New Orleans DA Fights ‘Terrorism’ on Streets with AI Spycraft

Kate O’Keeffe and Cameron McWhirter, Wall Street Journal September 17, 2023 Prosecutors work with former intelligence officers and artificial-intelligence tools to gather and analyze evidence. The case against Dijon Dixon, accused of killing Cornelius Smith in 2019, looked to be falling apart after a key witness backed out following an online death threat. Then prosecutors presented the defense…

Zurik: Lafourche District Attorney won’t charge coroner, but says inquiry not over

Lee Zurik and Dannah Sauer, FOX8 September 13, 2023 The Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office won’t file criminal charges against coroner Dr. John King, who is accused of performing unnecessary autopsies to pad his paycheck. However, after reviewing a Louisiana State Police investigation into the allegations, D.A. Kristine Russell said her office found no evidence…

Kirkpatrick’s experience, outsider perspective could help NOPD, civic leaders say

Ashlyn Brothers, FOX8 September 12, 2023  Civic leaders assessing the qualifications of NOPD superintendent nominee Anne Kirkpatrick on Tuesday (Sept. 12) lauded her experience leading other law enforcement agencies and suggested her status as a New Orleans newcomer could provide valuable fresh perspective. “This is the first city head that any New Orleans City Council…

Federal hearing resumes over NOPD’s handling of Officer Vappie investigation

Morgan Lentes, WDSU September 5, 2023 A federal monitor has claimed the investigation violated the department’s consent decree. City leaders returned to federal court Tuesday to discuss the New Orleans Police Department’s handling of an internal investigation into Officer Jeffrey Vappie. Vappie, who serves on Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s protective detail, was accused of payroll fraud,…