Free Republic

MARKSVILLE -- A jury has been picked in the trial for one of two Louisiana law-enforcement officers charged with murder in a 6-year-old boy's shooting death. Twelve jurors and two alternates are scheduled to hear attorneys' opening statements on Monday (March 20) for Derrick Stafford's trial. The Town Talk reports that jury selection ended Friday. The judge, prosecutors and Stafford's attorneys had spent five days questioning dozens of prospective jurors.

The fiancée of the man shot by Marksville officers last week says one of the officers had been messaging her on Facebook and had come to her home, The Advocate reports. Megan Dixon, Chris Few's fiancée, told The Advocate that Norris Greenhouse, Jr., one of two officers arrested in the shooting of Few and the shooting death of his 6-year-old son Jeremy Mardis, had been messaging her on Facebook. Dixon said Greenhouse also stopped by Few and Dixon's house, prompting Few to tell Greenhouse that he would hurt him if Greenhouse ever came to their home again. Greenhouse, a reserve...

MARKSVILLE — Police body camera video shows the father of a 6-year-old autistic boy had his hands up and posed no threat as police opened fire, severely wounding the motorist and killing the boy, the man's lawyer said Monday. "This was not a threatening situation for the police," said Mark Jeansonne, the attorney for Chris Few, who remained hospitalized, missing the family's funeral for 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis. Jeansonne spoke with The Associated Press after a closed hearing for the two marshals. He said the judge ordered both held on $1 million bond. Derrick Stafford, 32, of Mansura and Derrick Greenhouse...

"I couldn't believe it but its true - that's him I saw on TV," says Narcisse Batiste. Family members woke him up Thursday night when they saw his son - Narseal - was one of 7 suspects arrested for plotting Al-Queda like attacks. Narseal Batiste and his five brothers and sisters grew up in both Marksville and Chicago. His father is a baptist preacher at a church in Bunkie. "They were brought up under strict supervision - church - school - they were taught to love everybody," says Narcisse Batiste. "I don't believe it - I don't believe my son's...

For Dion Houston, a slight 43-year-old with a gold tooth and the jaunty air of a pirate, hurricane Katrina has been "a blessing," even a holiday of sorts. Since leaving his flooded New Orleans apartment, he "found $2,000 just floating in the water," quit smoking crack, and finally proposed to his 25-year-old girlfriend, Miata Gipson, who is six months pregnant. Plus, they've been given a new TV, a closet full of clothes, "everything for the baby except the baby," a free day trip to Lion Country Safari, US$600 from the Red Cross which helped pay for an engagement ring --...

<p>MARKSVILLE - Two state prison employees and another woman face charges of "soliciting for prostitutes" after flashing obscene signs at motorists, Marksville police said.</p> <p>Two juveniles also were taken into custody in the Friday incident.</p> <p>Police said the handmade signs read things such as "Will Work for Sex" and "Honk for Big Boobs."</p>

<p>MARKSVILLE -- He had to sell the family farm two years ago. Now, when he works, Larry Deville drives another farmer's tractor on another farmer's land.</p> <p>He's 60: the age at which his father died of a heart attack 40 years ago, while working his land. "He was doing the thing he loved to do," Deville said. "I wish I could go like that."</p>

Two convicted of voter fraud get probation Steve Bannister / Staff Reporter Posted on September 25, 2002 MARKSVILLE - Two Marksville men convicted of voter fraud in the mayoral election have been fined and placed on probation. The sentences for Lincoln Carmouche, 66, and Larry Dauzat, 48, were handed down Tuesday by 12th Judicial District Judge Billy Bennett. Both defendants supported incumbent Mayor Richard Michel in the election last spring. Michel was re-elected, defeating John Ed Laborde. Both defendants were convicted in separate bench trials by Bennett. Dauzat was found guilty of offering to buy a vote; Carmouche, of bribing...