LA - Shooting Leaves Five Dead, Livingston & Ascension Parishes, Jan 2019 *Guilty*

[YESorNO]

Accused murderer Dakota Theriot scheduled to go before grand jury Thursday in Livingston Parish

Feb 6, 2019

"LIVINGSTON – The man accused of five murders across two parishes heads into a grand jury hearing Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Livingston Parish Courthouse, 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said this morning.

The grand jury will consider a formal indictment against Dakota Theriot, who confessed to authorities that he killed Billy, Summer, and Tanner Ernest at their home near Walker on the morning of Jan. 26.

The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. at the Livingston Parish Courthouse. Chief District Bob Morrison is scheduled to preside over the hearing, Perrilloux said.

Theriot is also accused of killing his parents, Keith and Elizabeth Theriot, in Gonzales approximately an hour after he allegedly killed the Ernest family.

A grand jury hearing has not yet been scheduled in those two murders, which will be tried in 23rd Judicial District Court under District Attorney Ricky L. Babin...."

Accused murderer Dakota Theriot scheduled to go before grand jury Thursday in Livingston Parish
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[YESorNO]

Dakota Theriot indicted on 3 counts of first-degree murder in slaying of girlfriend, Ernest family

February 7, 2019

"LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA (WAFB) — A grand jury in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, has indicted Dakota Theriot, accused of killing his girlfriend, her family and his parents before fleeing to Virginia, on three charges of first-degree murder.

Theriot was indicted in the deaths of Summer Ernest, her brother and her father. The jury handed down the indictment Thursday morning....

Theriot already is charged with offenses including first-degree murder in his parents’ deaths in Ascension Parish."

Dakota Theriot indicted on 3 counts of first-degree murder in slaying of girlfriend, Ernest family
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[borndem]

2 counts of murder are in Ascension Parish
3 counts of murder in Livingston Parish

Exactly -- The county (LE and justice) where the crime occurred is responsible for handling the suspect WRT investigating, arresting, and trying the suspect. Thus 2 counties are involved.

And then there's this:

Welcome to Websleuths, MiMi817 !!​

 

[Niner]

Can anyone get into Louisana court site? TIA!

 

[Niner]

Monday, February 25th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 9:30am ET) – MD – Bayarsaikham Tudev (53), Jose Hidalgo Romero (34) & Enis Mrvoljak (48) (Oct. 18, 2017, Edgewood; workplace shooting at Advance Granite Solutions-5 shot, 2 survived) – *Radee Labeeb Prince (37) arrested & charged (10/18/17) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of attempted 1st degree murder, use of felony in a violent crime & illegal possession of a firearm. Held without bond.
In Delaware charged & convicted of shooting an acquaintance: Trial was 5/8/18, charged with attempted murder, jury found him guilty of attempted manslaughter. Sentenced (8/31/18) to 40 years in prison.
Motions hearings on 1/28 & 1/29/19. Trial set for 3/4/19 expected to last 2 weeks.
1/29/19 Update: Judge finds Prince competent to stand trial. Defense files motion for change of venue. Next pretrial hearing on 2/25, trial to start 2/27 (or 3/4/19 as another article has).
2/2/19 Update: The judge has change of mind in the case Tuesday(1/29/19) that she could not rule that Prince was competent to stand trial beyond a reasonable doubt. She ordered that Prince undergo new mental health evaluations, placing his trial on hold.

 

[YESorNO]

Monday, February 25th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 9:30am ET) – MD – Bayarsaikham Tudev (53), Jose Hidalgo Romero (34) & Enis Mrvoljak (48) (Oct. 18, 2017, Edgewood; workplace shooting at Advance Granite Solutions-5 shot, 2 survived) – *Radee Labeeb Prince (37) arrested & charged (10/18/17) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of attempted 1st degree murder, use of felony in a violent crime & illegal possession of a firearm. Held without bond.
In Delaware charged & convicted of shooting an acquaintance: Trial was 5/8/18, charged with attempted murder, jury found him guilty of attempted manslaughter. Sentenced (8/31/18) to 40 years in prison.
Motions hearings on 1/28 & 1/29/19. Trial set for 3/4/19 expected to last 2 weeks.
1/29/19 Update: Judge finds Prince competent to stand trial. Defense files motion for change of venue. Next pretrial hearing on 2/25, trial to start 2/27 (or 3/4/19 as another article has).
2/2/19 Update: The judge has change of mind in the case Tuesday(1/29/19) that she could not rule that Prince was competent to stand trial beyond a reasonable doubt. She ordered that Prince undergo new mental health evaluations, placing his trial on hold.

