Seeking Insanity Defense

A Terrebonne Parish man recently convicted of second-degree murder is seeking a new trial claiming he lacks the mental capacity to withstand trial.

Brenton A. Miller, 32, was present in the 28th Judicial Court in Jena on December 5 with his defense counsel, Eric Talley, as he filed a motion for a new trial.

Miller was convicted by a LaSalle Parish Jury in September following a four-day trial. It took the jury less than 15 minutes to return a guilty verdict.

He was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Caden Madden, a 29-year-old man who had recently moved to Trout. Madden was shot to death outside his residence on October 15, 2021.

Following Miller’s conviction in September, 28th Judicial District Court Judge J. Christopher Peters set the date of his sentencing for December 5. He was facing a mandatory life in prison without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.

However, with the motion on December 5 for a new trial, sentencing could not occur. Instead, the defense is to prepare a motion appointing doctors on the sanity commission for a review of Miller’s mental capacity.

Also during a busy end of November and first of December for the 28th Judicial District Court, many other pleas, sentences and proceedings took place. Along with Judge Peters, others at their regular duties included District Attorney J. Reed Walters and assistants, Deputy Sheriff/ Bailiff Tommy Barton, Deputy Clerk of Court Reba Mc-Clure and Court Reporter/Administrator Amy Stapleton.

November 21

Denis Monsibaez-Diaz was present in court for a waiver of extradition hearing as he was being held for the State of North Carolina. Following the hearing, a written waiver of extradition proceedings was read, signed and filed.

Lucis Garcia-Melgar was present in court for a waiver of extradition hearing as he was being held for the State of Tennessee. Following the hearing, a written waiver of extradition proceedings was read, signed and filed.

Ubaldo Barrenetos was present in court for a waiver of extradition hearing as he was being held for the State of Texas. Following the hearing, a written waiver of extradition proceedings was read, signed and filed.

December 4

Kristen Anglin pled not guilty to felony charges of distribution of CDS IV alprazolam and conspiracy to commit distribution of CDS IV. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Kristopher Issac Bath pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Bridget W. Begnaud pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated first offense. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Kayla M. Boothe pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court failure to appear at trial on a misdemeanor charge of dogs running at large. Trial on both charges was set for April 10, 2024.

Evan R. Brown pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of state burn ban violation. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Christina Jewell Browning pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated first offense. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Sylvia F. Carr pled not guilty to felony charges of two counts of distribution of CDS II methamphetamine, distribution of CDS II amphetamine, distribution of CDS III buprenorphine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Coleton Crafts pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of dogs running at large and contempt of court failure to appear for arraignment. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Vincent K. Crawford pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Ivy Davis, Jr. pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Fabian Dean Docheff-Peraza pled not guilty to felony charges of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and possession of CDS III testosterone. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel. He also pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court failure to appear at arraignment. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $150.00 plus all costs of court.

Robert Durham pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of violation of protective orders. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Thomas W. Earls failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of state burn ban violation. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Garrett Ferguson pled not guilty to a felony charge of home invasion. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Patty Williams Francis pled not guilty to a felony charge of theft greater than $5,000.00. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Michael Danel Gardner pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Pamela R. Hamilton failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of issuing worthless checks less than $300.00. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Tyler Lee Johnson pled not guilty to felony charges of possession of CDS II fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of CDS II methamphetamine with intent to distribute. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Brent Jones pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Carwin S. Jones pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Stephen G. LaCroix pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court failure to appear at pre-trial hearing and felony charges of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and aggravated flight from an officer. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for April 10, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing on the felony charges was set for May 17, 2024.

Courtney Andrew Lefebvre failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Jesse Cole Nugent pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Patrick Alan Ray Rooney pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated first offense. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

James Devon Sanders pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of simple battery on the infirmed, violation of protective order and contempt of court failure to appear at arraignment and a felony charge of possession of CDS II cocaine. Trial on the misdemeanor charges was set for April 10, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024 on the felony charge.

Kenneth Ray Sikes failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of state burn ban violation. The Court ordered a bench warrant issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Devra R. Stockman pled not guilty to a felony charge of home invasion. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Drake Street pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of simple battery. Trial was set for April 10, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Marlon O. Tingle was present in court for trial on a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass. On a motion of the State, the charge was dismissed.

George Michael Walker pled not guilty to felony charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Kadarrius Walker pled not guilty to felony charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and illegal discharge of a firearm-crime of violence. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Acie White pled not guilty to felony charges of introduction of contraband into penal institution and possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Charles E. Wilson pled not guilty to felony charges of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and possession of firearm by a convicted felon. A final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Daylin J. Young pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of two counts of disturbing the peace by intoxication and contempt of court failure to appear at arraignment. On the first count of disturbing the peace by intoxication charge, the Court sentenced him to serve 10 days in the parish jail and pay all costs of court. On the second count of disturbing the peace by intoxication charge, the Court sentenced him to serve 15 days in the parish jail and pay all costs of court. He was given credit for time served on this charge. Both sentences are to run consecutive. On the contempt of court charge, the Court sentenced him to serve 15 days in the parish jail and pay all costs of court. This sentence is to run consecutive to the other sentences and he was given credit for any time served on this charge.

