Month: August 2014

Aaron Martin convicted of second-degree murder

Aaron “Mug” Martin was found guilty of 2nd degree murder on August 11, 2014 for killing Brian J. Banks Jr.

Martin was arrested on April 8th, 2012, the day after Bank’s body was found at the corner of 27th and Panama streets. Banks was shot six times with a 9 mm pistol. Martin also awaits trial for the charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. He had a previous conviction on his record, rendering his possession of a gun during the shooting of Banks illegal. The minimum sentence for 2nd degree murder is life imprisonment without parole.

 

Update: October 27th, 2014
Martin was sentenced on October 27th to life in prison.

Link to nola.com article

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Brad Engel pleads guilty to sexual abuse, sentenced

Brad Engel pled guilty to two counts of sexual battery of a child under the age of 13 on August 1st, 2014. Engel was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Engel admitted to abusing the victim, who was 10 years old, between August of 2007 and May of 2008. Engel was initially charged with the crime and pled guilty in 2011. However, due to a technical error in charging, the conviction was vacated in December of that year.

Prosecutors have since rectified the issue with an indictment in February of this year. Despite having previously pled guilty to the same crimes, Engel pled not guilty and argued a defense of mental incompetence. Judge Ellen Kovach found Engel mentally competent on July 31st. Engel pled guilty the following day and was sentenced.