Nations trial to begin

Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 19, 2006

VIDALIA &8212; The murder trial of William Clay Nations is set to begin today.

Nations, of Ferriday, is charged with second-degree murder in the June 2004 death of Kevin Wall. Nations entered a not guilty plea in February 2005.

According to witnesses and victims at the scene of the 2004 crime, Nations had gathered with a large crowd for a pre-planned fight. A fist fight escalated, Wall was shot and several others were struck by bullets in the legs, hips, thighs, waist, chest and back. Four other men were injured.

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Under Louisiana law second-degree murder is classified as the killing of a human being when the offender has a specific intent to kill or cause harm, when rape, arson, kidnapping, burglary, escape, cruelty to juveniles or robbery is involved even without intent to kill or when drugs cause death.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Nations faces life imprisonment with hard labor without the option of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.

Nations was granted a transcript by a grand jury that was sealed at a hearing on June 7, closing availability of any information to the public.

Attorney Derrick Carson will represent Nations and has waived the right to a trial by jury, choosing a trial decided by the judge.

&8220;With these particular facts we feel we have an equal shot dealing with a judge or a jury,&8221; Carson said. &8220;There is no need to spend the money or put the parish through the whole selection process.&8221;

Seventh District Judge Kathy Johnson will preside in the trial.