New Iberia Murder Update Play Video
Posted: Nov 24, 2009 6:36 PM
Updated: Nov 24, 2009 7:00 PM
One of three men arrested for the 2008 murder of gun store owner Sidney Long will not face the death penalty if he's convicted of first-degree murder. 23 year old Easton Francisco was declared mildly mentally retarded, prohibiting the state from seeking the death penalty.
Long's daughter Melissa, who lobbied for capital punishment was disappointed by the court's decision.
"It takes a fifth grade education to load a handgun and execute a handgun, when does intelligence stop and stupidity start?"
The ruling was however a relief for Francisco's family, who maintain their relative's innocence.
"It was alright today with the death penalty, but I'm still worried about him, about life [in prison]," Easton's mother, Dolores Francisco said.
Francisco's defense attorney tells KATC that it could be late winter or early spring before his client's case goes to trial. Meantime, the two other men charged in this case are also not facing the death penalty if they're convicted.
Rickey Paul was arrested as an accessory after the fact to murder, his trial is set for February 8th. Akeem Evans was arrested for first-degree murder, but because he was just 17 at the time, he won't face execution if convicted. His trial is set for March 15th.
Clint at Nov 25th 2009 7:25 AM
I can't believe these people are not going to face the death penalty. I have been in Mr. Long's shop a lot in the past. I met Mr. Long, he seemed to be an honest, hard working man. It is a shame that the people of Acadiana give the criminals more rights than the victims, it has become an Obamanation. Hopefully the three guys atleast get life in prison. I think they should have the jury pass by Mr. Long's store to see the boarded windows, the flowers by the front door. To know that a man that ran a business, earned his way in life, supported local kids sports teams was killed by three pieces of trash. It's not a black / white thing. It's a life or death thing. How can the parents of these young men even come forward to show their faces. They are the ones to blame for raising children that became a black eye on society. If they would have corrected their children instead of letting them run wild, this would have been avoided. I am sorry, 17 years old is old enough to know better, old enough to pull the trigger, old enough to pay for his sins. A question for the parents of the mildly retarded gentleman, was he mildly retarded before the slaying of Mr. Long or just after? Did the other guys choose him to go into the store because he was retarded? Was Mrs/Ms Francisco getting government assistance to help with her retarded child or was he retarded after using drugs? Seems that every criminal has an excuse why they do what they do. If the family of Mr. Long would hire someone to execute these three, then I am sure they would face the death penalty. Lets all hold hands and pray that these three criminals don't face life in prison, because they have proven that they are valuable members of society.
Terry at Nov 25th 2009 9:47 AM
This person is said to be Mildly mental Retarded. Just because one is SLOW, Right from Wrong is still known,,, If not hold the Boys parents responsible for allowing him to roam the streets with thugs.
A Man was Murdered, Those who committed the crime helped with or whatever needs a life sentice without parole or the death penalty. (Mental handicap does not matter Murder is Murder)
Mothman at Nov 27th 2009 2:30 PM
Sigh... when will Whites wake up?
This Black criminal behavior is inherited. Need proof? Look here:
Study gives more proof that intelligence is largely inherited
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/more-proof-that-intelligence-is-85134.aspx
If we're all so "equal" then Africans would be living more or less like people in China, and people in Europe would be living more or less like people in South America.
We are NOT all "equal" and never will be, no matter how much money is wasted on trying to educate subhumans.
Wake up, Whites!
Hum at Jan 7th 2010 9:14 AM
i can not believe this is taking place. a good man was killed by thugs who had every intention to commit this crime, knew they were going to do this and now they do not have to pay for their actions? we may not have the best system in place but better than most countries and to just rule that the death penalty will not be a issue in this case is beyond me. i understand no parent wants their offspring to be sent to prison or put to sleep forever but than maybe the parents should of raised their kids better and teach them right from wrong. i know parents can try the best they can, but if you mess up and break the law, than you need to pay for it!