Love triangle murder trial begins

2nd degree doesn't mean 2 people involved...This is a death row case if there every was one !!

Absolutely this should be a double murder. That fetus was a human being. It should be entitled to the same laws as it's Mother.

if a fetus's death is considered murder... then is not abortion murder...now if a 5month fetus cannot be aborted and is considered a life and can be ruled homicide if killed then that should be consistant with abortion.

Ashleigh,in your comments this morning you observed how hateful this crime was ,but if this crime was committed by this woman,would she just pull the victim shirt and pants from around her stomach,and not slash or stab her in the stomach if she was that enraged; and would the powder residue be over all his clothes instead of his hands,as you noted. Bert from Texas

Seems to be an open and shut case!All evidence so far points to the facts that it was a love affair that caused Hughes to harm Banks

This is sad. I attended T.L. Weston with Carla Hughes. She was most popular and a spoil brat. I was in the Beauty and Beau review with her. She always won first place in the pagents. From the evidene set foward It looks as if she is guilty. She was never a problem child but, I always thought she had motives. I think this is a prime example of what happens when someone is always use to getting what they want or their way. They snap!

Killing the unborn is legal in America in the form of abortion; therefore there should be no crime assigned to the criminals who killed fetus.

What is wrong with those teachers in Jackson. She is the second teacher recently charged. Remember the teacher who killed her husband and got away with it.

The more I follow this case I'm inclined to believe the focase should have been more on Mr Pittman, it seem's that if he is carrying on with this affair he aviously was not totally focased on his pregnant fiance.
Was he actually looking forward to this child.? And last but not least how do you get gun shot residue on your hand's and not fire a weapon?

The police officer said he retrieved the dog"Robbie"...after they cleared the house and talked to neighbors. So what was the point
of the dog in this story??

I would just like to point out that a man's size 10 is differnent from a women's size 10. My grandson wears a size 6 gym shoe and I wear his shoes all the time and my shoe size is 71/2 – 8. So although the defendant and the fiancee have the same shoe size it is hard for me to believe that the shoe would fit them both the same way.

I also know that when a women buys a man's shoe it is almost always smaller although I don't know why.

rsg
South Bend, IN

I think that both of them conspired in this crime. How many phone calls that day? I am also sure that two intelligent people like these could come up with a way to hang a jury.

my belief is that anyone who kills a pregnant woman should be charged with a double homocide. however, how can the law state that a fetus isn't a living life until after the second trimester, and then charge a man/woman for the murder of a fetus? abortion gave doctors and women the licsense to murder an unborn child years ago. rowe/wade made murder as easy as hunting, all you have to do is be licsensed and you can kill.

mrs. jones

I believe that Mr Pittman is a good actor I hear him attempting to cry and wipe at tears that was not there. This guy is guilty and I hope that the jury will look very close at his act and make the right decision. I know that Mr Pittman is not on trail but in a sense he is on trail and he's failed the first test as far as I'm concerned.

I don't believe Mr. Pittman. I think that the prosecution has the wrong person on trial.

Michelle

Mr.Pittman is a joke.......fake tears. He is mad that Avis found him out
cheeter.....If he wanted to end it so bad with the Defendent he could have...he didn't want to because she knew they were together at HIS
moms house for Thanksgiving. They either did this together, or by him
self.He is trying to save himself.

As a Mississippi resident whose the same age as Ms. Hughes I must say this is a tragedy. Personally I'm not opposed to Ms. Hughes being punished, but there should be some form of punishment for Keyon Pittman. Due to his affair with Carla Hughes 3 lives have been lost. I'm almost certain Ms. Hughes will spend the rest of her life in prison and Ms. Banks and her unborn child lives are now over. Mr. Pittman may cry on the witness stand but every single day he needs to realize he is the reason this tragedy happened.

All the tears Mr. Pitmann is suppposedly shedding is a little too late. He chose to have an affair while his beloved fiancee was pregnant. This does not condone the defendant's alleged actions, but he should bear some of the guilt. I doubt seriously he started the affair with her with the understanding that it would not lead anywhere. She probably thought they were entering a comitted relationship. I know that there are some crazy women out there that think having a man in their life is worth anything. However a real man does not have sex with one woman while having a pregnant fiancee at the same time. I too doubt the tears are all that real. I hope that for the rest of his life he lives with the knowledge that but for his actions, he would now have a son and a wife,. My thoughts and prayers are with the Banks family for they are the only innocent ones in this whole affair. I don't think I could forgive either Mr. Pitmann or the defendant

linda: interesting indeed. i think this is why abortion is couched as a women's rights issue. proponents' stance is that a woman has a right to do what she will with her body. sadly, an entity or words have can differing legal definitions depending on the context in which it is being used. but good critical thinking

re: pittman – i think he definitely knew something. but he is probably a co-conspirator at best. i dont think he had anything to do with the actual murder. i suspect he may even knew all about the plan and knew it was in progress. but he doesnt appear to have the smarts to mastermind this crime and the physical evidence does not implicate him at all

uh-oh...he was just asked if he ever borrowed shoes from the defendant. and he said "yes"

NOW I DON'T KNOW!!!

How can you get gun residue on your hands without firing a gun? I think
Carla was standing beside him when he pulled the trigger. I think she will be found not guilty.

