Mandatory Life Sentence for Drug Dealer's Murder

By Cecilia Green

Published on October 19, 2005

Brandon LeBoeuf, 23, of Baton Rouge, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of drug dealer, Lamont Turner, also 23.

LeBoeuf chose to have the judge decide the case, waiving his right to a jury. During the trial, the prosecution alleged that LeBoeuf planned to meet with Turner in order to steal Turner's drugs and cash before killing him.

Witnesses in the case said they were waiting for LeBoeuf in the car when they heard gunshots. A short while later, they claimed that LeBoeuf ran to the car with cash and drugs.

Once in the car, LeBoeuf and the others allegedly drove to a nearby town and tried to give the gun to someone else. When no one would take it, LeBoeuf threw it into the Mississippi River.

The defense noted that none of the witnesses admitted having any role in the crime. No one claimed to have even seen the shooting, so it was just assumed that LeBoeuf killed Turner.

The witnesses also conflicted in how much money and drugs LeBoeuf took from the victim. Despite these discrepancies, the judge sided with the prosecution and convicted LeBoeuf of murder., giving him a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Comment on this article →