Alibi witness testifies, but not for defendant

I don't think she did anything. I believe Pittman framed her. She couldn't have don't it by herself. That murder was done by and insane person. To shoot a person five times, and stab her is a brutal murder. I believe he had killed her, karla came to the house and bother of them paniced at that point. Because why didn't the neighbors hear the gun shots or anything but him banging on her door.

This keyon pittman is a real scumbag who should of never proposed if all he wanted to do was play around with other women. He had motive obviously he isnt ready to settle for one women, and was realizing that he was going to be having a baby and not be able to be the player he is. So he killed Avis banks, or had someone do it but i believe he really has alot to do with it. So why not use your lover or frame her in the killing of your fiancee.

Erica, OH

I think it's more then that.I think they both had something to do with it.May she got the gun for him,and he is framing her.

Keyon Pittman may have indeed had an affair or two with other women while engaged to Avis Banks, however, many men & women alike have had affairs while engaged to another person or even while being married to another person, yet the third party in these lovers triangles while some end up dead, the majority of these lovers triangle do not. They separate from their relationship or get a divorce. This woman Carla Banks went totally over-board with the fact that apparently the relationship she had with Keyon Pittman was over.

This is clearly not a crime of passion, the woman was shot and stabbed so obviously there were some strong hatred involved. Crime of passion is when you come home and find your husband sleeping with the neighbor and you shoot him. She should not get away with it.

For the 13th juror question, I don't think that the interview was damaging, because everyone that is confronted about having an affair will usually lie about it at first, especially if a murder investigation is going on.

This woman Carla Hughes planned to do bodily harm to Avis Banks. In acquiring a gun under false pretenses shows that her actions were premeditated. The rage occurred when Carla came in contact with the victim Avis Banks. That kind of rage came from festering. I have already found her guilty. Carla Hughes is a cold, heartless, evil person. She was filled with so much rage that she had no care or concern for the unborn baby, Carla Hughes is heartless.

She is lying. there is no way she knew where he was the entire time.....I believe this woman would do anything for this man and that she is concinuing to see him.

Carla said that she used the gun for target practice. Why would she not replace the bullets if she wanted the gun for protection? What was she going to do, throw the empty gun at an attacker? Also, where did she target practice at? I know where I live you cannot discharge a firearm just anywhere. Most people go to a target range. These ranges keep detailed records and the type of firearm and the time and date you were there. Can she prove it?

How can they blame Ms.Hughes for the killing of Mrs.Banks, when Ms.Banks return the gun to the owner before the shooting.

Keyon shoes? Where the shoes Keyon "wore"( which were also presented during Thursday Oct 7th show) had blood on them? The prosecution asked Det. Frank Billard about Keyon shirt and pants that had blood on them but nothing was mentioned about the shoes?

If Pittman killed his fiance, there should be blood in his car, since there was bloold on the shoes of the defendent and this is what the defense is trying to stated that Pittman took Hughes shoes.

These jurors are not stupid....she borrows a gun and a knife...returns the gun empty....blood was found on the knife and her shoe fit the profile of the shoe that was at the crime scene....This was premeditated and she had no concern ...whatsoever...for the unborn child.......clearly the fiance of the murder victim is a scumbag...and he had indirectly caused this crime.....but Carla commited this crime and should be punished.....

This is a crime of passion. A woman scorned. I keep hearing how smart she is and it shouldn't be a death penalty case. This was a brutal crime and I would not have any problem if she does get the death penalty

It is hard to believe that so many people would disregard the evidence just to get back at Keyon. The gun WAS NOT returned before the murder. His cell phone pings place him at BB practice, not at their home. Why should he murder the mother of his child? He was getting everything he wanted, from several women. There is no evidence that he and his fiance had a bad relationship. The only person with a motive is Hughes, who thought her only rival was Avis. It must be hard for Hughes to realize she was only one of several women on the side. Hughes was sleeping with a man who had a pregnant fiance: she is trash. Actually she and Keyon are no-morals trash who deserve each other.

