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.
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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.”
Comments
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:24 AM:
I may have confused the two, but the sentiment is the same! "
Meryl B. wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:27 AM:
rjb wrote on Aug 9, 2008 7:47 AM:
rjb wrote on Aug 9, 2008 7:40 AM:
Coteau Cajun wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:17 AM:
For anybody to suggest that this was some type of shady deal gone bad is crazy. Mr. long ran one of the most honest pawn shops in town and no one would make me believe he would be part of any illeagl transactions of guns with crminals~!!!! My prayers are with the Long family and I PRAY TO god that justice is served quickly in this case~!!! "
MR CLEAN wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:47 AM:
theangelofdeath wrote on Aug 5, 2008 2:40 PM:
HAD ENOUGH wrote on Aug 1, 2008 3:49 PM:
I volunteer to be your partner and I will even ride shotgun, let you drive that cop car, catching the bad guys!
Someone needs to instill some respect and fear into these young criminals. They obviously are not scared of the cops, the courts, or justice. "
Cant Believe wrote on Aug 1, 2008 8:27 AM:
Deborah C. White wrote on Aug 1, 2008 8:03 AM:
rjb wrote on Aug 1, 2008 6:24 AM:
#2. Bleeding heart liberals feeling sorry for this scum??? Experience is the best teacher. When it's gonna happen in THEIR family, they'll change their tune!!
3. I probably would have SLAPPED this guy awake in court. Oh, wait...never mind..go back to #1. "
HAD ENOUGH wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:44 PM:
jess wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:52 PM:
J. Sidney S. wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:32 PM:
Also, how about NO WELFARE for their illegitimate offspring?
Revocation of their drivers license? Especially IF they are NOT employed! OR better yet, take away their car{s}! This will help to keep one of them from running away like THE COWARD he is!
Ohhh, wait for the "bleeding heart" liberals to get a hold of this! WAHH, he's being tough on the criminal, WAHHH.
Slurp-it-up, liberals!!! For once, consider what has happened, and the damage done to the INNOCENT victims! "
J. Sidney S. wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:20 PM:
If in fact he DID try to stare down Ms.Long, it only shows he is afraid, very afraid! He is trying to intimidate the Longs.
His turn will come, when he has to answer for his part as the accomplice to 1st degree murder! He should get the MAX if found guilty, THEN we will see who is laughing the most, and loudest!
I believe they should be given the same chance and time that they gave Sidney Long!!! "
CriticalThinker wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:46 AM:
Deborah C. White wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:44 AM:
HAD ENOUGH wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:10 AM:
Good question! Where was the officer in charge of Evans while he was napping? Was the officer napping too? "
OMG wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:08 AM:
I am very familiar with Judge Comeaux. I am very surprised he allowed this to go on in his court room! "
Mercy wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:33 PM:
J. Sidney S. wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:41 PM:
What was the courtroom deputy doing while Evens was sleeping? Was he allowed to relax because his "charge" was sleeping?
I FIRMLEY believe he should have had his bail revoked when he showed up without an attorney! "
J. Sidney S. wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:27 PM:
You are going through a very trying time.
I am behind you 100% in your quest for justice!
I hope that justice comes quickly to the guilty!
I do HOPE for justice to be SWIFT!!
One question I have, If these young adults don't have regular jobs, how can one afford a private attorney? Or is Arthur Harris doing it "gratis"? "
OMG wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:12 PM:
No wonder these young criminals have no respect for the law or law enforcement, let alone the public at large!
Seriously, shooting an old man for some guns? Why steal guns when they had guns all ready? "
Just a citizen wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:07 PM:
rjb wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:04 PM:
Prayers wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:29 PM: