Lake Charles man gets 10 years after pleading guilty to attempted murder
Published 7:50 pm Tuesday, April 30, 2013
A Lake Charles man on Tuesday pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder.
Although he was being kept at Calcasieu Correctional Center, 47-year-old Cornell Henery was in street clothes at 14th Judicial District Court as he prepared to go to trial.
Before jury selection began, Henery pleaded guilty as charged to shooting a man twice during an attempted drug deal in March 2012 at a residence in the 2800 block of 8th Street.
Judge Ron Ware sentenced Henery to 10 years in prison without the benefit of parole, based on a joint sentencing recommendation from the prosecution and the defense.
The District Attorney’s Office agreed not to pursue a habitual offender bill and dropped two charges of battery of a correctional officer.
“I think it’s a good resolution to the case,” said prosecutor Bobby Holmes.
He said it gave the victim closure, “and at the same time, it doesn’t throw (Henery) away for life. He’ll get an opportunity after 10 years to be a good citizen.”
Defense attorney Eugene Bouquet said he “made the recommendation to my client because I felt it was in his best interest.”
Holmes said Henery fired three shots at the victim, “who was retreating,” striking him twice, in the head, neck and shoulders.
Ware asked Henery if that was what happened.
“Yes, sir,” Henery replied.
(American Press Archives)
