After 16 months in jail, Slaughter posts $85,000 bond Monday

Just over 16 months after being arrested for the murder of Latoya Richard, who was found with her head in a bucket of water, the man accused of killing the 29-year old, Larry Slaughter Jr., has bonded out of jail.
After investigations took place back in 2015, Slaughter became a suspect in Richard’s death, which was initially labeled suspicious by the Ville Platte Police Department, and was arrested on January 14, 2015.
In a motion hearing on Monday, Slaughter appeared before 13th Judicial District Judge Gary Ortego.
On behalf of the defendant, attorney Jacob Fusilier requested a speedy trial because he said, “the defense stands ready for trial.”
The State, who is being represented by assistant district attorney Marcus Fontenot, however was requesting a continuance because they are awaiting the results of a DNA sample that could be exculpatory evidence.
Exculpatory evidence is typically favorable to the defendant and could possibly exonerate or prove Slaughter is not guilty of the crime he has been accused of.
Because of the importance of this piece of evidence, the judge granted a continuance but said that the State needs to be ready for trial come August.
Slaughter was released from jail on Monday on an $85,000.00 bond, and is awaiting his trial, which has been set for August 22, 2016.
Fusilier said, “The defense is looking forward to the trial so that Mr. Slaughter can be vindicated by a jury. My client continues to strongly maintain his innocence.”