This Carla Hughes woman is sooooooooo guilty. Not only does all circumstancial evidence point to her, but so does the scientific. HER OWN COUSINS ARE AGAINST HER... they have the biggest testimony of all. Look at this case on paper... all arrows point to Carla Hughes. She murdered this pregnant woman and her unborn child over a scorned love affair. Crime of passion, yes, committed by the bruised lover. And the innocent and "cheated on" has to pay. So shame on Kenyon for cheating... this is what the consequence was.

Does anyone know if Ms Hughes has a child?

This trial is the OJ Simpson of the South. Why are women so seduced by this kind of behavior is the bigger question.

I'm more than sure Hughes is guilty. Did she work alone? Not necessarily. I feel strongly that pittman knew about the works of the murder first hand it was told by Hughes that banks would lose her life. Sad part is, Hughes is going to death row and Pittman to leave smelling like a rose. If he didn't help he's aware of who did. I feel hughes's cousin knows mire than he leads on .

At the beginning of this case I was almost certain that Carla was the one who was guilty without a doubt. Now that the case goes on. I am very confused. It could be either one of the two suspects. I can't believe how someone can just see their pregant wife laying on the floor of their garage dead, and all they can think to do is call and notify all of their mistresses.

Why isn't anyone else from the basketball practice being produced to confirm or refute Keyon's alibi?
How can you introduce a mass-produced garage opener as evidence over a year later when it was never inventoried and has floated around for so long? Also – wouldn't the victim have had the exact same control in her property?
The attack and evidence seems very masculine – kicking in a door – shooting and stabbing – very physical, up-close interaction with the victim – not an absolute rule but aren't women more likely to be less physical and keep more distance between them and their victims?
Keyon is crying now – but everyone clearly stated he was on the phone with other girlfriends acting like nothing bothered him within minutes of finding his fiance' dead and cut open.
Do you think the police went after Hughes because they couldn't prove anything on Keyon?

I really think he may have had something to with it

To answer Mr. Kuby's question (What does this guy have?) Basically
nothing, HE'S A CON MAN!!!! These women are too trusting or maybe
low self-esteem. They should challenge his mind and see that there's nothing there!!!!!!, and the rest of him would follow suit.

Seems to me that this young lady might have had anything she ever wanted in life, and how DARE another woman keep a man that she wanted !!

But, why she wanted a scumbag like this guy seems to be the world will never understand.

I do believe Pittman has tried framing his girlfriend for this crime. Whats up with the cell phone, he went to a neighbor instead of dialing 911. his explantation of that was real wierd. Something about overseas phone??? Looks like to me he is trying to get away with murder! Hes the one who need to be on trial.

This trial could easily be the Peterson trial of the South. A man who did not want to be tied down with a child. His behavior definately creates reasonable doubt.

There is the problem with the gun though. That is the smoking gun for the defendent.

It's the defense making a big deal out of the garage door opener. Garage door openers are part of a car, almost everybody has one, that has a garage. Were there in CD's or cassettes in the car? How come they didn't ask about them. Why? Because they were not part of the case and either was the garage door opener when the car was looked at. The examiner is going to say there was an opener in the car on cross, just watch..

I've been watching this case today and a crazy event happened involving an garage door remote that Mr. Banks presented to the procecution in favor of Keyon WHY WOULD HE WANT TO HELP THAT THING does the Banks family support him it seems that they do are they from another planet because you couldn't date my sister and cheat on her with numerous women even if you didn't in my eye you would be just as guilty is there anybody that agree with me??

I have been following this case and it really bothers me that you all have her not guilty already...How can you explain away the gun and the knife? And she had more motive as she thought she was pregnant and that turned out to be false...She was jeoulous that Pittman was going to have a baby with Avis....Hughes deserves the death penalty as she not only killed a mother- to -be she killed the unborn child out of rage and jeaulosy....She had motive and you cannot deny the evidence of the gun...Matching with the gun and is very in-crimenating....SHE IS GUILTY....

This is not a crime of passion. This woman wanted Mr. Pittman at whatever cost and its sad to say but that meant that she had to get Ms. Banks out of the picture. She should not get the death penalty but she should spend the rest of life in prison without the possibility of parole to contemplate on what she has done. Killing her will not bring back Ms. Banks nor the baby.

