|
Eight plead not guilty
in death of Hope Youth student
June 27, 2006
"None of them pleaded
guilty, which is not uncommon."
Schuyler Marvin,Webster Parish
district attorney
By Vickie Welborn
vwelborn@gannett.com
MINDEN -- Seven current and one former employee of
Hope Youth Ranch near Minden pleaded not guilty
Monday in Webster District Court in connection with
the September death of a 12-year-old boy who
collapsed and died during a punishment run.
The innocent pleas came despite an offer from
District Attorney Schuyler Marvin, who pledged no
prison time for any who would plead guilty to the
felony charge. The eight, all of whom are charged
with negligent homicide, were in court for
arraignment before District Judge Ford Stinson.
"None of them pleaded guilty, which
is not uncommon," Marvin said.
A Webster grand jury indicted the eight adults May
22 following an investigation of the state police
into Alex Harris' death. An autopsy report indicated
that Harris, of Haughton, died of dehydration and
trauma to the head. Harris reportedly was being
punished for his behavior by being made to run. He
was denied water during the disciplinary procedure
and eventually dropped to the ground. An older teen
picked up Harris, but allegedly dropped him after
Harris started vomiting.
Indicted in connection with Harris' death are: Troy
Hamilton, 31, of the 1500 block of Memphis Street,
Homer; Willis Doyle, 48, of the 500 block of New
Friendship Road, Castor; Anthony L. Combs, 38, of
the 1700 block of West California St., Ruston;
Arthur G. Henderson II, 24, of the 200 block of
Greenard Road, Cotton Valley; Kelton Greenard, 26,
of the 1100 block of West St., Minden; Tasha G.
Jackson, 29, of the 1000 block of Marigia Drive,
Haynesville; Marcus D. Jones, 24, of the 500 block
of New Friendship Road, Castor; and Jeremy Blanks,
22, of the 400 block of Hillside, Minden.
Negligent homicide carries a prison sentence of up
to five years.
In the agreement offered to the eight, Marvin
promised a suspended prison sentence, with two years
probation and no fines.
"I can't promise the offer will stay on the table
long," Marvin said.
Shreveport attorney Larry English is representing
two of the defendants, and attorney Chris Bowman, of
Jonesboro, is representing a third. Indigent
defender attorneys are representing the remainder.
Should any accept the plea offer, they will be asked
to testify against the others, Marvin said.
"We'll let them read the discovery that we have and
let them decide what they're going to do," he added.
A status conference is set for Aug. 11 and a trial
date Oct. 16.
|
|