The following people failed to appear for arraignment on the following charges and the Court ordered the Department of Public Safety in each of the respective states be notified of their non-appearance: Larry Adams, speeding 70/55; Hadley Dunn Allen, speeding 71/55; David L. Amphion, speeding 72/55; Jackie Bohannon, careless operation; Mia M. Boyd, no proof of insurance; Ethan Rayne Cotton, operating vehicle with obstructed window; Elizabeth Nicole Davis, no seatbelt, fail to use signal; Christopher Filasek, speeding 54/40; George R. Franks, speeding 73/55; Stephen C. Gibbs, no driver’s license; Jesus Garza Gonzalez, speeding 89/55; Alejandro Herrera, speeding 73/55, failure to change address; Frederick Lyn Holts, speeding 78/55; Allen P. Hudnall, speeding 69/55; Jasmine S. Jackson, improper child restraint; Crystal M. Jordan, speeding 80/55; Brandon James Lafleur, speeding 71/55; Kameron M. McKee, defective mud guardwide tires; Charles M. Meitzler, expired MVI; Tiffany Leigh Ray, improper child restraint; Dexter Savage, operating vehicle in an unsafe condition; Jazlyn Renee Savage, operating vehicle without lit lamps; Courtney L. Sharp, allow unlicensed minor to drive; Porche Renae Smith, speeding 69/55; Jason N. Talley, speeding 69/55; Trent Wesley White, fail to secure insurance; Jeanne Wilhite, speeding 75/55; and April Collins Young, speeding 71/55. Lori LaDawn Brewer pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of careless operation and no seat belt. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Wanda J. Fisher pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of speeding 72/55. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Norwood D. Hunter pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of speeding 82/55 and improper child restraint. Trial was set for April 10, 2024.

Jacarlos Jaray Jenkins pled guilty to an amended charge of speeding 59/30 from speeding in a school zone 59/30. The defendant is to pay the fine and costs out of court.

Arabia Fran D Ne Woodward failed to appear for arraignment on a charge of speeding 93/65. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

December 5

Steven P. Brooks was present in court for a bond reduction hearing on a charge of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. A stipulation was made between the State and the Defense and bond was reduced to $5,000.00.

Cameron D. Brown was present in court for a bond reduction hearing on two felony counts of resist an officer by force or violence and a charge of criminal trespassing. A stipulation was made between the State and the Defense and bond was reduced to $6,500.00.

Master Freddie Burnett was present in court for probation revocation hearing on a felony charge of unauthorized use of motor vehicle. The defendant admitted to the allegations of the petition and the Court ruled his probation was revoked and he was ordered to serve the previously suspended sentence imposed by the Court. It was recommended he be housed at an institution that provides an addictive disorders treatment program.

Kineric O’Neal Curry was present in court for sentencing on felony charges of false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon (count one), domestic abuse battery aggravated assault (count two) and domestic abuse battery (count three). On count one, the Court sentenced him to serve nine years at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections and pay all costs of court. Further, he was assessed $150.00 for the preparation of the pre-sentence investigation, which was added as costs of court. The Court recommended that he be housed in a facility where he can participate in an addictive disorders and anger management program. On count two, the Court sentenced him to serve four years at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections and this sentence is to run consecutive to the sentence imposed in count one. On count three, the Court sentenced him to serve six months in the parish jail, to run concurrent with the sentences imposed in count two. As a condition of sentence, a stay-away order protecting the victim was placed in effect for two years.

Derrek H. Duplissy was present in court on a writ of habeas corpus concerning felony charges of distribution of CDS IV alprazolam and conspiracy to commit distribution CDS IV. Following the hearing, the writ was denied by the Court. He then entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and a final pre-trial hearing was set for May 17, 2024.

Bruce L. Fletcher was present in court for sentencing on a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. He entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of attempted possession of methamphetamine. The Court sentenced him to serve one year at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections and pay a fine of $500.00 plus costs of court.

Lucio R. Holmes was present in court for a bond reduction hearing on a felony charge of simple burglary. A stipulation was made between the State and Defense and the bond was reduced to $5,000.00.

Helen Lee was present in court on felony charges of simple burglary and conspiracy to commit simple burglary. As part of a plea bargain, she withdrew her former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to an amended felony charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. The Court sentenced her to serve five years at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections, which was suspended. She was placed on three years active supervised probation. She was ordered to pay a fine of $1,000.00 plus all costs of court. As special condition of probation, she may pay her fines and costs in equal monthly installments over the first year of her probation. The conspiracy charge was dismissed by the State.

Wesley D. Williams was present in court on charges of unauthorized use of motor vehicle, reckless operation and failure to report accident. As part of a plea bargain, he withdrew his former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to the charge of unauthorized use of motor vehicle. The Court sentenced him to serve two years at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections, which was suspended. He was placed on two years active supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $3,000.00 plus all costs of court and pay restitution in the amount of $379.50 by December 31, 2023. As a special condition of probation, he may pay his fines and costs in equal monthly installments over the first year of his probation. The charges of reckless operation and failure to report accident were dismissed by the State.