Bernard

my heart goes out to the Banks family for losing their daughter in a horrific way. Pittman was dead wrong to have an affair with carla hughes. if he loved his fiancee he would not have cheated on her. he's sitting on the stand crying and all but while he was out having a good time with carla not one time i bet he even thought about his fiancee. that relationship was more than what he makes it out to belive. if it was just sex why was he visiting her relatives with her. most cheaters don't want to be seen. i bet he did tell Carla that after his fiancee has the baby then he was gonna leave her and they would be together. so he is just as guilty and how did he get gun powder on his hands if he didn't fire a weapon. he might be suspect himself

Are people watching the same show that we are watching?Because when Pittman was on the stand he did not shed the first tear from what we seen .Pittman tried to cry and and show emotion but we seen right through him.He CAN NOT ACT.He should have stuck to his day job.

I am a married black woman, and I want you to know that in the black community it is very common to where each other's shoes when they are sneakers, or walking shoes. My husband wears my shoes ALL the time. I think it's pretty judgmental that your guests are implying that this man is not really crying. That is also a cultural issue. It's very rare to see black men just break down and cry like women do. They are taught from childhood that "men don't cry". That is a part of normal black culture. I dont know who killed Avis, but I do feel that justice needs to be served for Avis and her unborn child and I know that women are also capable of herrendous things. I myself was in a situation very similiar to this one, wherein my husband was having an affair with a woman and he was back and forth between her and I just as this man was doing with Carla and Avis. These days cheating is glamourized especially in the male black community. I am not making any excuses for his infidelity but I can tell you from personal experience that women are capable of some of the most hanneous of crimes, especially when they think their in love and they think getting the other woman out of the picture will lead to them having the man all to themselves. It happened to me, my hubby's mistress threatened me. You have to be able to expose black culture in this case to recognize the demeanor you see with Pittman as well as the defendant who sits there, looking guilty as hell in my opinion. I suppose she has NO remorse for the victim at all, whether she did it or not, this woman and her unborn child are dead.

The more I listen to Mr. Pitman I am more convinced that he did this crime and he did it alone. I believe that he killed Ms Banks and then he set out to frame Ms Hughes kill 3 birds with one stone got rid of the 2 wimen and the baby all in the same day. Tell me WHY did he go buy groceries for his home but bring them to MS Hughes house to pick up later ,it seems to me he premeditated this crime and set Ms Hughes up for this crime and then with all the fake tears I am even more convenced that he is truly the guilty person her ansd all Ms Hughes is guilty of is poor judement in her selection of men

i agree i think that Mr.Keyon is a very good actor and should not be taken seriously . for one shes starring him down and he continues to hold his head down when he do look up he's loooking everywhere but at her , and i would think he would be so mad at her he would give her the evil eye. another thing the shoes, something is not adding up really.

his actions are really screaming guilty to me

first off,this is not a double homicide! it is a murder,and to the nature of the crime,i agree on capital murder! no disrespect to the fetus,but,no murder charge! c.hughes and k.pittman should both be on trial and let it play out in court! if c.hughes is guilty,she is not guilty alone!!!!!!

I have been reading some of the comments made regarding Mr. Pittman but am I wrong in assuming that Carla knew all along that he was living with someone else. If you are with somebody and they are actually living with someone else why would you even want a commmitment from this person? It's obvious that he was messing around on his fiancee so what do you think he would end up doing to you. Just doesn't make sense to me that a person described as "intelligent" would expect a person like Mr. Pittman to honor anything he said.

I don't know who did what to who but it is also hard for me to believe that Avis Banks was not aware that Mr. Pittman messed around. A woman's tuition is something else when it comes to knowing what her man is doing, plus he must have stayed gone a lot of the time to carry on this affair. So if she (Avis) was still willing to marry him why would he have a reason to kill her–she was letting him have his cake and eat it too.

I think that Mr. Pittman used both of these young ladies. He did not want to be with either of them. He did not want Ms.Avis nor the baby. He did not want Ms. Hughes. She was just being lead on so that he could later use her as a cover up or to point the finger at her. My feeling go out to Ms. Avis family & Ms.Hughes as well. Mr. Pittman need to step up and be a MAN....And stop it with those fake tears...Cause nothing is coming out...I'm sorry but I do not feel any sympathy for him. He needs to be on trial also....Mz.Tat from Tennessee...

the more i watch the more I suspect pittman.

Mr. Pittman is a snake in the grass no doubt, but he's not on trial for Banks' death. He's unquestionably guilty of a moral crime, but not a legal one. Indeed, Hughes' moral character is no better than his, because she knew about Ms. Banks, but she did nothing to break off the relationship either. It still takes two to tango. Pittman had gunshot residue on his shirt because he held the victim in his arms after finding her dead. The bulk of burnt gunpowder released from a firearm is discharged out the barral of the weapon along with the slug. So the victim had far more residue on her than anybody in this event. It then transfered onto him when he held her on the garage floor.

The real answer to this case is going to be Hughs' obtaining of the weapon. She got it from her own cousin, and they were the ones who in fact called the police about it. Before calling police, they asked her if the gun had been used in the killing, and she gave no answer to that question. They had to turn her in to protect themselves, because she had already returned the weapon to them, clean as a whistle. In the end, Hughes allowed her passion to override her better judgement, and she'll pay the price for that. Hell hath no fury...

