Teacher Indicted for Double Murder

(Madison County, Mississippi) A 27-year-old former teacher at Chastain Middle School in Jackson, Carla Hughes, has been indicted for double murder in the killing of 27-year-old Avis Banks and her unborn child.

The killings took place in the carport of Banks' home on November 29th. Banks had been shot and stabbed in what police believe was a surprise attack.

The weapon used and blood on Hughes' shoes linked her to the crime scene. According to David Clark, District Attorney for Madison and Rankin Counties, the crime was cruel and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. Lt. John Neal of the Ridgeland Police Department said the case against Hughes is "extremely solid."

Carla Hughes remains in the Madison County Jail where she has been since her arrest in December.


[Update 09/12/07]

Hughes seeks leniency due to slavery.