Evidence pointed to defendant, detective testifies

I would like to read the book on how to act and what emotions are required at the time of something like this. I am a person that is not emotional at the time of anything horrible. I am cool, calm and collected. I usually fall apart a week or two after the event when I am all alone and can just let it all out. I have been through something like this in my own family. I can't understand why they keep harping on his emotions or lack there of. Everyone is different. I would hate to think I would be judged on emotions at the time. I would surely be convicted if that were the case. Kathleen, Perryman, Maryland

Jean Casarez made the comment about the Carla Hughes trial concerning the testimony of the footprints in the blood spatter - "When have you every heard of women and men who wear the same size shoes sharing shoes."

When Jean - I'm 63 and my husband and I always share our shoes. Most people don't dress up like you correspodents and it is very common (even for old women like me) to wear Nike Air's etc. I think the defense ought to know there are probably thousands of us out there who either buy men's shoes, share men's shoes, etc. Just thought you'd like to know.

Lea

ms.hughes let her emotions take over her common sense that i feel she has somewhere deep maybe not all she should have but she didnt use the little she has to at least recognize she was being manipulated by this might i say man ?????i had a cheating husband u cant change a person if thats their character you get what you get i had mistresses that endangered my life and my son and i still thought i was in love i finally had sense before it was toooo late 2 get out it aint easy but it should have been easy for her being that he was living in a home that he was purchasing with his supposingly fiance we were in a 12 year relationship but i found that life is better than death especially something senselessthan can be avoided!!!!!!!!!!!he is as guilty as she is he help endanger his fiance by dealing with this lady ???????she seems to be very immature as if this was her first relationship if u call that a relationship any bright person can see she is verryyy nieve mr keyon knew she was perfect 4 this job he WANTED OUT A.K.A. SCOTT PETTERSON

I am surprised that so many people feel that Keyon Pittman is the cause of all of this.

We know that Carla was aware that he was living with Avis and I truly believe that Avis knew about Carla. Why did these women accept the situation and continued to be with Keyon. He only got away with it because they (Carla & Avis) allowed it. Either could have and should have walked away.

We make our own choices in life. And to decide to be with a man that is obviously with someone else was Carla's choice. People can only treat us the way we allow them to. If you don't have respect for your own self and your body why is anybody else expected to?

I am truly sorry that Avis died because of all of this.

rg
South Bend

I watch these trials all the time. It is very interesting. I have to say that I am not convinced Carla Hughes did this......At the very least – the defense is putting on a great case of reasonable doubt which is not hard to do with the character of Keyon Pittman!

Reasonable Doubt? Very sloppy investigation to seek the death penalty. Investigator Neal & Miller don't have their facts together. It appears that Pittman duped law enforcement. They rushed the entire investigation. I thought that everyone in America learned something from Mark Furman during the O.J. case. There is know statue of limitation on a murder charge. When did we get to the point of allowing a person of interest or suspect to text message or make cell calls during the process. Maybe confiscate the phone & send it to the lab for trace evidence, numbers in memory or maybe GPR. Sorry that Ms. Banks & infant had to pay the price for such behavior of others. Regardless as to who is responsible.

I have followed this trial from day one. The prosecutions case hinges on what I call " suspect testimony." There is no blood evidence from Carla Hughes anywhere around " Avis' " house. The Blood spatter that they say was on the shoe, had to be tested by a lab twice in order to find. Doesn't anyone find that strange in the least?

The shoe print that they have shown seems to be twisted sideways, as if someone put the shoe print there. If you kick a door, you are not going to leave a clear foot print. It would have had some smudges on it, but not in this one. That looked to me like, someone rested their foot there as if they were stretching or something.

The prosecution is going to really have to step it up if they want anyone to find Carla Hughes guilty as this case seems to be unraveling right in front of their eyes.

I think that the Defense is presenting a great case of reasonable doubt. Even though the evidence is circumstantial. I ask the question why would someone as obviously intelligent as Ms Hughes leave so much evidence that leads to her guilt. That is the reason I believe that she was framed by Mr pittman due to the fact that he had easy access to her home at times. And now to find out that one of the witnesses (Bridgett Matlock) that confirmed he was at basketball practice at the time happens to be one a ladies he was involved with!! Definitely reasonable doubt. Went to visit him 6 months after this happened...Personally I would have wanted nothing to do with him after he was suspected.....

He did not want a baby. He could not afford two.