Niner- wrong thread???

 

[YESorNO]

SEEKING ANSWERS | Law enforcement, behavioral health experts assess correlation of 'mental health' and violent crime

Mar 5, 2019

"LIVINGSTON – The correlation between violent crime and mental or behavioral health issues resurfaced after a two-parish shooting spree in January, but Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard and a state behavioral health official say it’s not a clear link.
The discussion has been at the forefront for many officials since the Jan. 26 incident where Dakota Theriot allegedly murdered Billy Ernest, Summer Ernest, and Tanner Ernest in Walker, and then traveled to Gonzales to kill his parents....

One week after Theriot's murders and attempted escape, St. Charles Sheriff Gary Champagne said the incident served as an example of a failed mental health system, largely because of the accused's violent rages and assaults on his then-wife, along with hallucinations.

Sheriff Ard agrees that it’s a natural reaction to link violent crimes to mental illness or behavioral health issues. It does not mean Theriot did not premeditate the shootings, either.

“Was he angry? Mad? Lashing out? We don’t know, but when he was arrested, he cooperated with us to a certain point, so now it’s in (District Attorney) Scott Perrilloux’s hands,” Ard said. “A lot of things come into play in a case like this, but we charged him with first-degree murder and in my heart and experience, I feel that was the appropriate charge.”...."

SEEKING ANSWERS | Law enforcement, behavioral health experts assess correlation of 'mental health' and violent crime
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Sheriff Jason Ard on Mental Health and Violent Crime

"Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard discusses how mental and behavioral health issues have affected the rate of violent crime."

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Does a Correlation Exist Between Mental Health and Violent Crime?

"Richard Kramer, executive director of the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, talks about the correlation between mental health and violent crime."

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[YESorNO]

Ahead of trial, accused mass-killer Dakota Theriot being held at Angola for 'security reasons'

MAR 6, 2019

"A man accused of killing five people, including his own parents, in a two-parish shooting rampage in January is being held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola pending trial.

Dakota Theriot, 21, was moved to the penitentiary for "security reasons," according to Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman Lori Steele.

People awaiting trial who cannot afford bond are typically held in a parish jail, not a state prison....

Theriot has been indicted on three counts of first-degree murder in Livingston Parish and is expected to face two more murder counts in Ascension Parish. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek Theriot's execution.

The Louisiana Department of Corrections will "from time-to-time" house high-profile inmates as a courtesy to sheriff's offices, said Ken Pastorick, a spokesman for the agency.

"For his safety and security and for the safety and security of the institution (in Livingston Parish), we'll house those inmates," Pastorick said....

Perrilloux said he expects an arraignment for Theriot on the murder charges later this month. Tyler Cavalier, a spokesman for the Ascension Parish District Attorney's Office, said prosecutors there intend to take the case to a grand jury but have not yet set a date.

Records show Theriot had a long history of substance abuse, violence and mental illness."

Ahead of trial, accused mass-killer Dakota Theriot being held at Angola for 'security reasons'
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[Niner]

Oops - thanks for the error message YESorNO!

 

[YESorNO]

Man accused of killing girlfriend, family pleads not guilty

Mar 18th, 2019

"...News outlets report 21-year-old Dakota Theriot entered the pleas Monday to three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his girlfriend, Summer Ernest; her father, Billy Ernest; and her brother, Tanner Ernest....

...Perrilloux expects an insanity defense.

Theriot hasn't been indicted yet in Ascension Parish..."

Man accused of killing girlfriend, family pleads not guilty

 

[Niner]

This article has his next court date.

DA to seek death penalty for Dakota Theriot; not guilty plea entered

May 9 is the next court date. It will be a motions hearing. It will go before Judge Brenda Ricks at 1 p.m.

