Photo Courtesy of NOLA.com

Earlier this week, we reported on the murder of good Samaritan Harry “Mike” Ainsworth, who was shot to death while attempting to stop a carjacking.

In accordance with a year-long policy of releasing the criminal records of murder victims in the city, NOPD dug up Mr. Ainsworth’s rap sheet, which included arrests for traffic violations and possession of marijuana – completely inconsequential to the crime he was a victim of. NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas vigorously defends his “broader perspectives” policy, stating that it shows city residents that “bad things happen to bad people.” But then a 27-year-old and father of two with a few blemishes on his record was murdered, and adhering to the letter of the policy appeared massively insensitive and pointless.

Serpas repealed the policy Wednesday, saying in a written statement he was getting rid of it “after consulting privately with local clergy leaders over the last weeks.”

Surely, we think everyone should be entitled to freely access information, especially those on criminals within our city. But this one-size-fits all policy does not achieve that goal of education – rather, it emphasizes and expands the divide between people.

Teddy Magee's mugshot

Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman “is reviewing” how a newly-minted sexual offender could simply get up and leave the courtroom without anyone noticing, which is exactly what happened Monday when Teddy Magee walked out undetected after a jury convicted him of second-degree sexual battery.

Magee’s defense lawyer, J.C. Lawrence, and the sheriff’s office blame the post-verdict hysteria on the escape. The victim, whose identity is being kept confidential, was ironically the only person to testify for Magee. After the guilty verdict she broke out in screams and tears. As Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard and lawyers were discussing a possible appeal bond for Magee, the defendant apparently walked to the back of the courtroom and out the door. A warrant was issued Tuesday morning for Magee’s arrest. Defense attorney J.C. Lawrence said he hadn’t heard from Magee by mid-afternoon.

According to the District Attorney’s office, in October 2010 Magee forced his way into the victim’s bathroom, punched, kicked, and strangled her, then sexually assaulted her. The victim was the only person who testified on Magee’s behalf, and said she consented to his actions. Her testimony conflicted with statements she made to health care workers and investigators immediately after the incident, said the DA’s office.

When police released details of Ainsworth’s murder, they also announced he had been arrested for drug possession and other non-violent crimes in the past, keeping with a year-old policy in which the criminal records of murdered victims are available to the public.

NOPD says this practice gives the public a more complete picture of the incident and shows that many victims of violent crimes are themselves convicted criminals. Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas said publicizing arrest records gives a better picture of the killing, which authorities said usually involves young men who are killing people with similar backgrounds.

Serpas estimated 62 percent of those killed in 2011 had prior felony arrests.

Families of the dead victims say the practice is insensitive at a time when they are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. Others are outraged with the policy, saying that it carries racial overtones – that African Americans and other minorities are predominantly violent criminals – and implies that the victims got what they deserved.

This is obviously a contentious issue – what do you think? Is NOPD just trying to better-inform the public or are they unfairly profiling victims? Comment below or reply to @BloomLegal on Twitter.

If you or anyone you know has been arrested and charged with a violentcrime, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate help and a free case evaluation.

A Connecticut judge has sentenced Joshua Komisarjevsky, 31, to die today for the brutal murder of a mother and her two daughters during a home invasion in 2007. “This is a terrible sentence, but one you have written for yourself,” Judge Jon Blue told Komisarjevsky in New Haven Superior Court. “Your crime was one of unimaginable horror and sadness,” the judge said. “Your fate is now in the hands of others. May God have mercy on your soul.”

Jennifer Hawke-Petit, 48, was raped and died of strangulation. Her daughters died of smoke inhalation as the home was set afire. Hawke-Petit’s husband, Dr. William Petit Jr., was tied up and beaten, but escaped before their home went up in flames. “July 23, 2007, was my own personal holocaust,” Petit Jr. said. “Evil does live among us.”

Komisarjevsky targeted Hawke-Petit and her younger daughter at a grocery store and later went with Hayes to their home as the family slept, police said he confessed to investigators. He bashed Petit with a baseball bat, tied him up and ransacked the home.

Police caught Komisarjevsky and his accomplice, Steven Hayes, 48, as they tried to flee.

Komisarjevsky’s sentencing brought to 11 the number of men on the Connecticut’s death row, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Connecticut has executed only one person, in 2005, since the death penalty was reinstated in the United States in 1976, the center said.

Drivers are advised to have the proper documentation (proof of insurance, registration, driver’s license, etc) available if requested.

Check out our printable Glovebox Reference Guide for information regarding how to respond when pulled over or arrested for DWI.

While we certainly do not condone this type of behavior, should you or someone you know get behind the wheel after a night at the bar and get arrested or charged with a DUI/DWI, Bloom Legal is here (504-599-9997) to provide assistance to you in getting all of your affairs back in order.

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Springsteen performs at Jazz Fest in 2006

In 2006, during the first Jazz Fest since Hurricane Katrina, Bruce Springsteen arguably gave the most powerful and emotionally-charged performance the four-decade long festival had ever seen. “I thought it was one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen thousands of shows,” Quint Davis, the festival’s longtime producer and director said. “Reverend Springsteen held church, and ministered to a flock.”

Now, after a six year absence, the Boss will return to headline the Acura Stage on April 29, the first Sunday of Jazz Fest. His opening acts will be Dr. John and John Mayer, artists that would be major headliners themselves anywhere else.

The deal was done last-minute, and involved both savvy business maneuvers and musical diplomacy to secure a full set for Springsteen. Given Springsteen’s history with Jazz Fest, he is “part of our festival DNA,” Davis said. “We’re thrilled that he still has New Orleans in his heart and that he’s coming back to play Jazz Fest with the E Street Band.”

Brian Downing being booked at Central Lockup in New Orleans

What Russell County Sheriff and Downing’s second cousin, Heath Taylor, described as a “minute of misconduct” following Alabama’s National Championship victory on January 9 will likely haunt Mr. Brian Downing for the rest of his life.

32-year-old Downing faces a felony charge of sexual battery for allegedly putting his genitals on an unconscious LSU fan’s face at the Krystal on Bourbon St. following the game. The incident was videotaped and went viral across the internet within days. If convicted, he will have to register as a sex offender nationally and notify authorities whenever he changes his home address.

To make matters worse, Downing was fired from his job at Hibbett Sports shortly after it became public that police had identified him in the video. He is also married and has a newborn daughter. Surely, Downing’s severe consequences illustrate how a brief episode of irresponsibility can damage someone’s life for a very long time.

If you or anyone you know has been arrested, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate help and a free case evaluation.