Rarely does a prosecutor decide to seat an “anonymous jury”, but in the high profile first-degree murder trial of rapper Lil Boosie, that is exactly what will happen, according to court officials.
Torrance “Lil Boosie” Hatch is accused in a 2009 “murder for hire” connected to the killing of Baton Rouge resident Terry Boyd. Boyd was gunned down in his Baton Rouge home on October 21, 1999. He was shot through a window.
“It’s just something we thought would be better for the case and the juror. ” – D.A. Hillar Moore
Prosecutors allege that Boosie hired a juvenile named Michael Louding to carry out the hit. Louding is known on the streets as “Marlo Mike”, a reference to the violent drug kingpin, Marlo Stanfield from HBO’s “The Wire”.
Louding and Adrien Pittman are also charged with first degree murder in connection with Boyd’s death. Louding is charged in five other slayings as well.
“There’s no evidence of any threats against any potential jurors in this case. We want to get a fair jury.” – Martin Reagan, defense attorney
East Baton Rouge Parish D.A. Hillar Moore does not recall use of an anonymous jury in East Baton Rouge Parish since 1987, when three Columbians were tried for the execution of drug smuggler turned government information, Barry Seal.
“(Boosie) is “ready for this day in court. He’s good. He’s frustrated.” – Jason Williams, defense attorney
Hatch’s attorneys have not opposed the D.A.’s request for an anonymous jury. Jurors will be identified only by number. Moore is not seeking the death penalty, therefore if Boosie is convicted, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars, pending appeal.
Boosie is already serving an eight year sentence in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.