 

[YESorNO]

Dakota Theriot's ex-wife, experts wonder if early mental health treatment would have helped alleged killer

APR 6, 2019

"...Police have not released a motive for the rampage, but the Livingston Parish District Attorney announced his office would seek the death penalty in the Ernest family slayings. The DA, Scott Perrilloux, said his office is aware of prior mental illness episodes but found nothing yet to deter them from a capital punishment case. Perrilloux, said he expects Theriot's attorneys to come forward with an insanity defense...."

Dakota Theriot's ex-wife, experts wonder if early mental health treatment would have helped alleged killer

 

[Niner]

April 29, 2019

Man indicted in multi-parish killing spree pleads not guilty in parents' murders

GONZALES - Accused killer Dakota Theriot has pleaded not guilty in the murder of his parents.

Theriot pleaded not guilty to both counts of first-degree murder in Ascension Parish court Monday morning. His next hearing in Ascension is scheduled for May 24.

He has another hearing related his other murder charges scheduled for May 8 in Livingston Parish.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, May 8th:
*Motions Hearing (Livingston Parish) – (@ 1pm ET) - LA – Louisiana shootings – Summer Ernest (20) (GF), her bro Tanner Ernest (17) & her father Billy Ernest (43) (Jan. 27, 2019, Livingston Parish) - *Dakota Theriot (21) arrested & charged (1/27/19), indicted (2/1/19) & arraigned (3/18/19) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Elizabeth Theroit (50) his mother & Ken Theriot (50) his father (Jan. 27, 2019, Gonzalez, Ascension Parish) charged (2/7/19), indicted (4/18/19) & arraigned (4/29/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, home invasion & illegal use of weapons (Ascension Parish). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Confessed to the killings. Waived extradition from VA to LA on 2/1/19. Grand Jury indicted (2/7/19) on 3 counts of murder for Summer, Tanner & Billy. Has already been charged with parents’ murder.
3/18/19: Arraignment for Livingston Parish murders: Plead not guilty. DA will be seeking DP. Has not yet been indicted for Ascension Parish murders (his father & mother). Next Motions hearing on 5/8 for Livingston Parish case.
4/29/19 Update: Arraignment (Ascension Parish) plead not guilty. Next hearing on 5/24.

 

[Niner]

Another hearing date set for Dakota Theriot in Livingston Parish


LIVINGSTON PARISH - Another hearing date has been scheduled for the man accused of going on a two-parish killing spree earlier this year.

Dakota Theriot was in a Livingston Parish courtroom Wednesday morning. In court, his attorneys asked for the judge to determine a source of funding for the defense team. A similar motion was filed last week in Ascension Parish. A preliminary hearing on bond has been set for May 29.

 

[Niner]

Friday, May 24th:
*Pretrial Hearing (Ascension Parish) – (@ pm ET) - LA – Louisiana shootings – Summer Ernest (20) (GF), her bro Tanner Ernest (17) & her father Billy Ernest (43) (Jan. 27, 2019, Livingston Parish) - *Dakota Theriot (21) arrested & charged (1/27/19), indicted (2/7/19) & arraigned (3/18/19) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Elizabeth Theroit (50) his mother & Ken Theriot (50) his father (Jan. 27, 2019, Gonzalez, Ascension Parish) charged (2/7/19), indicted (4/18/19) & arraigned (4/29/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, home invasion & illegal use of weapons. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Richmond County
Confessed to the killings. Waived extradition from VA to LA on 2/1/19. Grand Jury indicted (2/7/19) on 3 counts of murder for Summer, Tanner & Billy. Has already been charged with parents’ murder.
3/18/19: Arraignment for Livingston Parish murders: Plead not guilty. DA will be seeking DP. Has not yet been indicted for Ascension Parish murders (his father & mother). Next Motions hearing on 5/8 for Livingston Parish case.
4/29/19 Update: Indicted (4/18/19) for murder of his parents. Arraignment (Ascension Parish) plead not guilty. Next hearing on 5/24.
5/8/19 Update: Preliminary hearing on bond set for 5/29 (Livingston Parish case).

 

[Niner]

Another delay in Dakota Theriot case


Theriot was in an Ascension Parish courtroom Friday morning. In court, his attorneys asked for the judge to determine a source of funding for the defense team.

