Caddo Parish DA Seeks Execution Dates for Two Inmates

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News Summary

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart has filed motions in district court to set execution dates for two death row inmates, Darrell Dewayne Draughn and Marcus Donte Reed. The motions aim to schedule executions within 60 to 90 days after a judge signs the warrants. Draughn was convicted in 2003 for the murder of his neighbor, while Reed was sentenced for a triple murder. This marks a notable shift in capital punishment practices in Louisiana, which recently resumed executions after a 15-year hiatus.

Caddo Parish District Attorney Pushing for Execution Dates for Two Inmates

The city of Shreveport is buzzing this week as the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s office has taken a strong step toward carrying out capital punishment. A significant motion was filed in Caddo District Court seeking execution dates for two death row inmates, making headlines and stirring conversations across the community.

The Motion for Darrell Dewayne Draughn

On Monday, District Attorney James Stewart submitted a motion requesting a death warrant for Darrell Dewayne Draughn. If a judge signs the motion, the DA’s office is keen on setting an execution date within 60 to 90 days.

As of Wednesday, the motion was still waiting for a judge’s signature, making everyone wonder what the next steps will be. Draughn was convicted for the first-degree murder of his neighbor, Lauretta White, back in April 2000. A Caddo Parish jury sentenced him to death in 2003, and his conviction was upheld by the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2007, with the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately denying his appeals.

It’s important to note that Draughn hasn’t had any post-conviction claims litigated in about 17 years, raising questions about the long delay in carrying out his sentence. Meanwhile, Governor Jeff Landry recently announced a new execution protocol by nitrogen hypoxia, causing ripples of discussion regarding execution methods.

The DA’s office believes there are no grounds to delay Draughn’s execution further, pushing for swift action. As it stands, Draughn is part of a larger group, being one of 13 death row inmates from Caddo Parish, the highest number for any parish in Louisiana.

The Gruesome Crime

Draughn’s crime was deeply shocking. Lauretta White, aged 64, was murdered in her own home, suffering a staggering 61 stab wounds. The case took a turn when her empty purse was discovered nearby, indicating a robbery motive. It wasn’t until anonymous tips and DNA evidence came into play that Draughn was linked to this horrific crime. His history of violence, including involvement in the 2000 murder of Justin Bradley and previous assault charges, adds another chilling layer to this case.

Marcus Donte Reed Also in the Spotlight

In a separate move, another death row inmate, Marcus Donte Reed, is also seeking an execution date. Reed was convicted of a vicious triple murder that occurred in August 2010, where he killed brothers Jeremiah (20), Jarquis (18), and Gene Adams (13). Reed believed that the young brothers had stolen an Xbox from his girlfriend, leading to a horrifying ambush as they returned home.

Both motions filed for Draughn and Reed aim to schedule execution dates within that same 60 to 90-day timeframe after the warrants are signed. This underscores a significant shift in how the justice system in Louisiana is addressing capital punishment.

A Return to Executions in Louisiana

It’s noteworthy that no death row inmate had been executed in Louisiana for 15 years until Jessie Hoffman met his end by execution using nitrogen gas on March 18, 2023. This recent development invites a wave of anticipation and debate regarding the state’s capital punishment practices.

As Shreveport residents await further developments, the conversation around justice and the future of executions in Louisiana remains a hot topic. Stay tuned as this gripping narrative unfolds.