Charges Dismissed in 2019 Homicide Case

On August 16, 2019, 17-year-old Gavon Lewis was fatally shot in New Iberia. On September 17, 2019 our client, Kenray Ledet was arrested. His bond was set at $845,000. He was subsequently charged with Conspiracy to Commit Second Degree Murder.
Because our client was not taken to trial within the time frame prescribed by statute, our office filed a motion for his release. After hearing of our motion, in February of 2020, the Court reduced Mr. Ledet’s bond to $250,000.

Our client and his family spent over $25,000 to post that bond. Also, our client spent over five (5) months in jail for a crime that he did not commit. There is an extensive cost paid, by individuals and society as a whole, when excessive bonds are placed on constitutionally presumed innocent citizens.

On May 25, 2022, the District Attorney’s Office formally dismissed all charges against Kenray Ledet. Kenray firmly maintained his innocence from the day that he retained us in 2019. While the District Attorney’s Office is to be commended for ultimately doing the right thing, a severe price was paid. The false accusation cost our client his freedom, his money, and tarnished his reputation. Our client never should have been arrested and charged. The State lacked credible evidence to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt