Louisiana

Marine reservist found not guilty of 2018 Louisiana murder

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2023

Marine reservist found not guilty of 2018 Louisiana murder

A Marine reservist has been found not guilty of murdering a 34-year-old man in Louisiana in 2018.

A New Orleans jury on July 12 acquitted Lance Cpl. Quan T. Charles, 24, of second-degree murder in connection with the death of May Francois, but convicted him of obstruction of justice, according to entries in the court docket.

The defense team successfully argued that Charles had acted in self-defense when he shot Francois in August 2018, according to public defender Brian Woods, who represented Charles.

Charles told police in 2018 that he had gotten into Francois’ car for a drug deal, The Times-Picayune reported after his arrest.

Francois, a father of five, had moved to New Orleans while on probation for an armed robbery conviction in Florida and had hoped to turn his life around, his relatives told The Times-Picayune.

Woods told Marine Corps Times that Charles had been sitting in the backseat of a car, with Francois and a friend of Francois in the front, when Francois attacked him. Charles shot Francois three times, according to Woods, who said he believes the third bullet was the one that lodged in the head of Francois, killing him.

Woods noted that Francois was found in the backseat of the car, which he said lends credence to the narrative that he had been attacking Charles when he was shot.

“If he wasn’t able to defend himself, his family could have been burying him,” Woods said of his client.

Charles was arrested days after the shooting of Francois and indicted in December of that year, according to the court docket. He initially told police that “his gun went off” and that he then “somehow” fired his gun a second time, The Times-Picayune reported in 2018, quoting from the arrest warrant.

“At the time those statements were made, he was 19,” Wood said. “He was a kid. He was just scared… He was still processing what actually happened days prior.”

Charles was charged with obstruction of justice because police couldn’t locate the gun at the scene of the shooting, in Woods’ view.

Marine Corps Times requested comment from the New Orleans district attorney’s office but did not receive a response by time of publication. Marine Corps Times also made unsuccessful attempts to reach members of the Francois family through phone numbers listed online.

Charles enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2017 and served as an administrative specialist at the Intelligence Support Battalion of Marine Forces Reserve’s Headquarters Group in New Orleans, according to Adam Bashaw, a spokesman for the Marine Corps.

The Marine received one award, the National Defense Service Medal, and never deployed, according to Bashaw.

Woods said Charles might like to reenter the Marine Corps upon his release from jail. The obstruction of justice conviction would make that impossible unless Charles secures a waiver, according to federal law.

“We currently are unaware of any plans to reinstate Quan Charles,” Bashaw said via email to Marine Corps Times on Wednesday.

Charles has been in jail since his 2018 arrest, according to the court docket. His bail amount had been set for $550,000 — which wasn’t possible for his family to pay, according to Woods.

His sentencing has been set for July 27.

If Charles had been convicted of second-degree murder, he would have faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison, by state law. He still faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

But Charles is hoping the judge will give him time served, according to Woods.

“I know he’d be happy to be released, and his family would be excited,” Woods said. “He can try to put the pieces of his life together and move on.”

Irene Loewenson is a staff reporter for Marine Corps Times. She joined Military Times as an editorial fellow in August 2022. She is a graduate of Williams College, where she was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper.

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Louisiana

Accused Hamas conspirator pleads not guilty in Louisiana to allegedly helping with Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel

Published

19 hours ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Accused Hamas conspirator pleads not guilty in Louisiana to allegedly helping with Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel

LAFAYETTE, La. — Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, a man accused of participating in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Louisiana.

Al-Muhtadi, 33, appeared before a judge for an arraignment in an orange prison jumpsuit, shackled at the hands and feet. As he entered the courtroom, he stumbled slightly over his shackles. He greeted his attorneys and interpreter, who had flown in to Lafayette for the hearing, with a “Good afternoon.”

The judge informed al-Muhtadi he had been indicted by a grand jury on two counts — conspiracy to provide material support to a terror organization resulting in death and fraud and misuse of visa permits.

Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi loads a gun at his home in Oklahoma.

United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana

In court documents unsealed last week, Al-Muhtadi is accused of being a member of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a paramilitary group that has fought alongside Hamas and participated in the 2023 attack.

Prosecutors claim he coordinated a “group of armed fighters” to cross into Israel after hearing about Hamas’ attack. He allegedly told one man to “bring the rifles” and another to “get ready.” Prosecutors say he also sent messages asking for ammunition and a bulletproof vest for another man.

Al-Muhtadi submitted a U.S. visa application in June 2024, where, according to court documents, he denied being a member or representative of a terror organization, having any skills or training, including firearm usage, and ever engaging in terrorist activities.