I can't believe the defense did not enter a plea of temporary insanity. With so much circumstantial evidence pointly directly at Ms. Hughes, she is very likely to be convicted. It is unfortunate that many women still feel the need to be validated by men. The best advice for women who are aware of the fact that they are part of a triangle is to get out . I know, because I was the wife and made the decision to let him go for the sake of myself and my children. Mr. Pittman had no motive to kill Ms. Banks. There are too many woman out there that will allow him to continue using them. I hope the jurors make a decision based on the evidence and keep the focus on Carla Hughes.

I hope Carla takes the stand. If she didn't do this she needs to get up there and scream it at the top of her lungs. I would if my life were on the line for something I did not do; however I think she did commit this brutal murder therefore It's highly unlikely she will testify. Pittman is an unsympathetic charcter but I doubt he did this. He had it all, why would he sacrifice that?

My theory is I do not think Keyon killed Avis Bank's nor did he have anything to do with it. I think that he loved Avis but clearly had a problem with cheating his eyes and body language say that he did not do it. However on the other hand Carla Hughes looks innocent and to me has really not shown any emotion at all she kind of has that I don't care attitude I believe she did the crime and if not she know's who did it's kind of strange that Avis was killed by gun shot wound and a knife wound and Carla borrowed the same exact items from her cousin if she did not do it she had someone do it for her..

why did the prosectutor call the witness by his first name, if i were a juror that would make it to personnal and find it as it they were friends and not a good witness to find trust in

What gun range did she go to.

Did any one check the gps, or for any phone calls made.

A gun has tell tell signs. Have CIS shoot the gun to see the marks from the bullets at the sceen.

Conspiracy !! Hughes/Pittman

Look if I was one of the jurors my vote would be not guity. You do not send someone to jail or death based on ALL of this circumstantial evidence. Hughes and Pittman both had access to the apartment. What has Mrs. Davis family stated concerning Mr. Pittman. Was Mrs. Davis going to end the relationship?

Is Pittman and the other woman off with muder?

If I was on the jury my vote would be not juilty.Mr. Pittman didn't convince me at all,I really think he somehow is involved in the murder of Miss Banks,he probably wanted a way out of his commitment with her and also with Miss Hughes that's why he incriminated her in this murder.

I really haven't been following the trial, but from i gather and looked on at closing argument Carla Hughes appears to have atitude and no emotions. I really think you should have soild evidence before giving someone the dealth penalty not circumstantial evidence. My heart and prayers goes out to Ms. Banks family.

I just started following this case. It seem to me that Ms. Hughes had some plans with Mr. pittman and when the job was done he was also. She could have been in a jealous rage to who knows. I just want to say it was a senseless crime so many people hurt many lifes lost . We need to be pleaser of God not pleaser of men. My prayers go out to all families my God be with you all.

I believe that Pittman and Hughes were in on this together–both had a motive to get rid of Avis Banks. Pittman, a narcissistic philanderer, did not want her or his child. Hughes wanted Pittman and needed Banks out of the way. It just seems so odd that Pittman disappeared from basketball practice around the time the murder was committed and showed back up by the end of practice. Chastain Middle School is only about 6 miles from where Banks lived. That would seem to have given Pittman enough time to disappear and show back up by the end of practice. As to why Hughes would not admit to this, it would have killed her defense. Me thinks the prosecution could not connect the dots on Pittman and decided to go soley after Hughes.

For those who think Hughes is innocent, I do not think you can explain away the fact that she borrowed the same gun that killed Banks from her cousin just 3 days before it happened.

This is a case that will prove to be one for the books....because the circumstanial evidence they not show facts they you what keyon set up and they follow.his qwn family know he is guily ........ as hell

As I watched this trial, 2 things stuck out for me. The Shoes and Mr. Pittman.

Listen Mr. Pittman had motive, he was having an affair with both women, he left practice at the school, he had blood on him and he had gun residue on him.

I could not come back with a guilty verdict with all this circumstantial evidence.

I am shocked that the police have not arrested this guy and he looks like he is going to get away with murder.

I think that Hughes & Pittman were in it together from the get-go and it didn't go as planned! What, is he a "Ninja," disapearing from doorways & gymnasiums?

Unbelievable, that Hughes were found guility, I still believe that Pittman should be the one facing the death penalty he has more involvement in the death of Banks than we realize. Now we can just wait for Pittman next fiance to come up dead in Michigan, then we will all know he was guility.

Well the verdict is in. Guily. What a surprise. I know the host were saying surprise either way, but not for me. The evidence for guilt was to flimsy. To much doubt. The defense did a superb job. I believe the jurors felt like someone had to pay and sense Ms Hughes was the one in front of them they felt obligated to find her guilty. I'm not saying that she didn't do it, just that the evidence left some doubt.