I honestly do not believe that Hughes had anything to do with the murder. I believe that Pittman had a lot to do with it and that this had to be carefully planned out by someone who knew when he wouldn't be home and she would. I also feel as if this "basketball mom's" credibility is shot. How can you be a key wittiness when you're one of his mistresses as well! What's the plan on that? As soon as he is free from this situation you guys will be together? He is truly playing these women. But for someone who has just lost the "love of their life" he sure isn't showing any grief by shipping off with the "basketball mom" for a romantic weekend! So why isn't she suspect??? I truly believe that Pittman planned this whole ordeal! WOW!!! A simple "I do not want to marry you because I am not ready," would have been suffice

I have been listing to this trial and I don't understand why Pittman went in the house after seeing the body before he called police.

Carla Hughes is being framed by keyon. If Carla had done this or had any knowledge of it she would have replaced the bullets in the gun before returning it to he cousin. When her cousin reported his feelings about her reaction I think that she suspected that Keyon was involved and that it might have come back at her.I think that if she was involved, she would have told her uncle Not to turn in the gun. Basketball mom lied from the getgo on the stand yesterday. I think she was sleeping with him from the very beginning. I also think that she told a different story to the defense team. What alot of people are forgetting is that in Keyon's mind...it's ALL ABOUT Keyon..He no more wanted that baby or Avis than the man in the moon. How quickly he found someone else and married her...for looks sake?

Mariah, I totally agree!!! That by it self says guilty!!! This guy truly a work of art!!!

He claimed he wasw not sure he could use his cell phone for this call. If he's calling all these women and texting and not worried about the call why not use it for an emergency. What was he doing going in the house when he could see his girlfriend on the floor most people would have called 911 first. Most people would have been scared that the person might still be in the house. Why wear her shoes? at anytime his actions are really strange he get grocerys to take home but take them by Carla first and then go back and pick them up. I would think the carla would have been upset after this type of crime not laying on the couch acting as if nothing happen she should have been a reck.

I believe she either did it or had someone do it if thats the case she is still guilty I know she knows who did it

Carla Huges best defense is to tell the truth. Maybe she can avoid the dealt penalty, if convicted. How can she explain the gun and knife. Love dont love nobody. After sitting in jail, she would have talked bu now. Shes guilty as sin. HOPE SHE FRY.

Just to touch on your comment ;about these women in Mississippi.
I truely talk about this all the time. These women fall in three categories.One some women like messing with engage or married men.Two there are so many needy women out there it ridiculics.Three believe me they really have very low self esteem. But last not least,this feel to me to be an woman crime of passion.This seem to be a over kill.

GUILTY,GUILTY GUILTY..... its bad enough to take a humans life but an unborn child as well. Carla may be educated in books ,but she has NOOOOO MORALS. Something a book cant teach you. SHE STILL DIDNT GET THE MAN.

Where did the defendent go target shooting and with whom? Perhaps she and the boy friend went together and he knew about the gun. Maybe they bought more bullets and used most of them. Any evidence at the target shooting location? He could have committed the murder and put the gun back.

i agree i know mr pittman did that....there is no way ms hughes did that...she came from a great family and she is not that type of person that committed that crime.....all the facts are not adding up...in fact mr. pittman may gone and not be found....please mr pittman save them tears..oh there were no tears....and calls his jump-offs after that happen..come on now....please be fair can somebody place her at the scene

Why is that no one is paying attention to the main point, the gun powder residue. The residue was found on MR. PITTMAN not ms. hughes. Also if she broke into the house why would blood be on the door when she kicked it in. If she was the killer, she would have to had killed ms. banks first before she kicked the door in. The evidence does not match up. No one breaks into a home with the victims blood already on their shoes and then committ the murder. Also what women can kick in a door with a bolt lock. He had the time to committ the crime, put the blood on her shoes, touch the door with the shoe, put them in a bag and unlock her door with his key and put them back into her closet. Another thing he was not at the gym and buying groceries at the same time. He admitted he went to see ms. hughes after buying groceries and after practice so how was he at practice the whole time. In the end he had more to gain no wife, no baby, no girlfriend but a totally new wife in a years time. He is guilty!!!

this is a real crazy i really dont believe the girl did this but i have a good question. how is he not a suspect in this case there is no way that he is innocent just real sly cat you see all the women he lied to and sneaking around that shows a sign that he is a real slick cat

Did the police check out Hughes statements regarding the alleged break in of her place and check the local firing ranges to see if she was actually there?

It seems to me that those two things could be easily checked out. If there were no police reports of a break in, then she would have been lying to her cousin as to why she needed the gun. If the police could not find the shooting range where she claims she was practicing shooting the gun, then she would have lied about why there were no bullets in the gun.

I think keyon is trying to frame ms.hughes. Is no one taking into consideration that ms hughes may be too small to kick in a door? Also, how can u disregard the gun residue on his hand?and why would keyon call all of his mistresses after the death of his fiance? And why would the testimony of a woman he was messing around with as creditable? She went on a trip with him only months after his fiances death. When carla called her cousin, she said THEY killed her... Even though her cousin said that she sounded excited, she said then that she didn't do it. However, who is they? Maybe she knows who did it and actually needed the gun for protection from whoever THEY were...also, ms matlock could have been texting ms hughes from his phone, she said that he had left practice early, when ms hughes said he told her he was running late in practice. And if he had a garage door opener, where was his fiances garage opener

I think that if ms hughes did not fire the gun or do the stabbing she was present or had knowledge of the crime committed. I am pretty sure the gun borrowed from her cousin is the same one used in this crime. Also duh whos gonna say hey cuz let me borrow your gun im gonna kill someone or my boyfriend is gonna get rid of his fiance? She had to have a story that wouldnt put up any red flags. Also what shooting range did she go to? Avis was shot five times the gun which contained five bullets was returned empty...u do the math. If Hughes didnt do the actual crime she is an accessory

I think Mr Pitman should be on trial instead of Carla.

When the police arrived at the home of Mr. Pitman and Ms Banks did Mr Pitman have blood on his clothing/ shoes? since he walked through the crime scene and into the house and if there was blood present on his clothing and not on his shoes what does that tell you?

In Mr.Pitman testimony he stated that he went to Carla's home to retrieve groceries did he exchange the shoes at that point?

I donot think carla did this crime, think pittman did the the murder.

watching this case is very frustrating. i sincerely believe that the Hughes woman did not committ the crime but unfortunaltely she has an incompetent, inadequate defense laywer who can hardly keep his mind on the issue at hand. his speech and presentation of whatever who brings forth is unsure and leaves doubt and for that reason she may very well be convicted

The defense team is ridiculous..they ask the same questions over and over...get on with it.

Carla has no motive to killing Avis Banks. There is no evidence pointing to her. I believe Keyon had Avis killed and framed Carla. Carla stated to her cousin that "they" killed her, who is "they"? If anything both may have something to do with it because she borrowed the gun but wasn't at the scene when the crime was committed. I feel sorry for her because it seems she is being framed and she's withholding the truth about Keyon, she's hiding something and she sits as if she has no care in the world.

Look ! I don't care what nobody says..Carla is GUILTY!!!! Just look at her demeanor? Hello! Carla was soooo JEALOUS of Avis and she wanted Keyon for herself! Carla has a criminal mind.. I mean LOOK at her... She borrowed the gun and planned the whole murder! OMG I feel sorry for the people who can't detect a cold blooded KILLER!! I CANT WAIT TO SEE IF CARLA TAKES THE STAND...........

I do believe Carla was framed. It's a shame she had to get mixed up with such a loser.

I agree that this is NOT a crime of passion. Carla wanted Keyon to herself, and planned to eliminate Avis and her unborn child.

I'm not a proponent of the capital punishment, but I see no reason why she shouldn't be convicted of 1st degree premeditated murder and face life without parole–at the very least.

The defense attorney has a real problem with asking questions. He 's not using the vocabulary well to make his point clear for me anyway.

