NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Testimony is over in the Tom Benson competency trial. Both sides left the courthouse Friday afternoon following closing arguments. A ruling is expected to come no later than next Friday.
After court, Tom Benson was confident the judge would rule in his favor. “Oh hell, I already know the decision,” Benson said, “I could see it in his face,” referring to the judge in the case, Kern Reese.
During the eight-day trial, a gag order prevented any of the parties from commenting on what was happening in court. Also, the public, including reporters, was banned from the courtroom, and all of the documents in the case are currently sealed.
But Friday afternoon, we got a look at what the battle has been like for the family.
“This is not fun; it’s not fun,” Benson said. “Having your kids turn against you, that’s for the birds.”
Moments after Benson left the courthouse, his daughter, Renee, and her children, Rita and Ryan LeBlanc, left with their attorney, Randy Smith.
Smith said that if the ruling doesn’t go the LeBlanc’s way, he could appeal or ask the judge to reconsider. He also says the LeBlancs have always wished to sit down and discuss the situation with the other side to work out a settlement.
When told about Benson’s comment regarding his kids turning on him, Smith responded, “That’s sad.”
The judge will not require the sides to return to court to learn of his ruling. He will simply file the documents and alert the parties involved.
The gag order remains in place in the case.
