Pleas in Long murder case

The two men accused in death of a New Iberia pawn shop owner two months ago have entered pleas of not guilty.

Easton Francisco, 21, and Akeem Evans, 18, both of New Iberia, were arraigned in 16th Judicial District Court on the charge of first degree murder Thursday in connection with the May 9 shooting death of Sidney Long Jr., 72, owner of Long’s Gun and Pawn Shop at 340 Center St. The shooting took place during a robbery of the store.

State District Judge Keith Comeaux presided over the arraignment. Assistant District Attorney Morris Haik III represented the prosecution in place of Assistant District Attorney Bo Duhe, while Francisco was represented by defense lawyers Gary LeGros and Alicia Butler of the Public Defenders Office. Evans was represented by Arthur Harris, a privately retained lawyer.

Duhe, Harris and LeGros all declined Tuesday to comment on the case.

Evans’ trial date is Dec. 9 while Francisco’s trial date is June 1, 2009.

Also charged with accessory to first degree murder in connection with the incident is Rickey Paul, 20, also of New Iberia. Francisco and Evans have remained in the Iberia Parish Jail since the incident, while Paul was released on a $10,000 bond May 12.

Melissa Long, the victim’s daughter, attended the arraignment.

“I know the wheels of justice turn slowly, but I have full confidence that ADA Bo Duhe will do everything to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law,” Long said. “Our family plans to be in attendance at every event in the trial. My biggest issue of the Evans pleading was that he was allowed to sleep in a comfortable chair while my mother and I had to sit on a hardwood bench and pay attention.”