Calcasieu DA Disappointed in Verdict

The American Press reports on Calcasieu District Attorney Ricky Bryant's reaction to the second-degree murder conviction of Ricky Langley last week. The retrial, which was held in New Orleans, resulted in a sentence of life imprisonment. "There can't be a more appropriate case for the death penalty than this one and that's my problem," Bryant said at a news conference.

He added that if Langley doesn't deserve to die "then we don't need the death penalty because absolutely he is one of the most evil people that has ever stalked anyone in this community or any other community."

Bryant said it's very difficult for prosecutors when the trial judge "says he is opposed to capital punishment" along with the defense attorney and the mother of the murder victim.

Posted by AJR at May 20, 2003 07:36 AM