UPDATE: A spokeswoman with the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's Office has confirmed to KATC that a jury has unanimously voted for the death penalty in the trial of Kevin Daigle after deliberating for one hour.
The trial has now officially concluded. However, there will be a formal sentencing for Daigle on Oct. 9.
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LAKE CHARLES, La. - The penalty phase of the trial of Kevin Daigle has moved back to Lake Charles due to Hurricane Barry that is set to directly hit Lafayette Saturday.
The proceedings have moved back to Lake Charles by Judge Clayton Davis until the jury can deliver a final verdict on Daigle’s punishment after they found him guilty of the first degree murder of Louisiana State Trooper Steven Vincent on Tuesday.
The defense has a few witnesses left to question and then the jury will be able to deliberate, according to a spokeswoman with the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office. She adds the DA’s Office is hopeful that the trial will wrap up by this weekend.
The jury must deliver a unanimous verdict on whether Daigle deserves the death penalty. If just one juror votes against it, then he will automatically receive a life sentence in prison.
Proceedings began at 9 a.m at the 14th Judicial District Court in Lake Charles. A press conference is expected after the jury makes a decision.
KPLC 7’s Theresa Schmidt is live tweeting in the courtroom.
