10th Judicial District Court Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess ruled yesterday, June 8, that accused murderer Hannah Barker is indigent for purposes of receiving state funds for her defense.
Barker’s privately retained counsel argued before the court that she is without funds to defend herself against the charges of principal to first-degree murder of her seven-month old son.
As an indigent, Barker now has access to state funds to pay for experts and other costly expenses related to her defense that she would otherwise have to incur herself. The only exception would be her counsel’s fee for her continued representation.
Although no specifics or sums were mentioned in the hearing, it is expected that the funds could be in the tens of thousands of dollars given the high stakes at play: District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington seeks the death penalty. The brief hearing consisted mostly of questioning one witness about Barker’s financial situation and submitting a handful of documents. The prosecution, which includes DA Harrington, had no objection to the request. The Louisiana Public Defender Board had no objections either.
As reported by the Natchitoches Parish Journal on June 2, the Board is insolvent prompting layoffs and salary cuts to public defenders around the state, so there is no guarantee that the Board will meet its mandate to provide those funds, which could expose the Natchitoches Parish Government to footing the bill.
The trial will begin in October, starting with jury selection in St. Landry Parish.
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Let the lynch mob assemble.
did this poor innocent baby get a fare chance. ? why won’t you use a real name .?
We don’t use real names a) because this is a small community and even if you don’t know somebody, you can find out where they live and work, and b) how would you like someone harassing you because of something you say here on the NPJ? Coming to your house or job and arguing with you? Some people get really worked up about the issues we talk about, and almost everybody in Louisiana has a gun.
Big waste of time and money,but that’s how the system works! But at her appeal that can’t claim inadequate defense. They probably will anyway.
Take all such funds out of the judicial salary fund. See how many such filings get approved then.
Stick her in gen pop for a few weeks and let everything work itself out.
Leave her in…. She deserve the royal treatment she gave little LEVI……..state don’t need to pay for nothing just let it happen