Al-Muhtadi is one of the first to face charges in a U.S. court for allegedly helping Hamas with the attack.

On Wednesday, al-Muhtadi told the judge he understood the counts before him and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution reminded the judge that deportation to Israel would be a possible penalty in this case. The max penalty for the first count is life in prison, the max penalty for the latter is 10 years. Both counts are connected to his alleged involvement with the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack against Israel. He’s also accused of lying on his visa application form to gain entry into the U.S.

For now, his attorney waived his right to a detention hearing, and al-Muhtadi signed the waiver in court. Thus, the judge said she is issuing an order for detention pending trial.

The prosecution noted to the judge that the case is complex, involving classified documents litigation, and will therefore require certain classified information protections under the Patriot Act. They said they plan to propose a protective order governing discovery in the case.

After the hearing ended, al-Muhtadi’s attorney, Aaron Adams, was heard telling his client, “so far so good.” The defendant was heard asking Adams more about jail conditions, including how his family is doing.

Asked about that conversation, Adams said, “no comment.”

Prosecutors in the case also declined to comment and referred all press inquiries to a public relations spokesperson. CBS News has sent emails to that spokesperson for comment.

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Louisiana

LDWF Announces Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman Deer Hunt for Novice Hunters

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

LDWF Announces Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman Deer Hunt for Novice Hunters

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is now accepting applications for the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (B-BOW) Deer Hunt, scheduled for Jan. 9–11, 2026, at Floy McElroy Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

This hunt is for novice deer hunters only who have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop, and is designed to provide hands-on learning and real-world experience in a supportive environment.

The lottery application will remain open through Nov. 30, 2025. The drawing will be held on Dec. 1, 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by email.

To apply, visit:

https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications

Eligibility Requirements

The Beyond BOW Deer Hunt is intended for individuals new to deer hunting. To qualify, applicants must:

Have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop

Be a novice deer hunter, defined as someone who has harvested no more than two deer or other big game animals (elk, antelope, bear, moose, etc.) in their lifetime

Not have previously attended a Louisiana BBOW deer hunt or harvested a deer during that event

Be Hunter Education certified

About Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (B-BOW)

LDWF’s Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman program builds upon the foundation of the traditional Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops. These advanced, hands-on experiences allow participants to apply and strengthen skills learned during BOW weekends, while receiving guidance from supportive instructors in real-world outdoor settings.

Beyond BOW workshops are ideal for women who:

Want to gain more confidence and independence in outdoor skills

Are seeking new outdoor challenges and experiences

Have completed a BOW workshop and are ready for the next step

Enjoy learning alongside like-minded outdoor enthusiasts

Workshops are kept intentionally small to provide a safe, educational, and encouraging environment that emphasizes personal growth, safety, and skill development.

Applicable fees will be assessed when applying for the lottery.

To learn more or to apply, visit:

https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications

Contact:

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program

Email: BOW@wlf.la.gov

Website: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/beyond-bow

About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle:

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.

Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.

To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.

Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26. Click here to view the official rules page.

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Louisiana

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky: Week 9 College Football Betting Odds, Prediction, Pick

Published

2 days ago

October 21, 2025

Press Room

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky: Week 9 College Football Betting Odds, Prediction, Pick

Week 9 of the college football season kicks off on Tuesday night with a Conference USA battle between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

The Hilltoppers come into Tuesday looking to get back in the win column after losing 25-6 to FIU last week. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak and dropped them to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in CUSA.

The Bulldogs are also looking to bounce back from a loss after they fell to Kennessaw State 35-7 two weeks ago. The loss was their first in the CUSA and dropped them to 4-2 overall.

Stream Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky

If you’re looking to get back in the swing of football season and need some betting advice for Tuesday’s matchup in Rustin, we’ve got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky game odds:

All college football odds via BetMGM

Spread: Louisiana Tech -3.5 (-115), Western Kentucky +3.5 (-1105)
Money Line: Louisiana Tech NL, Western Kentucky NL
Over-Under: Over 50.5 (-110), Under 50.5 (-110)

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky prediction, pick:

Both of these teams were stymied in their last game and are desperate for a win on Tuesday night. They both are hoping to stay near the top of the conference, but a loss would likely drop them out of the hunt. Maverick McIvor has been good at quarterback for the Hilltoppers this year and he could be the x-factor. He did throw three interceptions in this last game, but he bounces back and gives Western Kentucky a huge road win.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 31, Louisiana 23

Best Bet: Western Kentucky +3.5, Over 50.5

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky channel, start time, streaming:

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: CBS Sports Network

Live Stream: Paramount+

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

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