This woman was not going to let this gentlemen go, he is a black male who appears to be decent, Mr Pittman has steady employment with the opportunity to advance, being a human he made a mistake with having this affair Ms Hughes had a catch and was not going to let Mr Pittman GO!!!!. Being a teacher does not mean she is not prone to heartache and disappointment. This is a cold women who was not going to let anything stand in her way even a unborn child. Her demeanor while Mr Pittman was testifying truly showed she could get angry enough to KILL!!
Denise from California

First I would like to say my prayers go out to the Bank's Family. Second Keyon Pittman is such an actor, liar & a "CHEATER" this man has guilt written all over his face. Where are the tears? The way Carla is "MEAN MUGGING" him from the defendant table and he can't even look that way says "Guilty" to me, this man also had the nerve to take this woman to his house where he lived with his pregnant fiance and have sex with her and I'm sure in there bed "unbelieveable". But unfortunately there are some dirty dogs out here who do this everyday. I think Keyon should also be on trail not sure what part Carla had in this murder but he should be the main suspect, Mr. Gun residue on his hands......umm imagine that!!

I do not believe anything that Mr. Pittman says, he did this crime. How on earth did he not get charged?

This is totally a double murder. Abortion is a choice made by the mother to have pregnancy terminated. Did Avis Banks choose to abort her pregnancy? No so therefore it should be considered murder. I don't understand how these charges have anything to do with abortion laws anyway. Clara Hughes chose to kill this woman and in taking her life she took the life of her unborn child. As for Mr. Pittman I don't think anyone has the right to accuse him. Accusations go a long way in destroying a persons reputation. Just because he is a cheater doesn't make him a killer. There is so much about legal cases that are not disclosed by the courts to ensure due prosses is awarded to all. I think that everyone making accustations against him, should become cops if they think they can do their jobs so much better than they do. Or just stop you baseless comments. And if he did have anything to do with the murder, he will pay in due time. Whether it be karma or God will get him.

Wow. A Black Scott Peterson! Only he is smarter that Peterson, he found someone to take the rap for him. Why he was not arrested is a mystery to me. I think he commited this crime.

Okay....First I had to laugh at the "crying", becasue he started almost before he was asked anything. Then, he shows so little caring when asked about the plan to marry. I got suspicious even before he took the stand. He has a cell phone, but he goes to the neighbor. He is not really sure she is dead, but knows that she was shot AND stabbed. That is very detailed for someone in a panic. The back door is kicked in, but she was found in the garage. What made her go to the garage? I do know that he would have left more evidence if he had killed her in the house. Can you say 'Scott Peterson"?

This is a very sad case. I feel so sorry for Carla and her parents. It appears that Mr. Pittman played both of these women and he is still up to know good. As far as the gun, maybe Carla did not know what to say or did not want to say anything to protect him. Maybe he asked her to get the gun for him... There is just too many things that took place at Banks' home for a women to do alone.

After listening to Mr.PIttman today on the witness stand, he's so Guilty of this Murder and he has framed Ms.Hughes..Mr. Pittman has gone from pleading the Fifth, to now become a states witness, WOW..Mr.Pittman from his own words went to the grocery store even before talking to Ms.Banks about Dinner , he then made a visit to Carla's house to using a fake story about holding his grocerys, when he could've went home, but he only wanted to go to carla's house to get the gun & knife, that he help convince carla, that she needed from the fake break end attempt he set up..He says he never saw the gun or knife right, come on he had already set this plan in motion..He calls banks at 5:12 pm & 5:36pm, but a couple hrs later he calls her mom and askes if she has talked to her daughter, already knowing he killed her..For 3 hrs he never tried to contact ms.banks, saying if someone didnt answer then the cellphone towers would pick up the call wrong, anytime u call a number and the phone rings at least 4 times, then that said call is recorded even if it isn't answered on the other end..Mr.Pittman went to ms. hughes house twice in a couple hours, to only sneak the weapons out of ms.hughe's house and to clean and return them without her knowing..How can you find a woman whom you say you love and she's having your baby , laying there dead in the garage, and u dont call 911, from your cell phone.. But your kneel down comfort her and bring her close to you only to get no blood no where on your clothes or person, right, yes he got blood on his clothes, after he killed her went back inside changed clothes, then got his thoughts together and because he knew he couldn't call the police from his cell it would be picked up by a tower, so he ran to the neighbors house for a fake alibi..All night long he called the 2 women he was having sex with, while his girlfriend and unborn child lay dead, and he's thinking about getting laid..New Charges should be Filed against mr.pittman for murder, too many holes in his story and he doesn't have a legit alibi

I was n court during Keyon testimony and I am convinced that he played a great part n this crime. I also feel the jury will convicted Carla!

I hope the real killer is punished but a lot of what Pittman said does not make sense if he is or was a Basketball coach wouldn't he be CPR certified. He knew he was not surpose to move her body and he should have administer CPR until help arrived. That if he wanted her to survive.

This is a very intriging case. I agree that eventhough Mr. Pittman is a liar and a cheat, that does not make him a killer. His actions while on the stand, is not what the jury should concern themselves with, But the EVIDENCE is what's important! Now I would have to hear the prosecution's case in it's entirity to know how good their case against Ms. Hughes. But I do know that Carla is the one who borrowed the gun from her cousin not Keyon. And where was Ms Hughes between 5:30 and 8:30? I am from Greenville,Carla's hometown, and I know that Carla was spoiled rotten. I don't think her parents ever told her NO! Carla was a force to be wreckoned with if she could not have her way. She was known for picking at alot of people. Now these things does not make Ms Hughes a killer either. I do think that the defense is doing a good job of planting that seed of doubt. Please, lets hear and weigh the evidence instead of measuring tears.

I really believe that Mr. Pittman killed Ms. Banks , Nothing he say is convincing to me. Like why wouldnt you participate in Basketball Practice with your team Knowing that they have a game the next day. And who would run to there Neighbors house for them to call 911??? This isnt a horror movie this is real. SO HE SHOULD KEEP IT REAL!!! HE IS THE KILLER.

