News - Local
New Iberia Murder Update
Posted: Nov 24, 2009 7:00 PM by Jim Hummel
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.
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