Today, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams and New Orleans Police Department Chief Shaun Ferguson issued statements regarding the Travis Boys appeal and commitment to increased collaboration across agencies.

The DA’s Office prosecutors and NOPD officers engage and work together daily on hundreds of matters. In their third, previously scheduled meeting today, both agencies further established open lines of communications to better serve the interests of justice and the people of New Orleans.

District Attorney Williams said, “What we know about New Orleans is that there is work that must be done to increase safety and justice in our communities. The only way we can be successful is if ALL criminal legal system actors are committed to working together and playing their part smartly and fairly for the people of New Orleans.

“In our meeting today, not only did we reaffirm our commitment to communication, but we also doubled down on our partnership to create a safer New Orleans. In the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing some of our initial plans to strategically target serious crimes in this city. Additionally, we discussed the Travis Boys Appeal.

“In 2015, NOPD Officer Daryle Holloway lost his life in the line of duty and in service to his city. As with any situation involving the death of an officer, the DA’s Office takes this matter very seriously. Rest assured, we will vigorously pursue justice for deceased police officer Daryle Holloway and his family as well as do everything possible to ensure Mr. Travis Boys is held accountable for his murder.

“This month, the DA’s Office joined in an opportunity to request a hearing to present clear evidence that would clearly uphold the conviction against Mr. Boys for the murder of Officer Holloway. Although we joined a motion to allow evidence to be presented at a hearing, there was never an agreement from us with the defense on their claims. In fact, the strategic tactic would have immediately exposed and quashed any arguments by the defense of racial bias in jury selection.

“Travis Boys did a horrendous thing and took a good man’s life. He got a fair trial. My office believed that by agreeing to show publicly in open court everything in our possession we could quickly demonstrate the integrity of this conviction to the court. 

“Simply put, the DA’s Office will prove to the court that Mr. Boys’ trial was fair and that his conviction should stand.” 

NOPD Superintendent Ferguson said, “Communication is a vital building block in any working relationship. I agree wholeheartedly with District Attorney Williams that it is vital for our agencies to have open and strong lines of communication on all matters we face.

“It is important that all agencies in the criminal justice system foster a cooperative working relationship based on that communication to ensure the citizens of New Orleans are served well and receive the fair and equitable justice they deserve.” 

 Both DA Williams and NOPD Superintendent Ferguson agreed, “Let us be clear, there is no dissension or disagreement between OPDA and NOPD. DA Williams supports the work of NOPD officers; Chief Ferguson supports the work of OPDA prosecutors. We are, and will continue to be, fully unified in our mission of making families and neighborhoods safer.” 

 The DA’s Office and NOPD are fully unified in working together to increase safety and deliver justice for all of New Orleans. Both Superintendent Ferguson and District Attorney Williams will continue to support the work of each other’s agencies at all times.