Three Slidell teens are indicted by a grand jury in connection with the death of St. Tammany Parish Sgt. Grant Candies.
Adrian Waughtal, 17, was indicted for second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle upon a peace officer, aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway, obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence and Conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Mason Fischer, 17, was indicted for second-degree murder, aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway, obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Michael Lanier, 18, was indicted for manslaughter, obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
“It was important for the community. It’s important for the Sheriff’s office, and it’s certainly important for the victim’s family,” said St. Tammany Parish Assistant District Attorney Gary Tromblay.
Candies, a beloved deputy, was hit and killed March 23 while deploying a spike strip to stop a vehicle during a high-speed pursuit.
“These crimes not only were dangerous to the law enforcement officers who were involved in this case, but also against other motorist and pedestrians that were on the road,” said Tromblay.
In a statement, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith said, “We would have liked to have seen all three individuals indicted for first-degree murder. However, we are pleased with the grand jury’s decision, as it is a decision that family members are satisfied with. Obviously, Sgt. Grant Candies’ death was very tragic for our agency and our whole community, and we look forward to the court process moving forward and the individuals responsible being found guilty. This is just one step toward our agency being able to heal but it is an important step.”
Because all three men were under the age of 18 at the time of Sgt. Candies’ death, the death penalty is off the table.
Despite that, the District Attorney’s office hopes the three men charged in the case receive the maximum sentence allowed.
“Life without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence,” said Tromblay.
All three defendants’ arraignment dates are scheduled for July 14.
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