Put Mr. Pittman under a microscope and thoroughly test his alibi. In fact everybody connected with this should be investigated, not just one, so they can be sure if they haven't missed anyone.

As far as I am concerned they both are guilty, I just feel sorry for the victim and that innocent child. If he wasn't willing to be faithful while she was pregnant he wasn't going to be faithful in there marriage. Mr Pittmans' wife better be careful a dog doesn't shed to much of its hair!

DID I HEAR WRONG ? YESTERDAY THE POLICE OFFICER WHO ARRIVED ON THE SEEN TO SECURE THE SCENE, STATED KEYSHON WAS CRYING HIS HEART OUT. I BELIEVE HE IS INNOCENT AND CARLA HUGHES DID NOT DO IT BUT HER COUSIN DID . I DO NOT THINK SHE COULD KICK IN A DOOR WITH A DEAD BOLT LOCK. THATS WHY SHE IS SAYING SHE HAD AN ALIBI. SHE IS VERY SMURK AND COCKY.

As I watch Keyon Pittman give his testimony, I can't help but think how he can positively recall some of the events from 2years ago with a straight face and straight eye contact, but as for other events, he simply can not recall.. His body language is speaking volumes.. He is no more concerned with this poor woman (Avis) than anything. As you may have noticed he has not referred to Avis as his fiance; He refers to her as Avis..I truly feel that Keyon is involved, and for this, Carla should not be given the death penalty, but surely Life in Prison. Keyon on the other hand, should also be tried for his involvement. He is involoved... Avis and her unborn child cannot come back, but for the sake of her family, for Carla and Keyons' involvement, if you can't have both their lives, I feel that they both should be stripped from the Freedom to live it..

Has anyone thought that is lack of tears comes from the awkward position in the court room? He seems genuinely upset but he has is ex lover and new wife in the court room and he is testifying in a murder trial of his ex fiance and unborn trial! How would u feel to have your checkered past of a liar and cheater aired in public? and how much do you think his new wife knows and what does she think now? can she trust him?

This Love Triangle case should be called The LUST Triangle case. Keyon obviously didn't LOVE either woman. If he truly loved his fiancee, he would have never cheeated and Ms. Banks would still be alive today

Did Carla have gunshot residue on her, I thought it was stated that they found no blood or residue of any on her?

Seeing that Banks was shot and stabbed why wouldn't it be thought that two people performed this murder? Seems like over kill for one person to perform.

I've been watching this case and was wondering...Were fingerprints not taken? If drawers were open in the bedroom and the bathroom, wouldn't it leave fingerprints?

Jeri
Raleigh, North Carolina

Some of ya'll are not looking at the facts. Yes, Keyon Pittman is guilty but not of murder. All the evidence points to Hughes. She borrowed the gun, the knife, and her own cousin turned her in. The cell phone records show her within 2 miles of the victims house at the time of the murder. Keyon Pittman's cell phone records show he was at work. Pittman had no motive to harm Banks.

why is everything in this country turned into a case of race or a debate over abortion? two people are dead. that means double homicide. although i see the point, abortion has nothing to do with this case. either way, people who loved her have lost her and her baby, and responsible party/parties must be held accountable.

I live in the area, have followed it closely, and I still do not know what to make of this case. I do know this: women and men can and DO go stone azz crazy when it comes to love and sex. Any age, any race. Stone azz CRAZY. I divorced a cheater recently and had I been 20 or 30 years younger, I may have done something stupid myself. But I'm old now, I've seen some stuff. My peace of mind is worth so much more than vengence. Karma has a way of evening things up. I had to learn this, however. You toss in youth and hormones and inexperience into a "love triangle" and you got yourself a great big mess.

This whole thing is a big Mess... I can't understand why sometimes we women sell ourselves short and settle. I don't have a Heaven or Hell to put anyone in therefore I will not judge. What I can say is Women.. in all honesty... Messing with a Married Man or a Man in a commited relationship is a recipie for desaster. You cannot make yourself happy by bringing misery to others. I feel for the familes of everyone involved.. This is heart breaking...

To Carolyn Mullins : they should be charged with a double homicide... if the mother did not have any consideration to abort her fetus then it should be considered a life as well. She obviously planned on keeping the child regardless of abortion being "legal in America" so why shouldn't the child's life count??? I think that should be a rule in all cases. If the mother did not plan on aborting a child or there is no evidence to advise she was wanting to abort the child at the time of death then they should be counted as a life as well.

I hope the real killer is punished but a lot of what Pittman said does not make sense if he is or was a Basketball coach wouldn’t he be CPR certified. Put Mr. Pittman under a microscope and thoroughly test his alibi. In fact everybody connected with this should be investigated, not just one, so they can be sure if they haven’t missed anyone.

Carol: I think "cheating" is just as glamorized in the white culture as well. Although, i was surprised when a "real man" i work with described to me how wrong it was. He should have never been doing
this(of course), and now there is a murder. You can never underestimate what evil lurks in the heart of man. Reading this case, i am so glad i finally left my cheater. Emotions run high when all this running around is going on. I am so glad now to be off the merry go round. I wonder if the poor pregnant one knew of the cheating? If she did i can't blame her for trying to "stick it out" and try to "make it work" with the cheater because of he unborn child. The reason women do not cheat "as much" is because they are looking out for their children. Rather than the popular belief that men "need sex more & are spreading their seed".

