In a recent verdict from Jefferson Parish, Lucien Bazley has been found guilty of manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Wayne Martin that occurred last year in Marrero. According to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office, a jury reached the decision after just over two hours of deliberation on Monday (Oct. 20).
Bazley, 50, claimed self-defense during the trial, alleging that Martin had brandished a weapon and was preparing to shoot him. However, no firearms were found on Martin's body, casting doubt on Bazley's narrative. Security footage from a nearby business questioned his defense further, by showing Bazley shooting Martin in the face without apparent provocation. Despite his claims, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Helmstetter argued that, "He did not kill Wayne Martin in self-defense," as reported by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office.
The incident, which took place on Sept. 25, 2022, showed Bazley acting with chilling calmness after the act, walking away as bystanders scattered in panic. Martin, who was out celebrating his 30th birthday, never stood back up. This case also reopened past troubles for Bazley, highlighting his previous encounters with law enforcement and a criminal history that includes a conviction for drug possession. His prohibited status did not stop him from using a firearm, as he had taken his girlfriend's revolver on that fateful night.
This recent trial was Bazley's second before a Jefferson Parish jury concerning the death of Martin. During an initial trial in June, while representing himself, Bazley was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and received a 20-year sentence for that charge. The jury at that time was, however, hung on the second-degree murder charge. Leading to the mistrial, and this month’s retrial, as explained by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office.
The manslaughter conviction carries a sentence of up to 40 years, which is scheduled to be finalized by Judge R. Christopher Cox III of the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 13.
