A jury in Iberville Parish found three defendants guilty Friday in the murder of 65-year-old Herman Harris, who was shot dead in his Maringouin home on Aug. 27, 2024. Siblings Rilonda Brooks and David Brooks, along with 27-year-old hitman Hicks, were convicted of charges including principal to second-degree murder and conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged the Brooks siblings hired Hicks to kill Harris, a former employee, to prevent a workplace injury lawsuit against Rilonda Brooks' trucking company.
The jury deliberated for just over two hours before delivering guilty verdicts. All three defendants were convicted of conspiracy and aggravated burglary charges; Hicks faced the additional charge of felon in possession of a firearm. The prosecution argued Harris' planned lawsuit over a workplace injury, combined with the siblings' recent $4.9 million settlement from another case, motivated the killing.
Rilonda Brooks' defense attorney said he plans to appeal, expressing confidence in evidence supporting her innocence. Sheriff Brett Stassi said the convictions would bring closure to Harris' family.
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