Although Hughes could have faced the death penalty, she was instead sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences without parole. Hughes was found guilty on both counts of capital murder. VerdictĪfter eight hours of deliberation, Hughes's jury announced they had reached a verdict on October 13, 2009. The case was then handed over to the jury. On October 12, 2009, Hughes pled the fifth, deciding not to testify in her own defense. However, prosecutors continually stated that Pittman had an alibi at the time of the murder: that he was coaching basketball practice and texting another woman. Browse Getty Images premium collection of high-quality, authentic Carla Hughes stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Carla Hughes was initially not connected to the murder until her cousin informed authorities that she had borrowed his knife and. They claimed that he had worn Hughes' shoes during the murder, and he discounted testimony about how Hughes' cellphone records placed her at the crime scene, claiming that she had a friend in the area. They called Pittman a "bona fide womanizer" who did not want to be married with a child. But Carlas attorney, Johnnie Walls, knew he had to tell the jury something, an alternative theory that might convince at least one juror that someone other than Carla Hughes killed Avis Banks. But according to the sheriff the accusations are false, and he says he has proof. An extended family member is making those claims. Hughes' attorneys Brandon Dorsey and Johnnie Walls continued to deny everything. MADISON COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - There are allegations being made that a Madison County Detention Center inmate, charged with capital murder, is not receiving medical treatment. Cell phone records also showed that Hughes was near Banks and Pittman's home at the time of the murder. In addition to Pittman's testimony, prosecutors were able to prove that Hughes' cousin's gun was the murder weapon and that Hughes shoes were used to kick in the door. Pittman testified for the prosecution on October 6, 2009, stating to jurors how he found Avis Banks' body in their garage and talked about his relationship with Hughes. Prosecutors believed that Hughes killed Avis Banks so she could be with Pittman. TrialĬarla Hughes' trial began in October 2009. Hughes was originally charged with accessory to murder after the fact, but on December 8, 2006, the charges were upgraded to two counts of capital murder. 38 caliber 5-shot revolver to Hughes shortly before the murder, and that she had returned the gun empty. However, Hughes's cousin indicated to police, via an attorney, that he had loaned a loaded. Hughes was later interrogated by police, where she initially denied her sexual relationship with Pittman and later denied having access to a gun. After discovering the body, Pittman called his co-worker Carla Hughes. Her body was discovered by her fiance Keyon Pittman, and it appeared as if the perpetrator had kicked in their back door. On the night of November 29, 2006, Avis Banks, a daycare worker, was found shot and stabbed to death in the garage of her Ridgeland, Mississippi home.
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