If Keyon Pittman sold his house and moved to another state, would'nt
he have turned the garage door opener to the new owners. Why would Avis's dad have posession? Another question, could the defence request that they take a field trip to see if it works? That is if the new owners havent changed the garage door.

When she went "target practicing" was Avis the target?

Carla is guilty and should get the death penalty. It is no coinsidence that she borrow's a 38 caliber weapon and a knife, the knife is not returned, because testing would show blood trace reguardless of how well it was cleaned. and the same two items borrowed are used in a murder, and the victim just happens to be the girlfriend of the jerk she is sleeping with! She has shoes with blood on them that are a match, the defense makes a big deal of her having no objection to her turning over the gun well if you want to impress me turn over or produce the bloody knife and was her vehicle tested for blood transfer? They have the right person, and furthermore why would a professional person seek shelter a single parent in a high crime area her concentration given that were the case should have been looking into moving not seeking a weapon of investing in one . Sometimes a little bit of education iis a dangerous thing and common sense is not so common. In concluding there must be more to Pittman than meets the eye, how could such un attractive man take advantage of so many attractive seemingly intelligent women.

Re calling 911 from the neighbors: Maybe he did that because he didnt have his phone on him. Isnt it possible that he, knowing about being able to track by cell pings, left his phone somewhere at the school, so that it would APPEAR that he had been there, then had his other mistress cover for him?

I think that Carla Hughes is guilty of the crime because she is showing no remorse and she is sitting as if nothing has happened. I think that Keyon Pittman is a womanizer but i dont think he commited the crime

The defense atty is really bad. When he is guestion the witeness he should state who he is speaking about instead of saying her, she he should say Carla or Avis or Avis mother.

Carla Hughes murdered Miss Banks

The only reson the gun was returned to her cousin is because her father said that she did not need a gun. If her home had been broken into I'm sure her father would have known about it and would have been glad to know that she had protection now. Miss Banks death were due to five gunshot wound and a knife, both of which Carla borrowed.

Yesterday on The Best Defense, there were two defense lawyers on the show, Steve Civardi & Bobby Brown. Both said that Carla Hughes has a three year old daughter. This murder occured almost three years ago. Who is the father of this child? Did she have it out of wedlock? Why has no one on any of the three shows mentioned that?

With Carla facing the death penalty she would have sold Mr.Pittman down the river if he was anyway envolved. No, she did it on her own. There is some confusing things like where is the knife? Why no plea bargain offers from either side? This woman is a female Scott Peterson!

There needs to be more forensic testing involved; and a better efense attorney for sure. This doesn't smell like a crime of passion, but a crime for money. I can't see Ms. Hughes physically harming an unborn child, no matter how much she thought she loved the 'man'. I can't see Mr. Pittman physically harming his own child and fiance as well; however, I can see an outsider doing this for money.
We are all focused on Hughes and Pittman. has it ever occured that maybe, another 'mistress' had the job done with Pittman's knowledge and helped to fram Hughes? Maybe Hughes is just the fall 'guy'; Pittman is the deliverer of the weapon; and the other mistress gathered the thugs so she can have him for herself. With fiance, baby, and the 'other' woman out of the way, as well as the media's attention on Hughes, the real culprit may be getting away with a smile.

I think the defense attorney is horrible. Every other word out of his mouth is Ummm. He doesn't sound like he knows what he is talking about or even what questions he wants to ask. If you are trying to beat a murder charge, you need the best lawyer money can buy. Johnnie Walls is a joke. I have no doubt in my mind that Carla Hughes is guilty. It's a shame she let a "man" become more important than her own child. Now her child will grow up without a mother because of her stupidity while that "man" lives his life happily ever after. She makes me sick, showing no emotion in court to this horrible crime. I don't feel sorry for her at all and am appalled at those who are in her corner.

@ Steve, Carla doesn't have a three year old daughter, at the time of the murder, she was the parent of a 3 year old SON, which puts him at around 6/7 now.

I think Keyon and Carla masterminded the perfect murder. However, like most other criminals, there is always at least one thing the forget to cover up or figure out...like the cousin's gun. Although I believe that the defense has already planted the seed of reasonable doubt, I think the fact that she borrowed that gun from her cousin will be the most damaging thing to her case.

