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Unveiling Singapore’s Death Penalty Discourse: A Critical Analysis of Public Opinion and Deterrent Claims

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While Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) maintains a firm stance on the effectiveness of the death penalty in managing drug trafficking in Singapore, the article presents evidence suggesting that the methodologies and interpretations of these studies might not be as substantial as portrayed.

Louisiana: No decision yet on death penalty for woman accused of killing infant

Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith
NATCHITOCHES — A decision hasn't been made yet on whether to seek the death penalty for a woman accused in the burning death of a 6-month-old baby, said prosecutors Tuesday during a hearing on multiple motions.

Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith, 27, sat between her two attorneys from the New Orleans-based Louisiana Capital Assistance Center during the hearing. 

She was indicted in August 2018 on a first-degree murder charge in the July 18, 2018, death of Levi Cole Ellerbe.

The baby was found in a ditch off Breda Avenue late the night before, less than two hours after his mother, 24-year-old Hanna Nicole Barker, called 911 to report the infant had been kidnapped after two men knocked on the door of her travel trailer off La. Highway 1 and sprayed her in the face with a substance.

Levi died at a Shreveport hospital, suffering second- and third-degree burns over more than 90% of his body.

Prosecutors allege Barker asked Smith to kill the baby. The two women were involved in a relationship, according to prosecutors.

Barker does face the death penalty. Another hearing in her first-degree murder case is set for Nov. 25. A motion to bring potential jurors into Natchitoches from another parish for her trial was approved last week.

The new date for Barker's trial hasn't been determined.

At least 19 defense motions were discussed during Smith's hearing before 10th Judicial District Court Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess, most of them seeking more specific information from the state.

One motion sought a bill of particulars, which is a written statement that details claims made against a defendant.

Natchitoches Parish Assistant District Attorney Cliff Strider said, because there is a long-form indictment and open discovery in the case — the prosecution shares everything in its files with the defense — they aren't required to submit a bill of particulars.

Defense attorney Christine Lehmann disagreed.

"We believe they do, and it's necessary in this case," she told Dyess.

As with other motions discussed Tuesday, this one will be revisited. Both sides were given time to research and file briefs with Dyess before a Dec. 16 hearing.

Lehmann also sought to make sure the defense received exculpatory evidence — evidence favorable to the defendant — from all agencies that have taken part in the investigation.

Strider said he was "painfully aware" of the state's obligation and responsibility to do so, and he said the state has turned over all such information. He said he had no knowledge now of any other exculpatory evidence, but acknowledged some could come to light later.

He said that also would be turned over to the defense. Lehmann said she accepted that response.

Lehmann said the defense will be looking at physical evidence in the case later this week. She inquired about analyses of cellphone tower data and fire debris, which District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington said hasn't been received yet by his office.

He said it would be turned over once received.

Source: USA Today, Melissa Gregory, November 12, 2019


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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

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