The judge said there are still too many questions that need to be answered about the lack of funding before he can make his decision. As of now, the defense funding is set to be ruled on June 24th but that may change.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, May 29th:
*Preliminary Hearing (on bond) (Livingston Parish) – (@ 1pm ET) - LA – Louisiana shootings – Summer Ernest (20) (GF), her bro Tanner Ernest (17) & her father Billy Ernest (43) (Jan. 27, 2019, Livingston Parish) - *Dakota Theriot (21) arrested & charged (1/27/19), indicted (2/1/19) & arraigned (3/18/19) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Confessed to the killings. Waived extradition from VA to LA on 2/1/19.
3/18/19: Arraignment for Livingston Parish murders: Plead not guilty. DA will be seeking DP. Has not yet been indicted for Ascension Parish murders (his father & mother). Next Motions hearing on 5/8 for Livingston Parish case.
5/8/19 Update: Preliminary hearing on bond set for 5/29 (Livingston Parish case).
LA - Elizabeth Theroit (50) his mother & Ken Theriot (50) his father (Jan. 27, 2019, Gonzalez, Ascension Parish) charged (2/7/19), indicted (4/18/19) & arraigned (4/29/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, home invasion & illegal use of weapons (Ascension Parish). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
4/29/19 Update: Indicted (4/18/19) for murder of his parents. Arraignment (Ascension Parish) plead not guilty. Next hearing on 5/24.
5/24/19 Update: Defense asks for funding source for defense. Judge delays hearing to 6/24.

 

[Niner]

Monday, June 24th:
*Pretrial Hearing (Ascension Parish) – (@ pm ET) - LA – Louisiana shootings – Summer Ernest (20) (GF), her bro Tanner Ernest (17) & her father Billy Ernest (43) (Jan. 27, 2019, Livingston Parish) - *Dakota Theriot (21) arrested & charged (1/27/19), indicted (2/7/19) & arraigned (3/18/19) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Confessed to the killings. Waived extradition from VA to LA on 2/1/19.
3/18/19: Arraignment for Livingston Parish murders: Plead not guilty. DA will be seeking DP. Has not yet been indicted for Ascension Parish murders (his father & mother). Next Motions hearing on 5/8 for Livingston Parish case.
5/8/19 Update: Preliminary hearing on bond set for 5/29 (Livingston Parish case).
LA - Elizabeth Theroit (50) his mother & Ken Theriot (50) his father (Jan. 27, 2019, Gonzalez, Ascension Parish) charged (2/7/19), indicted (4/18/19) & arraigned (4/29/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, home invasion & illegal use of weapons. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
4/29/19 Update: Indicted (4/18/19) for murder of his parents. Arraignment (Ascension Parish) plead not guilty. Next hearing on 5/24.
5/24/19 Update: Defense asks for funding source for defense. Judge delays hearing to 6/24.

 

[YESorNO]

Report: Dakota Theriot said he killed 5 people in 'pure, cold blood;' attorney says trial may be halted

JUN 24, 2019

"A deputy involved in the arrest of Dakota Theriot, who is accused of killing five people, testified Monday in a Gonzales court that the 21-year-old confessed to the slayings and told law enforcement he did it in "pure, cold blood," according to a report from WBRZ.

The same deputy also said Theriot taunted law enforcement officers when they arrived in Richmond, Virginia, to capture him. When authorities cornered him outside the house, the deputy testified, Theriot pointed a gun at them, trying to get them to shoot him, according to the report.

The testimony came during a hearing Monday on a defense request for funding....

The firm’s director, Richard Bourke, said in an interview Monday evening with The Advocate that because Theriot is an indigent client, if they cannot identify a source of funding, the judge may halt the prosecution until funds are secured....

Tyler Cavalier, public information officer for the Ascension Parish District Attorney's Office, told The Advocate that two motions filed by Theriot's defense team for reduction of bond and regarding the funding issues were taken under advisement by the judge to be ruled on at a later date."

Report: Dakota Theriot said he killed 5 people in 'pure, cold blood;' attorney says trial may be halted
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"...In that most previous hearing, the judge told defense lawyers he needed more information related to the claim that they were out of money. The judge asked for specific figures on how much has already been spent, any contracts with the state, and other financial documents.

It came out during the hearing Monday that there are 36 capital murder cases in the state that need funding. Theriot's is currently fourth on that list."

Deputy: Theriot admitted to killing 5 in 'pure, cold blood'