2 weeks Ago
The jury box on the 11th floor of the 19th Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save A Baton Rouge man was convicted of beating his dog with a pole following a trial this week inside the 19th Judicial District Courthouse. After listening to two days of testimony, a jury convicted Namoni Black of aggravated cruelty to animals, according to court records.
Black, 34, is also awaiting a murder trial in connection with a fatal shooting last year in Baton Rouge. In the animal cruelty case, Black was arrested March 3, 2022, after Baton Rouge police responded to reports of a man abusing a dog outside a home in the 2200 block of Tennessee Street. According to police, the man was beating a pit bull-terrier mix with a large pole and a heavy-duty chain.
Officers arrived and spotted Black down the street from the residence walking with a chain in his hand, court records indicated. They questioned him about the animal abuse reports, asking “What’s up with the pup?” Black said the dog bit him when he was feeding her and he had to “chastise her,” according to records. He told officers he punched the animal then kicked it a few times, police said.
Officers said the dog was limping and bleeding from the mouth. An East Baton Rouge Animal Control report indicated the dog also suffered a broken toenail and had to be treated for a UTI because of blood in its urine. “I am very proud of the district attorney’s team who prosecuted this important case,” East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said.
“We have worked with other organizations from all over the country to be properly prepared to successfully prosecute these matters. We do see instances of future criminal behavior by those who abuse animals and individuals who illustrate this type of behavior toward animals.” No sentencing date was set.
Black faces fines and one to 10 years in prison when he appears before District Judge Louise Hines Myers. Homicide case Hines Myers is also presiding over a murder case involving Black. He was arrested while on bail awaiting trial in the animal cruelty case on charges stemming from a Nov.
30, 2023, shooting in South Baton Rouge. According to police reports, a “shot spotter” activation drew officers to a house in the 800 block of Myrtle Avenue. One of the residents told police a man later identified as Black forced his way inside and fired a gunshot.
Eric Johnson, 54, died at the scene. Black was indicted on charges of second-degree murder, obstruction of justice and two counts of illegal use of a dangerous weapon. His trial is slated to begin March 24, court records show.
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