feb. 27, 2014
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