Accused cop killer’s preliminary hearing set for May 12

The Houma man accused of killing a Lafourche Parish sheriff’s deputy in August 2008 will return to court for a preliminary hearing May 12.

Appearing before state District Judge Jerome Barbera last Wednesday, Billy J. Daigle and his attorneys, Ray Bigelow and Kerry Cuccia, of the Capital Defense Project of Southeast Louisiana, learned of the new date.

Daigle is accused of first-degree murder for allegedly running over sheriff’s deputy Martha Woods Shareef, attempted first-degree murder of Louisiana State Police Trooper Corey J. Brunet, simple burglary of Nocko’s Discount Store in Chackbay and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty.

Daigle’s first lawyer, Chris Boudreaux, withdrew from the case because he is not authorized to handle capital murder cases.

Bigelow said he plans to submit six motions of discovery, including one to dismiss the attempted murder charge. Barbera gave the attorney until March to submit the motions.

According to Morvant, these motions will officially be discussed in court on May 12 at 9 a.m. in Barbera’s courtroom.

Prior to the May 12 court date, Barbera will meet with both Morvant and Bigelow to discuss any expert witnesses who may be asked to testify, as well as set a tentative date for Daigle’s capital murder trial.