Daigle murder trial still on track to begin April 30

<p>Fellow law officers were on hand Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 for the dedication of playground equipment to honor fallen Louisiana State Police trooper Steven Vincent. (Amy L’Hoste / American Press)</p>

<p class="p1">Although several defense motions are pending, including one asking to have law enforcement presence limited in the courtroom during trial, the murder trial of Kevin Daigle is scheduled to begin April 30.

<p class="p1">Jury selection in the trial is set to begin that day in Benton in Bossier Parish, although the trial will take place here.

<p class="p1">Daigle is charged with first-degree murder in the 2015 shooting of Steven Vincent, a Louisiana state trooper.

<p class="p1">This week, two hearings were held in state district court regarding the Daigle case.

<p class="p1">The first hearing dealt with a defense request to recuse Judge Guy Bradberry from presiding over the trial; after hearing testimony from the defense and the prosecution as well as witnesses pertaining to the issue, Judge Clayton Davis denied the request.

<p class="p1">Formally referred to as a Daubert hearing, the second hearing was held to determine who would be allowed to testify as experts in their field, mainly during the penalty phase of the trial if Daigle is found guilty.

<p class="p1">Accepted by Bradberry as experts were Jeffrey Lewine, a professor in the field of neuroscience and Steve Thompson, a retired trooper who has a doctorate degree in public safety and teaches criminal justice courses at McNeese State University.

<p class="p1">Bradberry, the prosecution, and the defense planned to be in Benton in Bossier Parish today while hardship excuses are heard from potential jurors in the case.

<p class="p1">Once a jury is picked, jurors will be brought here for the trial.

<p class="p1">The defense has filed five additional motions that will be discussed Monday in state district court.