Jury selection was completed on Friday evening for the first degree murder-for-hire trial of Baton Rouge rapper Torrence “Lil Boosie” Hatch. Hatch is accused of hiring Michael Louding to kill Terry Boyd in October of 2009.
After five days of examining hundreds of potential jurors, 12 have been chosen along with two alternates.
Jury selection became difficult when the court had to dismiss several jurors due to their bias opinions about rap music and unwillingness to be impartial.
Jury selection became difficult when the court had to dismiss several jurors due to their bias opinions about rap music and unwillingness to be impartial.
The jury is made up of nine women and three men. Both the prosecution and the defense say they are satisfied with the individuals selected.
Since the trial has been underway the judge has ordered that Hatch not receive telephone calls, visitations or letters. This has been especially difficult for Hatch’s children.
One of Lil Boosie’s daughters was all smiles yesterday when her mother granted her wish and brought her to court to see her father. Although the two were only allowed to exchange looks, there was an undeniable love in the room.
Lil Boosie’s mother, Connie Hatch, says she is grateful for the support of his fans as well as fellow rappers Yo Gotti and Young Jeezy. Ms. Hatch said that Yo Gotti has been an amazing help with Boosie’s children. Despite the negative attention surrounding her son’s case, Connie Hatch assured me that she is in good spirits and is ready for the trial to begin.
The prosecution will begin their opening statements this afternoon and continue throughout the weekend.
– Saturn Douglas (@itsMyRealName_)