Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
GRETNA, La. (WGNO) — In the trial of two former Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies charged with manslaughter, the jury heard the deputies’ recorded statements on Wednesday, May 8.
Isaac Hughes and Johnathon Louis were interviewed more than a day after the fatal shooting of Daniel Vallee and after seeing their body camera footage.
Both Hughes and Louis admitted they didn’t see a weapon inside the SUV with Vallee.
Hughes said he drew his gun when Vallee started his vehicle for the second time because he thought Vallee was going to drive off. Hughes then admitted he fired the first shot because he thought the SUV was moving towards him after Vallee hit the horn.
Louis admitted he started shooting after hearing the first shot from Hughes but didn’t know who was shooting.
Louis was told by the sergeant conducting the interviews that he fired nine shots. Louis said he wanted to defend the other deputies and that he feared for his safety because of Vallee’s vehicle.
During cross-examination, defense attorney John Fuller, who’s representing Hughes, asked the sergeant if he could tell the jury whether Vallee intended to weaponize his SUV. The sergeant replied “no.”
The trial resumes Thursday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m.
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