NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — New Orleans man Bryan Andry has been sentenced to prison following the death of Portia Pollock.
Andry appeared in Orleans Parish criminal court Friday morning almost 1 year after the fatal stabbing of the beloved 60-year-old woman during a carjacking. It was decided that Andry would spend the next 35 years in prison.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the court room as his sentencing was read.
The sentencing comes after Andry pleaded guilty to manslaughter and armed robbery last month.
The family wanted to avoid having to go to trial.
“The mental anguish, the re-traumatization in the years, sometimes multiple years that it takes for a case to go to trial it is too much for some families,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams. “We heard them. We were able to get a number of years to hold this man accountable and the family was happy with that.”
Friends remember Pollock as a healer, a giver and a great musician.
“I will keep playing because she played, I will keep serving because that was our commitment,” said longtime friend Denise L. Graves.
Those close to her say they’re satisfied with the sentence and glad Andry is off the streets.
“He’s got a lot of time, no chance of parole, with any luck he won’t leave prison,” said Fatima Muse – someone who considers Pollock to be more like family.
But, friends and family can’t find closure without having their friend brought back.
“There is no real redemption because in this instance we don’t get the life of Portia back,” said Denise.
The case dates back to June 8, 2021, when NOPD responded to the 1500 block of N. Dorgenois Street after a struggle outside Pollock’s home. It was learned that Pollock had been stabbed by a suspect who then stole her car, which was recovered 2 weeks later on the West Bank.
After spending several days on the run, Andry was arrested by the NOPD and U.S. Marshals on Friday, June 11. A closer look into Andry’s criminal record revealed a decades-long history with the law, so much so that family and community members, and city leaders demanded answers after Andry’s bond was lowered prior to his release from jail.
When arrested for Pollock’s death, Andry was charged with 2nd-degree murder and armed robbery. If convicted of 2nd-degree murder, Andry would have been sentenced to mandatory life in prison.
Pollock’s family members told WGNO days after her tragic death that they believed the justice system failed her. Pollock’s family members watched on Friday as Andry was sentenced.
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