A Lake Charles man convicted in the 2016 attempted murder of his then-girlfriend — whom he stabbed in the head, neck, back and chest following an argument — will continue to serve the 60-year sentenced imposed on him.

Last week the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the sentence and conviction of Ladray Bias Jr., who was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder on June 15, 2017, by a 10-2 verdict. He was sentenced the next month to 40 years at hard labor with credit for time served without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

Bias’ motion to reconsider the sentence was denied by the trial court.

After a hearing on Nov. 29, 2017, the trial court vacated the original sentence, adjudicated Bias a second-felony offender, and re-sentenced him to serve 70 years at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. Bias’ appeal of the move was initially denied; however, in the State v. Lyles 2019 case, changes were made to the potential sentencing range of second-felony offenders and Bias was ultimately re-sentenced to 60 years on Feb. 1, 2022.

Bias appealed the newer sentence, claiming it was excessive and also finding fault with his conviction because the jury was not unanimous in their decision.

The 3rd Court of Appeal has ruled Bias is not entitled to relief because of the non-unanimous jury. The panel also denied his claim of excessive sentence.

Bias “has shed no new light on the underlying crime, which was clearly a violent attack, or on his criminal history,” the judges ruled. “On appeal, Bias has failed to show any reason that his reduced sentence of 60 years should be found excessive when this court has already found that his original sentence of 70 years was not.”