DA Jason Williams new initiative aimed at overturning split jury convictions
In 2018 Louisianans voted to end the practice of non-unanimous juries. Last year the U.S. Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional. Author: Mike McDaniel / Eyewitness News (WWL) Published: 10:43 PM CST March 2, 2021 Updated: 10:43 PM CST March 2, 2021
NEW ORLEANS Alva Edwards has never seen her father a free man. Just a few days ago, waiting outside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, that changed.
“Just to have him free, away from there, it’s just a good feeling,” said Edwards.
Her father, 70-year-old Albert Damond was sent to prison on a split jury verdict more than 40 years ago. The 11 to 1 vote convicted him of a 1973 murder.