I think that the Huges killed the fiance with the help of Pittman. I think him having an affair was wrong but killing your "soon to be" wife and she was pregant with your child. That's sad and pathetic. They both need to go to jail for life not only for murdering the fiance but for killing the unborn child.

though this is a circumstantial case the facts cannot be disputed: the defendant borrowed a gun of the same caliber as the murder weapon from her cousin, returned it back to the cousin empty and cleaned; she was known to be in the same vicinity as the murder by tracing her cell phone records; and she had a motive: her boyfriend's pregnant fiance was in the way of their relationship – if looks alone could convict her, her cold blooded demeanor in the courtroom would render her guilty as charged.

I only watched Tuesday court and from what I can judge is he either did it or he played a part. We are all wondering who did it. But regardless is she get off or not the Banks family have loss a child and friend. I have known Carla for half my life and the things be said are not like her. She was poplar in school and all the boys like her. It wasn't hard for her to find a boyfriend. But the guys at our school were better than Mr. Pittman. I believe when things was closing in on him he decided to do what best fitted him at that time not thinking of the results. Love is a crazy thing. At in the end we all have a final judgment day from a higher place. He knows what really have and decides our faith.

What's really sad is that this joker Pittman has evidently married another woman who is in the courtroom, offering him comfort and support. Is she deaf, dumb and blind?! Something is wrong with the *justice* system in Mississippi, or else Pittman would be on trial and Hughes would be tried, afterwards, as an accessory.

To stay in jail for a man that says it was only sex then I feel that ms huges is as sad as pittman. Cause if he had anything to do with it then this is when everything should come right out,If I fry so should you just for trying to make me look bad.

Some of the comments by the women are amazing,I think they're running on emotion saying he did it because he was cheating.So what he was cheating men do it all the time wake up ladies, it's up to the women to start respecting each other and say I will not date you if you're married, engaged are in a relationship.Keyon let her know from the start he was engaged with a baby on the way ,she was the stupid one.Carla is the dog and the dummy not Keyon,He used her for what she was.I dont believe Avis knew he was cheating, or she just didnt care he lived with her, they were starting a family.I believe when Carla realized Keyon wasnt going to leave Avis she snapped.And yes Avis's family should be upset with Keyon because he should 've been a man and left Avis so he could live the single life and she would still be alive today,instead he got mixed up with a crazy woman who could'nt handle being #2 and she killed Avis, Carla planned this .When she got the gun and the nife from her cousin she had made up her mind then.She took out what she thought was her competition Avis and her baby.

I have followed this trial from the beginning and am convinced it was planned and carried out by both Carla and Pittman, Both of their alibis and time-lines are questionable. There is still more testimony to come so I hope my many questions will be answered. I imagine the jury is probably thinking the same thing; I think Pittman knew his history is definitely tarnished and since Carla, whose appears to be unblemished would be the better defendant . They had to know one or the other would be charged. The Defense ,doing a great job focusing on Pittman and steering the case away from Carla could result in a hung jury, thus letting both go free. Pittman has since remarried so Carla's unfortunate choice of a mate will leave her alone either on Death Row or free to be forever haunted by her actions.

I don't think it is unreasonable, but very odd that Keyon Pittman would
wear Carla Hughes shoes. Because he so often frequented Ms.
Hughes home, and he would need shoes of that sort to wear to his
second job, he possibly being in a hurry ask Carla for her shoes to wear. The odd thing is that men rarely wear women's shoes, but I do
know that women will wear men's shoes, especially athletic shoes. I
on occasion when working around the home have worm my brother's,
and even my grandson's shoes because we nearly wear the same size. If he did borrow the shoes, when did he return them to her, with
her knowledge?

maybe Mr. Pittman doesn't want a wife and kid so he probably didn't want the resposibilty of caring for traditional family so he looked for an easy way out that what selfish people do

Carla maybe a well dressed, and educated woman, but I was always taught never judge a book by its cover. Majority of crimes done today are done by people who looks like Carla. Someone you would think who could never do such a thing. My opinion on this case is that both of them had a hand in it, just so happen the real culprit left her holding the bag.

Carla Hughes did nto Kill Avis Banks . Pittman is not worth killing anybody for and i'm very sure she didn't want him that bad!!!!! If your knew Carla you would know murder is not the case!!!! I feel bad for both families Carla and Avis. Carla is a mother and is missing time out with her child due to this mess!!!! Saddens me even deeper that this could have happen to any woman !!!! Women meet mean all the time and don't have a clue how sick these men really can be.... I pray that she is released and whoever committed this crime is put behind bars.... No one deserves to spend LIFE in jail for something they did not do!!!!

One thing I've learned in life is, we as women have a tendacy to fall for men we cannot have, so we're willing to take chances thinking that he might choose me over her. Which is never the case.

I truly understand all of the posts that state that Mr. Pittman played a significant role in the murder of his fiancee and child. Yes, he does seem like the cowardly type that would be involved in something like this. However, and this is a big however, for those of you who know Ms. Hughes – ask yourself – is she the type of person – no matter how much "in love" she thought she was – is she the type of person that would take the fall for a murder that involved another party? I don't think so! As someone said, she is behind bars away from her child – and I don't think that she would keep her mouth shut about Mr. Pittman's involvement – especially – since he remarried? NO WAY – think about it – people change – high school relationships often don't mirror the relationships built after someone is grown up in and are in the REAL world!

