LC man gets 40 years for attempted murder

<p class="p1">A Lake Charles man was sentenced in state district court on Monday to 40 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder.</p><p class="p1">Ladray Bias Jr., 32, was arrested on July 29, 2016, after police responded to a disturbance call and found a woman stabbed four times — in the head, shoulder, arm and back — at a residence on North Lincoln Street.</p><p class="p1">Bias had gone to the home, argued with the victim and then stabbed her before fleeing the scene. Lake Charles police located him later that night on North Booker Street.</p><p class="p1">When arguing for the maxium sentence, Daniel J. Vermaelen of the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office said Bias had “previously beaten her and left her for dead. We are asking for a sentence that would give justice to this victim.”</p><p class="p1">Judge Michael Canaday gave Bias an opportunity to speak before his sentencing.</p><p class="p1">“I’m sorry for the incident,” Bias said.</p><p class="p1">Catherine Stagg, attorney for Bias, acknowledged Bias had several prior felonies but requested a minimal sentence because “none of his previous felonies were for violent crimes.”</p><p class="p1">Canaday disagreed.</p><p class="p1">“Attempted second-degree murder is a serious crime of violence,” the judge said. “He was familiar with the victim and in a previous relationship with the victim.”</p><p class="p1">Canaday said he had reviewed a statement from the victim, saying, “This has had an impact on the victim and she has had continued medical bills. A dangerous weapon, a knife, was used. The victim was stabbed four times. Alcohol was involved and Mr. Bias had significant anger issues.”</p><p class="p1">In sentencing Bias, Canaday said he would receive credit for time served.</p>

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