Algiers man convicted of Bucktown murder

An Algiers man was convicted as charged Thursday night (Oct. 12), of killing a Metairie man while trying to rob him in Bucktown last year.

Bobby James, 25, of Algiers, is guilty of second-degree murder and attempted armed robbery. James was convicted of fatally shooting Dwayne Baptiste, 27, in the back while trying to rob him at an apartment building at West Esplanade Avenue and Lake Avenue about 6 p.m., on May 3, 2016. Baptiste died three days later at a hospital.

While Baptiste was known to carry a large quantity of cash on that day, no one saw who stole the money from the victim, whether it was James or bystanders who pilfered the roll of cash from the mortally wounded man’s pockets. Therefore, James was charged with attempted armed robbery.

The Jefferson Parish jury also heard testimony about James being an accused gunman in an Algiers home invasion. The victim, Cory Bush, 35, was fatally shot on Dec. 10, 2012, as he unknowingly entered his Brunswick Court home while the crime was underway. James awaits trial in New Orleans Criminal District Court.

The jury deliberated just over two hours before announcing its verdict about 10 p.m. James faces life in prison with no chance of probation, parole or suspension of sentence for the murder.

Judge Stephen Enright of the 24th Judicial District Court is scheduled to sentence James on Nov. 2.

Assistant District Attorneys Doug Freese and Brittany Beckner prosecuted the case.

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