It should be a Double murder The fetus was also human

I want to know if the cars floorboards were tested for blood. just bc the shoes have it on them dont mean much we have to get all the pieces before we can finish any puzzle. Does any one use the good old lie detecter any more it might come in handy

is mr. pittman being charged to or just her? if so want to know why? he was involved to if he crime to. i don't think she was the one who did the crime

this witness matlock how does she know he was at baskett ball practice if she wasn't there. i don't think she knows what he did or where he was so how can she say that she knows he didn't do it

I am sorry about the death of Mpther and child, but I think the state of Mississippi have put too much on MsHughes and not enough on Mr, Pittman. Mr. Pittman has made too many calls to cover himself. Mr. Pittman got the shoes and used them. Mr. Pittman lied on stand in courtroom and told so many lies he had to ask the lawer to back up and start over again. I don't belive Ms. Hughes killed Ms. Bank and child. I wish I knew how Mr. Pittman feel now with the kind of person he is?
Martha

i wish i could really hear the fist conversation between keyon pittman and carla hughes,after avis banks was discovered murdered! where is tapping of phones when you need it?????? GOD bless avis banks and family! carla hughes,you are beautiful! and oh yeah,great show you guys,keep it up!!!!!! p.pitts anderson,sc

you would think one would know exactly what type of shoes that could be worn to work,when your job requires or excludes certain types of shoes! so,why did keyon pittman really borrow a pair of carla hughes female shoes?????? p.pitts anderson,sc

ok – if everyone is following the trial and not just going on the emotion of knowing either Ms. Hughes or Mr. Pittman – the car was tested for blood – no blood was found – also Ms. Hughes own COUSIN was on the stand today stating that he loaned her a gun – she brought back the gun – same caliber as the murder weapon AFTER the murder- and when her uncle asked her if the weapon was involved in the murder – she did not answer his question – just lowered her head??? He said on the witness stand that her body language caused him to realize that something was wrong – now – if your own people are suspicious and the evidence is going against Ms. Hughes – emotions have to be put aside and the facts need to be focussed on – NOW there is a witness that is coming on after the lunch break that will state that the garage door opener that was made so much of by the defense attorney – has now been found – the Defense opened the door for this line of questioning by putting Mr. Pittman on trial by questioning how he was able to get into his OWN garage without the garage door opener? Now they are crying foul when the garage door opener appears? the case is not going well for Ms. Hughes – because of her actions

I find it very strange that the only blood stains found were those on Mr. Pittman and a few dropplets on a pair of shoes! I think he found the perfect cover. It was said that the GSR could have been transfered to him when he cradled his fiancee after finding her body.
Could he have cradled her to cover up the blood stains and GSR already on his clothing ? So many things do not add up. Calling the 2 women he was cheating with before calling 911. Staged robbery, wearing each others shoes? Mr. Pittman and Ms. Hughes both lied to police and the story about the grocries...........Come on.......
This whole thing stinks of premeditation of both parties.

mr. pittman is the guilty party. this is what happens when you paly with a female's emotions.

I too have been following the case nonstop. While I do believe that Carla was involved, I do not believe she acted alone. Should she be punished for her actions? Absolutely. Is there hard evidence that places her at the scene of the crime? Not so much. Everything is circumstantial. People should be proven guilty without any reasonable doubt. Right now there is much to doubt. The first test saying that was NOT blood on the shoe, then the private lab saying it was...the analyst was given the shoes unpackaged? When the police department said he "believed it was sealed" when it was taken by the assistant DA? And the bagging for the shoes coming the next day? Are you serious? The investigation was horrible. They should have detained both Keyon and Carla. That Matlock lady claims she was helping her daughter open gifts, watching Keyon, and texting and talking to him at the same time? Give me a break. I wouldn't be surprised if she was involved. DId they check Pittman's normal daily routine? Does he always make so many random stops and calls or was it just this day? For alibi purposes?

It so sad ateaher with this educationl background would get involved an now will spend her life until she died for what? so sad for her son an family

The evidence is pointing to Carla all the way

I give the jury 3 hour for a guilty verdict , cannot believe she didn't take the stand Guilty

The testimony just blew holes in Mr.Pittmans alibi, Carla Hughes not guilty of anything but giving him the gun.

Conspiracy; planned cover up: Pittmaan cells calls from school, shoes, open back door, no blood on Pitman shoes, gun & knife..... Can Hughes be charged later as co-conspirator to murder w/Pittman?? If she is aquitted, & Pittman charged later, can Hughes be named a co-conspirator?? Pittman convinced her not to take stand & she will be innocent, & LOVE will out.....Stay tuned if she's "Guilty" She may then have a lot to say !!

though Mr. Pittman's actions are questionable – it does not matter in this case – he is not on trial – secondly – if you are correct and she DID only give him the gun – why did she not state that to exonorate herself? Wouldn't you rather take a plea of aiding and abedding the commission of a crime RATHER than take the murder rap? If she is hiding something – she is an idiot and deserves to go to jail for whatever part she played – however, I believe that the testimony showed that she was very involved if not the lone killer of this defenseless mother and child – oh and the alibi she had? The friend said she was not aware that Carla came to her house – come on now! You can't use a "ghost" visit to your friend as an alibi if the friend is not home and was not aware you were stopping by – and the gun? Come on now! She has a break in in October and does not ask for a gun from the cousin until a few days before the murder? No wonder he turned the gun in!!
You may not want to believe that someone with the intellectual abilities that Ms. Hughes has would be so stupid as to kill someone over a man – but in my opinion she is guilty based on the evidence and the lack of a defense – and she is stupid!

