In a decisive meeting of Louisiana’s pardon board, Antoinette Frank, a former New Orleans police officer, lost her chance at clemency for the murders of a fellow officer and two other individuals during a restaurant robbery in 1995. The bid for a clemency hearing failed on a 2-2 vote, following emotional testimony. This case was one of five brought before the board as part of an initiative by Governor John Bel Edwards, who opposes the death penalty.
Frank was convicted for the death of Officer Ronald Williams II during a robbery at the Kim Anh Restaurant, where both officers occasionally worked as security guards. Alongside Officer Williams, Ha Vu (24) and Cuong Vu (17), the children of the restaurant owners, were also killed. After the shootings, Frank left the scene but returned later, pretending to bring help. However, she was identified by other Vu family members who had hidden in a cooler during the rampage.
The accomplice involved in the robbery and killings is currently serving a life sentence. The family members of Officer Williams opposed the clemency hearing, with his son expressing his disbelief at the consideration of Frank’s request. Supporters of clemency argued that Frank had endured traumatic experiences and abuse at the hands of her father while growing up. Testimony revealed that her father repeatedly raped her and forced her to undergo multiple abortions.
Board member Alvin Roche Jr., who voted against clemency, cited disciplinary reports in Frank’s prison record as the basis for his decision. He also expressed concerns that changing the sentence could potentially pave the way for her release on parole. Earlier this year, Governor Edwards, a Democrat who will be leaving office in January, announced his opposition to the death penalty. Subsequently, 56 out of 57 death-row prisoners submitted clemency applications, seeking a reduction of their sentences to life without parole. The board agreed to consider 20 of these applications, but due to a block imposed by Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, who is running to replace Edwards, only the first five had a chance of receiving the governor’s signature.
This article highlights the denial of clemency for a former police officer, Antoinette Frank, who is facing execution for the 1995 murders of her coworker and two others. The decision was made by Louisiana’s pardon board, following an initiative by Governor John Bel Edwards, who opposes the death penalty. The article provides details of the crimes committed and the emotional testimony presented during the meeting. It also mentions opposing views from the victim’s family members and supporters of clemency, who argue that Frank experienced severe trauma and abuse in her past. The article concludes by mentioning the political context surrounding the death penalty debate, with Governor Edwards announcing his opposition to it earlier this year.
