Names and faces
Jurors on Friday acquitted the rapper known as Lil Boosie in a man’s 2009 slaying. They deliberated for an hour before returning the verdict for the 29-yearold Baton Rouge rapper, whose real name is Torence Hatch. Before the verdict was read, District Judge Mike Erwin warned those in the Baton Rouge courtroom not to make any emotional outbursts. Still, many quietly sobbed after the verdict was announced. Hatch, who stood quietly, bowed his head and pumped his fist when he heard the decision from the 12-person jury. “You’ve been found not guilty. You stuck your fist up in the air and I can’t exactly say that I blame you,” the judge said. Prosecutors contend Hatch hired Michael Louding to kill 35-year-old Terry Boyd. Boyd’s sister, Rochelle Wagner, is the mother of Hatch’s 5-year-old daughter. She left the court crying after hearing the verdict and did not speak with reporters. Defense attorney Jason Williams said the rapper comes from “a fine family, who had prayed throughout the ordeal.” Hatch is serving an eight-year prison term on separate drug charges. Had he been convicted in Boyd’s slaying, he would have faced life in prison. Louding, 19, faces murder charges in six deaths, including Boyd’s, over 14 months.
A reality show featuring Whitney Houston’s relatives, including daughter Bobbi Kristina and mother Cissy, is in the works. Houston representative Kristen Foster confirmed the Lifetime show The Houston Family Chronicles on Friday. It will focus on Pat Houston, sister-inlaw and manager of the late singer. Pat Houston is also helping care for Whitney Houston’s only child, 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina. The show promises to feature Bobbi Kristina and Cissy, as well as Houston’s cousin Dionne Warwick, gospel singer Cece Winans and other members of the Houston family. “The tragic loss of Whitney Houston left a void in the hearts of people all over the world, but certainly none more so than her beloved family,” said Rob Sharenow, executive vice president of programming at Lifetime, in a statement. Lifetime said The Houston Family Chronicles will air this year but released no firm date. Whitney Houston drowned in a bathtub in Beverly Hills, Calif., in February at age 48. Authorities said her death was complicated by cocaine use and heart disease.