It seems incomprehensible to me that a woman would slaughter someone in the manner that she is accused of doing. I really am hesitant to believe that she did it alone, if she did it at all. Then too,
Steve made an excellent observation, that with her facing the death penalty, you would think she would have given Pittman up by now.

FRANCHISE October 9th, 2009 2:01 pm ET
said
i agree i know mr pittman did that….there is no way ms hughes did that…she came from a great family and she is not that type of person that committed that crime…..

So did/was Scott Peterson!!!!!!

I am sorry if the cops told me I was being charged with the death penalty, I would be singing like a bird. Carla has lied so many times it is insane. When asked in the police station if she was seeing pittman romantically said NO. Carla had also told pittman she was pregnant and guess what Carla wasn't pregnant. If she needed the gun for protection, then WHY only borrow the gun for only 4 days. I understand she couldn't get a gun because she didn't have the money so WHY not keep it until she could get one. Now after Avis was killed pittman went on his way with other women and even got married, again I would think if she was covering for him she would be singing. Why would Carla call her cuz and say they killed her who is they? Why didn't she tell the police who they are. There are so mant questions and to many lies from Carla when these questions are asked. SHE IS GUILTY as Damon for killing that 9 year child.

I think keyon is trying to frame ms.hughes. Is no one taking into consideration that ms hughes may be too small to kick in a door? Also, how can u disregard the gun residue on his hand?and why would keyon call all of his mistresses after the death of his fiance? And why would the testimony of a woman he was messing around with as creditable? She went on a trip with him only months after his fiances death. When carla called her cousin, she said THEY killed her... Even though her cousin said that she sounded excited, she said then that she didn't do it. However, who is they? Maybe she knows who did it and actually needed the gun for protection from whoever THEY were...also, ms matlock could have been texting ms hughes from his phone, she said that he had left practice early, when ms hughes said he told her he was running late in practice. And if he had a garage door opener, where was his fiances garage opener.

i would like for karla to take the stand and then i will be able to say if she is guilty or not i think she has a good lawyer but i think in this case she needs jonny c. dream team because i think karla is going down for life gun,sneanks.blood.. i pray that she didn t do it .

First off, my heart really goes out to the victim, Avis. My heart also goes out to Carla Hughes too. It appears that she wanted Kenyon Pittman so badly that she murdered his fiance' and unborn child. What I see in this case is how the Devil deceives when we want things too badly!!! Carla had a great career as a teacher and with all indications a bright future ahead of her. I understand that one is innocent until proven guilty, but it appears that the state has some strong circumstancial evidence against her. I try to always gain something out of "horrific" stories like this and out of this one, I gained not to want something or someone too badly, because in most cases affairs always end so tragic. My prayer for Kenyon Pittman is that he loves his new wife and focus on her and remember what consequence "poor" choices can bring about. I know this story will end up on the hit tv show "Snapped".

This is just crazy.. im really still in shock... jus wonderin. If ms. hughes really did the killin what could he have possibly said to her to persuade her to kill a innocent woman who didnt deserve to die. And not only her but ms banks unborn child really didnt derseve to die. but im not here to judge only gods knows wy. n only he can answer wy things came to terms like they did. so to both sides of the family have mercy on your souls.. and whateva the verdict my be..( GOD BLESS)

First, what scumbags. He has a pregnant fiance and is cheating with not one but multiple women. She, Carla, is sleeping with a soon-to-be married man whose finance is having a baby and all she continues to say in the police interview is that they were just friends. No kidding....he's about to be married idiot.

Please don't get overwhelmed or confused by the defenses argument that Keyon Pittman did it...he had the motive, opportunity etc. .. This is the only argument they can make because...there is the issue of the gun and knife that she borrowed from her cousin. She gets the weapons from her cousin on Sunday, Ms. Banks is murdered on Wednesday and Carla returns the weapons to her cousin the following Sunday. I guess Keyon could have taken the gun from her house, committed the crime and then replaced the gun...but then she said that she used the bullets at target practice. It is awful coincidental that Ms. