(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Ureka R. Black, a 34-year-old mother, is representing herself in her own trial after being charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder for throwing her children off a bridge into a lake in Louisianna two years ago. She has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
On Friday, September 24, 2021, Black threw her children off the Cross Lake Bridge. A nearby lawncare worker saw the body of Black’s 10-month-old floating in the lake and called 911. Marine patrol officers responded and pulled the baby from the water. The infant was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. Five-year-old Joshua Black was found floating on his back with life threatening injuries. He was taken to LSU Oschner Health Shreveport.
Elijah told police that he turned five on September 24. He said his mother drove him and his brother to the bridge. She told him that he and his brother had “germs” and that the “good water” would help them. Elijah said their mother then “rolled” him off the bridge. Black was located later than afternoon at a rest area in Waskom, Tx. Authorities said Black told them she threw the kids off the bridge because she wanted them to “meet with God”.
Two separate court-appointed psychiatrists deemed Black competent to stand trial. On Monday, September 11, Black asked the Caddo District Court to allow her to represent herself “pro-se” claiming her former attorney, Elizabeth Gibson, did not provide her with “proper representation”. Judge Hathaway approved the request but ordered Gibson to remain present during the trial.
Assistant D.A. Jason Waltman and Black both presented opening statements on Tuesday, Sept 12. Waltman’s statement explained the severity of Black representing herself. In Black’s opening statement she said that was “tampered with” and that the federal government was “against her” for starting protests.
Black faces life in prison plus 50 years if convicted on both charges.
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