The prosecutor's in this case are overlooking Pittman. He too should be charged. There is a puzzle missing in this story. He had access to both resident's (which is probably how the blood ended up in Hughes apartment). Plus, if I can remember he admitted to having something to do with the shoes. He sent a weird text message to
Hughes after the murder. He takes a third woman (married), out of town after the murder. Not to mention his whereabout's before,during
and after practice on the day of the murder. What is going on, people?

The evidence points to Mr. Pittman.He was the only one their.If i find my wife lying in blood on my arrival home,911 comes first.not the neighbor.

It is so sad two young woman life has been destory by a man that is selfish that has a problem only God can change him. Never say what you want to do when satan take over your mind, you will do anything. If Ms Hughes would have only listen to her Mom. If Ms Hughes use all the bullets targeting where id Mr Pittman get his bullets from if he was the killer? Ms Hughes give your life toGod he can change anything He will give you peace thur your strom. GOD NO'S EVERYTHING.

I am so very sorry about Ms hughes I was watching this trial in a week
or so, until the case was over l just can't believed how the jury can be
for sure that Carla did this, I still wants to where is the knife? nobody
had saying anything about, I which that Carla should took the stand
tell the truth nothing but truth, maybe the jury would have listen to
her story I think she is innocent Mr. Pittman commit the crime.

I'm not a supporter of the death penalty. And I will never be. Now with that being said I do believe personally that Ms. Hughes is guilty. However according to our laws there's no way she is guilty behond reasonable doubt. NO! Way! It's common sense to believe that she borrowed the gun, returned the gun empty and the bullets from the gun ended up in the body. Yes! it's common sense. However common sense is not always correct. And again we are going by the LAW. She could have had the gun in her home and Mr. Pittman who had keys to her apartment used the gun and return it. We all know love make you do folish things. She could have not known the gun was used at that time and better yet. She could have known and even be part of the plan with Pitman. None of us knows for sure. Which still would make her guilty but there is a difference for an accessory to murder charge and a capital murder charge. Bottom line Carla should have been on the stand to defend herself, especially with capital murder hanging over her head.

I don't believe Carla Hughes did it. However; I think she knows who did. She is too beautiful and smart to do something crazy. I think she is being misunderstood and people are too quick to point the finger at her. If you kill an innocent person and later find out the truth. Everybody is going to look silly. Man didn't give life. So how can we take life? God is the only peron who has the power to do so.

i agree with the verdict if carla wasnt guilty she should have gotten on the stand. and told everything she knew

There is no doubt that Carla Hughs took the life of Avis Banks!!!! She had the gun, she had the cellphone, and the blood of Avis Banks on "HER" shoes. Theres no way any jury could get around those facts.

I hate to see this young lady in a triangle relationship. It is very complicated. You can't have a real relationship. You will always be second in his life. HE IS A CHEATER! He will never change.

On the positive side, Every lady that read this or follow this story please learn from it. These men are so full of themselves. They want fresh meat, "Something New." They are never satisfied with one women. Be Wise and Be Vigorous in these temptationssssss.

I think that Mr.Pittman should be put under the LIGHT. I think he had something to do with it. I hope that Ms. Hughes would talk to save her life, Because MR. PITTMAN will not. No telling what he was saying to her.She did not know Ms.Banks. He could have let someone use his phone. In that way he could become M.I.A and then come back.I pray for her & the Banks family. And as far as the GUN she could have told pittman about it. in the room that the gun was in the room was messed up. I pray that he to will not get away with the killing of Ms.Banks & his UNBORN SON.

OMG What a mess! I have just tuned in and feel very badly for Ms. Avis
but I have several questions that I can't seem to find answers to...
1) Did each of the women know about the other?
2) If they did, WHY would they not BOTH dump him and his cheatin' heart?
3) Why would you not testify in your own defense if you are innocent? The truth is the truth, just tell it. If it happens not to go your way, you at least got to tell the truth.
4) What does Keyon have that these two women wanted and one would kill for?
5) Did he get fired from his teaching job for having an affair with another teacher?

