The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole convened on December 18, 2024, to conduct a pardon hearing, focusing on the case of an individual seeking clemency after serving time for her involvement in a serious crime. The session began with procedural acknowledgments and a review of the applicant's history, including her arrest on December 31, 2003, and subsequent charges related to a robbery that resulted in two fatalities.

During the hearing, the applicant detailed her past struggles, emphasizing that she had not been in trouble for over 20 years and had faced significant challenges in securing employment due to her criminal record. She expressed a desire to provide for her children and move beyond her past, stating, "I deserve this pardon." The board members engaged with her, seeking clarity on her involvement in the crime and her understanding of the events that transpired.

Key discussions included the applicant's claims of ignorance regarding the robbery's severity and the tragic outcomes. She maintained that she was unaware of the murders until her arrest, stating, "I started seeing the news... other people start telling you things." The board members probed her about her guilty plea, which she explained was a strategic decision made under pressure from her legal counsel, who advised her that it was the best option given the circumstances.

The hearing also included testimony from Juanita Jones, the daughter and granddaughter of one of the victims, who participated via Zoom. She clarified her relationship to the case and expressed the emotional weight of the proceedings.

After thorough discussions and clarifications regarding the applicant's past and the details of the crime, the board moved into an executive session to deliberate on the case. Upon returning to regular session, the board confirmed the accuracy of the applicant's record, noting discrepancies regarding her boyfriend's sentencing, which had been previously misreported.

The meeting concluded with the board prepared to vote on the applicant's request for a pardon, marking a significant step in her journey toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The outcome of the vote will determine whether she can finally move forward after decades of struggle stemming from her past actions.