Tommy James Smith was present in court on a charge of aggravated battery. As part of a plea bargain, he withdrew his former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to the charge. The Court sentenced him to serve five years at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections, of which three years were suspended. Upon release from incarceration, he was placed on three years of active supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,500.00 plus all costs of court. As a special condition of probation, he may pay his fines and costs in equal monthly installments over the first year of his probation. The stay-away order was amended to allow this minor to visit her father in a controlled environment and was placed in effect for two years.

Chad Jeffrey Legrande was present in court for a probation revocation hearing on a felony charge of unauthorized use of motor vehicle. On a motion of the State, this matter was continued without date.

John Colter Pyron was present in court on a motion to quash concerning a charge of theft of livestock. The Court granted the motion to quash jurisdiction.

Marlon O. Tingle was present in court for sentencing on a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. The Court sentenced him to serve two years at hard labor in the custody of the Department of Corrections, of which nine months were suspended. Upon release from incarceration, he was placed on three years active supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,000.00, plus all costs of court. As a special condition of probation, he may pay his fines and costs in equal monthly installments over the first year of his probation. Further, he was assessed $150.00 for the preparation of the pre-sentence investigation, which was assessed as costs of court. Further, he shall be evaluated by an addictive disorders clinic within 14 days of his release from incarceration and whatever recommendations are made by the clinic will become part of his probation. Regardless of the recommendations made, he was ordered to attend a minimum of one NA meeting per week during the pendency of his probation. He was given credit for time served on this charge. The Court recommended he be housed at a facility where he can participate in an addictive disorders treatment program.

December 6

Isaiah Wade Baxter pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $250.00 plus costs of court.

Cody Allan Beard failed to appear for trial on a charge of take or sell commercial fish without a commercial license. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $20,000.00.

Barkley Blaylock was present in court for trial on two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and a charge of possession of CDS I marijuana. He entered a plea of guilty to one charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and the charge of possession of marijuana. On the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, the Court ordered the defendant to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court. On the charge of possession of CDS I marijuana, the Court ordered the defendant to pay a fine of $100.00 plus all costs of court. The second charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed by the State.

Daniel S. Bohannon failed to appear for trial on charges of driving under suspension and improper equipment (no license plate). The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charges was set at $1,000.00 and $500.00 respectively.

Anna Marie Book pled guilty to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Court sentenced the defendant to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court.

Jason K. Brown was present in court for trial on charge of reckless operation and two counts of simple battery. He entered a plea of guilty to one count of simple battery. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court. The charges of reckless operation and the other count of simple battery were dismissed by the State.

Tyra Chante Brown failed to appear for trial on a charge of speeding 68/55. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $500.00.

Dakota James Davis was present in court for trial on charges of driving under suspension, careless operation and operating vehicle in an unsafe condition. He entered a plea of guilty to the charge of driving under suspension. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court. The charges of careless operation and operating vehicle in an unsafe condition were dismissed by the State.

David E. Foster pled guilty to a charge of disturbing the peace by intoxication. The Court sentenced him to serve two days in the parish jail, plus pay all costs of court. He was given credit for any time served on this charge.

Delvin D. Hatcher, Sr. pled guilty to a charge of driving under suspension. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court. Additional charges of criminal damage to property under $1,000.00 and simple battery were e rescheduled for trial on January 9, 2024.

Jim A. Howard, Jr. was present in court for trial on a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery. He pled guilty to an amended charge of disturbing the peace by fighting. The Court sentenced him to serve five months in the parish jail and he was given credit for time served on this charge.

Ashley D. James failed to appear for trial on charges of criminal trespassing and theft having a value less than $1,000.00. Her non-appearance was noted for the record.

Leroy S. Metcalfe pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court.

Penny Lou Miller failed to appear for trial on misdemeanor charges of open container and no seat belt. The Court ordered a bench warrant issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charges was set at $500.00 and $150.00, respectively.

Oneisha S. Nelson pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension. The Court sentenced her to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court.

Nathan Lee Nobles was present in court for trial on two counts of resisting an officer. He pled guilty to one of the two counts. The Court sentenced him to serve 90 days in the parish jail. He was given credit for any time served on this charge. He is also to write a letter of apology to all the officers involved in the arrest. The other count of resisting an officer was dismissed on a motion of the State.

Christopher C. Nolan pled guilty to a charge of remaining after being forbidden. The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of $250.00 plus all costs of court.

Vincent Cole Stapleton failed to appear for trial on a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Aaron Street was present in court for trial on a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery. On a motion of the State, this charge was dismissed.

Jeromy N. Thompson was present in court for trial on misdemeanor charges of driving under suspension, simple flight from officer, reckless operation and failure to display license plate. Due to a pending sanity hearing, the matter was continued until January 9, 2024.