Parole denied for Austin Boyd after prosecutor and board cite seriousness of killing
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Summary
The Committee on Parole denied release for Austin Boyd (DLC 557574), who was convicted of negligent homicide, after prosecutors and the panel questioned whether enough time has passed and urged completion of required programming.
The Committee on Parole denied parole for Austin Boyd (DLC 557574) at the Cleveland Parish hearing on Oct. 22, following testimony from Boyd, facility staff and both supporters and a victim coordinator from the Caddo Parish district attorney’s office.
Boyd described the incident leading to his conviction, acknowledged substance use at the time and said he regretted the outcome. Facility staff described Boyd as a trustee and model inmate who completed college coursework and became a trustee and grounds worker; supporters told the panel they would provide housing and employment if he were released.
Leanne Fitzgerald, victim coordinator for the Caddo Parish DA’s office, spoke via Zoom on behalf of the prosecution and opposed parole, summarizing the prosecution’s view that the conduct merited a higher offense classification and noting lingering community harm. She referenced evidence including a bloody knife found in a boat and witnesses who did not describe the victim as the initial aggressor.
Board members agreed Boyd had made positive steps in custody but concluded he had not served enough of his 20-year sentence and still needed required substance-abuse programming and pre-release steps. The panel voted to deny parole; members encouraged Boyd to continue education and treatment and to seek programs that would strengthen his case at a later review.
Ending: The panel denied parole and closed the hearing, urging additional programming and noting the prosecution’s opposition.