Oh yeah what about the gun powder on his hands, was there any on hers. Any gun residue on her steering wheel. If he was involved she needs to speak up, why on earth would you take the wrap alone. I'm so saddened that someone like her, who obviously was on a fastrack of success, allowed herself to get caught up with that BLITHERING Schmuck Kenyon Pittman. The who ordeal is tragic, one woman dead with an unborn child and the other's life demolished facing the death penalty and he's off enjoying life, how dispicciable.

i just cant believe that with so many unanswered questions this juror came back with a verdict of guilty.i pray for carla and hope that her life is spaded.my prayers also go out to the banks family

This defence attorney and his convicted client both need a reality check. I am so sick of this attorney blaming the jury for his clients actions!!! They listened to the facts, they weighed the evidence, and ultimately it was their job to make a decision based on the facts. We have to respect that decision. Funny Avis Banks had no one to stand up on her behalf and say WAIT she deserves to live to give back to society. She was not that lucky. Maybe, someday Carla can find herself because right now she is lost.

To Jamie Floyd, why does Keyon Pittman has to be a cheating dog of a man, I will say Carla Hughes was a cheating dog/cat of a woman, knowing he had a pregnant girlfriend at home, she is guilty.

I was shocked at the verdict. I would have voted to convict Carla up until the submation. Was disappointed she didn't testfy, but after it was explained why, was okay with it. After her lawyer made his last statement I was convienced there was some doubt made. I thought the boyfriend was the one who commited the crime and Carla so in love was covering up for him.....I hope the jury won't vote to the death sentence....Neil, from CO

I believe this girl has been accused with bias within the legal system as well as the jurors conviction.. She Is Not Guilty . I feel her toment and pain. Its In her eyes. She and her family are GOD loving people who actually have made a difference in their community.. I also, have been wrongfully accused of a horrible incident. Have faith and GOD will prevail.

I have followed this case from start and i feel that yes Mr. Pittmen was a little fake with the crying. I still think carla hughes did kill Ms. Banks i watched Carla's face when they talked about the details of the killing and i just watched her the look in her eyes and i really feel something just pushed her over the edge and she just did wrong i look at all the good she has done and made of her self and i think she can't be this bad person but i think of Ms. Banks and her unborn baby and the way they died and i don't feel bad for what is coming for her. I think as a woman we have all been there once where we are just so into a man even when he isn't worth it and you want badly to be that special woman in his life but you can't go and just clear out the spot by killing you have to just let it go if it isn't what is working for you.

I am not convinced beyond reasonable doubt, and I don't understand how the jury could be either. Mr. Pittman is just as guilty, if not more guilty, than she is! I think it is possible that she assisted him in this crime, and if that is true, she should have been charged and punished accordingly. Why is Carla not taking the stand? She needs to explain that she did not do this if she is innocent.

It's unreasonable not to have a doubt of her guilt!!!!!

if she really did thiis she is crazy, she has a son and was it really worth your life? She seemd very smart and not even violent but those be the ones.This is very sad i feel her moms paiin, but as for her she knows if she really did it or not, and only time will tell.

I have watched this trial and feel that Carla Hughs may have been very involved in this, I just wish that she had testified and told her story..I do not think that this was a trial that should have warranted the Death Penalty..To many speculations and assumptions...Not alot of real evidence that she committed this crime..But, if she did not do this, why would she remain silent??

How can a women that appers to have it all togather get tangled in such a MESS.If she would have spoken in her own defense i really don't think she would have been found guilty.It appears that pittman had no intentions of being with Hughes nor Banks.

Something is not right here. There is a missing piece and from the looks of it, Mr. Pittman is right smack in the middle of it.. There is reasonable doubt all over this case, and I can't understand how the jury could not see it. Could this case be re-opened, The prosecutor and the police need to pay more attention to Mr. Pittmans possible involvement in this. If all evidence pointed to Carla, it also pints to Mr.Pittman and he had access to it all.

If it was brought up at anytime Carla has a child I missed it. If it wasn't brought up then why not? I really admire both parents of the Carla and Avis. Such a pity this had to happen over a worthless scum of a man! I believe in Karma. Just pray Carla won't get the death sentense, She will contribute so much even while she's in prison, no doubt.....

O.K. I don't understand why in GODS NAME????? why did't the jury listen to the closing augryment of the DEFENCE . he plainly show that Carla was not at the scene of the crime. Keyon was there and he was shown of been there, Why did keyon come runnnig up to his house and leave his car running on the street of this house. and go into his house looking for Avis( maybe for he already no that she was there).Canton police dept did a sloppy job of investion .( especially that dect john neal) for he having so edc of crime he surely missed a HELLFUL lot of evidences. for instance the shoe tha were inside of the garabge ,the light fixer why was'nt the glass on the back was not broken. how can you kick at the glass and it don't break.it seem to me that keyon just put his foot on the glass.but you what the hold thing of the trail is CANTON, MISSISSIPPI is making a name for the prsecutor and the judge. for their was not no evidence pointing toward Carla Hughes. think abouy what I said.