Felony charges against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill were dismissed by a special prosecutor. Murrill had faced accusations of threatening New Orleans officials opposed to a Republican-led overhaul of local courts. The case stalled soon after her indictment on July 2, with the Louisiana Supreme Court noting procedural errors.
Prosecutor Laurie White’s dismissal followed a letter from New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams, Mayor Helena Moreno, and five City Council members urging the case be dropped. Murrill, a Republican, claimed the prosecution was malicious and insisted her actions were not criminal.
This case highlighted tensions between Louisiana Republicans and Democrats in New Orleans. White submitted letters from city officials and prosecutors to the court, closing the case. She criticized undue interference, warning against precedent setting.
Republican Governor Jeff Landry vowed to uphold Murrill’s reputation against what he termed an “Orleans Kangaroo court.” At a press conference, Landry called for federal investigations into Murrill’s indictment.
Political discord intensified surrounding a new law affecting court operations. It included eliminating an office once held by exoneree Calvin Duncan, merging it with another judicial role. While Republicans argued for efficiency, New Orleans officials resisted. The city council even planned a special election for Duncan. Murrill’s letters to local officials on state “usurper” laws stirred controversy, though she maintained she was outlining existing laws.
The indictment had accused Murrill of intimidation and malfeasance. She countered that she was performing her duties without overstepping the law. New Orleans officials stated they were unaffected by Murrill’s correspondences and continued with their responsibilities.