Case ID: la-ann_44/html/0968-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Watkins, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

No. 339.
    The State of Louisiana vs. L. A. Craighead et al.
    Proper showing being made to this court that the accused has broken jail and become a fugitive from justice, since the order of appeal was granted, the appeal will be dismissed.
    APPEAL from the Second District Court, Parish of Bienville. Watkins, J.
    
    
      A. J. Murff and J. B. Land, District Attorneys, and Drew & Stewart for the State, Appellee.
    
      Edward & Egan & Son for Defendants and Appellants.
   On Motion to Dismiss Appeal.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Watkins, J.

The district attorney prosecuting this cause has filed a motion to dismiss this appeal on the ground that, since it was taken, the accused' has broken jail and escaped from the custody of the sheriff and is a refugee and a fugitive from justice.

This motion is supported by an affidavit averring the truthfulness of the allegations of the motion.

It was recently said by this court, in Porter’s case, 41 An. 402, that tliis court has uo mercy to extend to one who has voluntarily placed himself beyond the law, and, however much it may lend a willing ear to the request and assurance of counsel, it would fail in its duty to compromise with jail-breaking and convicted felons. It is now settled that a prisoner under conviction and sentence who escapes from custody during the pendency of his appeal can not, by counsel, prosecute his appeal, and forfeits all rights to be heard on the same. State vs. Wright, 32 An. 1017; State vs. Edwards, 36 An. 863; State vs. Mansfield, 38 An. 563.”

We are of opinion that the defendant’s appeal should be dismissed, and it is so ordered.