Lafayette

Swift Justice: Lafayette Jury Convicts Man of Second-Degree Murder in Independence Day Shooting

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Lafayette, LA — In a swift verdict, a Lafayette Parish jury convicted 29-year-old Deontre Batiste of second-degree murder, concluding a case that has captivated the Lafayette community since 2019. The jury deliberated for just 20 minutes before reaching their decision on the charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 36-year-old John Willis, which occurred on July 4, 2019. The incident that led to Willis’ untimely death unfolded on Lily Street in Lafayette, where he was found lying next to his front porch in the early hours of Independence Day. The discovery was made by a … Read more

Former Lafayette Police Union Head Loses Appeal in First Amendment Lawsuit Over Delayed Filing

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Lafayette, LA — A former Lafayette police union leader lost his bid to overturn a lower court’s ruling, which found him tardy in filing a lawsuit that challenged alleged infringements on his First Amendment rights. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decided on November 19 against the former union president, who had taken legal action against various city and police officials. The plaintiff in the case was the previous head of the Police Association of Lafayette #905, identified as Stanley. He initiated a federal lawsuit against several former interim police chiefs—including Scott Morgan, Wayne … Read more