It is the shoes. If I had killed someone and I had as many shoes as carla, and the shoes did not cost much why keep them around. On the other hand if I was trying to set her up the shoes were the only that could tie her to the seen. But he wore those shoes also. Think about this if you kick a glass and knock a door loose and not break the glass. The shoes should set her free.

First I want to say this is NOT typical behavior in our schools or community, as some have said. Regarding the innocense or guilt of Carla Hughes; well through out the last year and throug this trial there has been as much circumstantial evidence presented against Pittman as there has Hughes. You have the gun, the knife, the shoes, I hear you...But has anyone listened to the testimony of Pittman...there are countless text messages, comments and behavior patterns that do not fit that of a man mourning the loss of his soon to be wife and child. It is amazing that he did not cry at the discovery of Carla's body or during any of his police interviews, yet he cried during his courtroom testimony.....maybe "thou protests too much". Carla has some very convincing circumstantial evidence against her but that same evidence is what suggest the involvement of Mr. Pittman. He too was in the area, he too made suspicious comments and he too had lost his moral compass. It always takes two to tango, and he was suggesting to Carla that she was sent to him by God while suggesting to the police that Carla was the killer. I have listened for a year now and all I know for certain is there is more to this than has been presented to us and Pittmans hands are not clean...Carla may very well have been the killer but it has not been proven without a doubt. The fact that either Carla or Pittman are involved in the crime is clear, whether or not it is one or both of them however is not. Because of the way it has been presented there is no doubt in my mind that if Carla is found guilty there will be an appeal, if she is found innocent she will could end up on trial again......for conspiracy to commit murder in the case of Pittman being the killer.

thank you bethany – I did unfortunately miss Mr. Pittman's testimony – and I wish I had seen it – so you may be absolutely right – that the same evidence that makes Carla Hughes look so guilty – may make Mr. Pittman look just as guilty.

I think that Mr. pittman shoul be on trial for this unthinkable crime.Miss
Hughes has been caught up in this man's web of tricks. However when you allow your emotions to get the better of you which Mr. Pittman saw in Miss. Hughes ,Your emotions will take you places you do not want to go, make you stay longer than you want to stay, and cost yoy more than you want to or can afford to pay. 5 minuets of passion will cost a life time to clear up.Check your passion don't let
your passion rule you If it look perfect and sound perfect let it go immediately it is not for you.

Carla Hughes is straight GUILITY!!! Keyon had no reason to kill Avis Banks.Carla wanted him ALL to herself,and we all know that sometimes ladies do some CRAZY things when they think their in love.Look at her EYES just EVIL!!!! If Keyon killed Avis why wouldnt Carla speak up and tell the police??Its not that much LOVE in the world......Carla Is a smart and young woman and just to think she through her entire life away for a man that wasnt even hers.SAD.I feel real sorry for her child.My heart goes out to AVIS'S mother.Sorry for your loss.I couldn't image lossing my pregnant daughter to the hands of another jealous woman.

Carla Hughes may have committed a crime of passion. All evidence leads to her. Her sexual adultery with a man, her obsession with him, the evidence collected after the crime, the knife, to blood shoepints, the motive, the lover, everything. She had the motive, the means, and the opportunity. BUT what really speaks volumes is the overkill, the way she murdered the poor pregnant woman. The victim was not only cut with a knife, she was stabbed, multiple times and she was shot multiple times. A total overkill. It is a crime of passion, someone who was in a hate, or rage. This is pure evil. The death penalty would be a fitting punishment. Nobody had a reason to kill a heavily pregnant woman, except this teacher who was obsessed with this man.

Pittman is morally wrong for adultery, and leading women on. He is guilty for bringing this deranged obsessed lover to the home he shared with fiance, who was heavily pregnant. BUT the crime of passion is not his. He had no reason to so viciously stab, shoot and kill his fiance and unborn child. THE LOVER, Carla, she had the obsession to take him away from her. It was a crime of passion by the sheer overkill, all the stabbing and shooting. Only those murderers who are emotionally involved to this overkill, usually when lovers kill or when members of family murder the whole family.

now that the jury has been given the huge responsibility of determining Ms. Carla Hughes' guilt or innocence, I have no more speculation, or no more opinions – just to say it such a horribly tragic, uncalled for situation – and i pray for all involved – even the guilty parties – who ever they may be. Only God can truly provide TRUE justice – I am hopeful that this jury truly takes its responsibility seriously – after all – in the end – two lives were lost – but this jury has one more life in its hands – I hope they weigh the evidence carefully minus all the rhetoric.

If the defense theory is true, would she still be a key player in the plot.

I am somewhat shocked at the verdict. I am shocked that the Ms Hughes was found guilty considering the prosecution's lack of presenting a solid case. I believe that Ms Hughes is guilty of the crime, however, I think that Mr. Pittman should be sitting as her co-defendant. I believed that the two conspired to commit murder against Avis Banks. Nothing that Keyon Pittman said on the witness stand convinced me that he truely loved Avis or her unborn child as well as his innocence. I think he is as guilty as Ms Carla Hughes. What a shame...both of these individuals are well educated and this is how they conduct their lives. As a teacher, I am very disgusted at the way both of these individuals handled themselves. I hope that the Canton Mississippi justice system now take the necessary steps to convict Mr Pittman also.

" It is what it is" I am convinced Carla Hughes Murdered, Ms. Banks and her unborn child. over a man who she still did not get... Mr. (selfish) Pittman

To have had such academic success, Carla used no common sense.

Too bad, So sad...

Though again, Mr. Pittman may have been guilty of several things, as the prosecution states, he is NOT a nice person, he is a cheater and a pig – but that does not mean he is a murderer, the jury spoke and the spoke – based on the evidence of the case. It was very telling though that the only question the jury had while deliberating is why did the prosecution not call Carla Hughes to testify? The jury needed Carla to answer those nagging questions – and she would not do it – I truly believe that is what caused the jury to vote guilt – What happened to the five bullets that were in the gun Carla? If you went target shooting, Carla where is the evidence of that? Why were you near the home of Avis Banks Carla? If you say you were visiting a friend, Carla – why did the friend get on the witness stand and state that you did NOT visit her that day and that she had not seen you for months, Carla?

Carla sealed her own fate by NOT answering those crucial questions.

I was not shocked at the verdict because one thing this country the people hasn't turned around and looked at female violence. As if all women are made of sugar and spice and everything nice. I have met a lot of women like Ms. Hughes in my life time and I could see her intentment and I move on by knowing what kind of problems could arise out of a relationship.

Mr. Pittman has learned a hard lesson about women and I hope in his future that he chooses better. If he wants to be a player he should now realize that there's nothing free in this world. Mr. Pittman paid emotionally and this incident will be with him the rest of his life.

Also, I have read many comments, mostly from the women, and they were mostly the same, talking about how Mr. Pittmanas if all men can't do anything right and that they are all is wrong. To I have met many women with this kind of termonology and I ran and I would have any kind of sexual relationship. These types of statements are a form of violent behavior and abuse by women on men. Yet, women are always looking for a man for romantic involvement.

Pittman is so guilty of this crime !! he had cuts on his hand, now he is married, and can only guess he is cheating on his wife now, he is garbage !!! if I was on that jury Carla would be home with her family where she belongs. Smart people do dumb things ( but not this dumb) Pittman done this and is letting one of his many mistresses take the wrap. That's the bottom line !!!

My prayers goes out to both Banks and Hughes family. When you pledge Frat. or Soro. or anyone in secret society. You see now it doesn't matter because the next person is in a better position that you. Mr. Pittman connects with women that he can run game on and spends different lies. Did you think he step up now to say It was me. I don't know who picked this jury and let Pitman of the hook. IT STARTED WITH HIM AND IT ENDED WITH HIM. The Banks need to talk about the inner voice that they hear (They know they have the wrong person) that will be put to DEATH. Man does not have that right. How many people put to death was eventually set free?

Anyone that has even a bit of commonsense can clearly see the reasonable doubt in the states evidentary case. Think about the acsess you give to the one you trust on a daily basis, let alone when they have their very own key. I lived in the subdivision above Blackthorne in 2006 and saw something that day that might set this case straight, I have tried over and over again to reach Mr. Walls through phone and email and have been unsuccessful. Carla made bad choices obviously, but who hasnt? Keyon on the other hand should be held fully accountable.

This case could have went either way. But I would like to know how long did her cell phone have contact with this cell tower? There was plenty of reasonble doubt in this case. Pittman had opportunity, motive, and the means to do this as well. Did the two women even have an encounter. Usually it starts there and grow into something like this. She should have testified I believe, she at least could have explained how Pittman could have had the opportunity to use the weapons that was to be in her possession.

I am sorry for the families of both victims one can only understand why this happened. What gives any of us the right to take a human let alone the life of a child. Thank the jury for sparing her life because i feel in my heart that she is sorry for her actions.

Who am I to judge all I know is three lives have been torn apart. Now this so called man who is he to play with the lives of three women, this is not a man in my book. I real man is honest and thoughtful he is not a cheater as he was. I watced him on the stand and he didn't cry now maybe someone day he will but during the trail he showed he's true color. Cry now for the lives you have sent in distruction and we shall all pray for your soul.

Should Keyon Pittman share his half of the brunt? Definitely!! He is a cad just like Scott Peterson, while at the memorial for Lacy & his unborn son he was on the phone w/his mistress telling her he was in Paris watcging fireworks go off wishing she were there w/him. Guess what?! Scott was GUILTY!!! These men didnt want their wives or mother of their children but unlike Scott, Keyon got his mistress to do his deep dark request for him. Did they look into life insurance? He might be sitting on a pretty penny as a result of his double life indemnity clause. Trying to help create more reasonable doubt.

There are so many pitfalls in this case. Mr. Pittman is soooo guilty it's obvious by "all" his movements and actions on the day in question starting from the possession of the gun, knife/shoes, time he left the school after classes, till the time he called authorities upon arriving back home that evening. Remember, he had keys to both residence. And who on earth would text another woman stating what he said "after finding" their fiance dead at home within a short period of time? Answer: Same person who did the killing!! Where is the remorse?? This needs to be looked into again with a fine tooth comb!!!!! There is a piece of the puzzle missing and the defense team should get on it. "Mr. Pittman is a low down dirty snake."

my heart is with the people that was their doing the trail.Pittman is the main person that cause the problem and create the human flesh to the sexual act that he though that was a good thing to do . He made mad choice .He also is a selfish person .God is your number one love. Thou shall kill.Clara knew that he was with banks and with child .she did not honest her in their relationship .

This double murder was very brutal and heart-wrenching. I believe Pittman was involved and that Carla should not be entitled to solely receive punishment!! Reading through all information given they both were guilty-only difference is all the evidence points to Carla. Pittman I believe was the mastermind and Carla was his flunky doing all the work and taking all the blame! Does anyone even know if Pittman has fathered any other children or for that matter wanted children? Carla was a mother and yes she should be penalized for her role but this crime of passion I do not believe was committed alone.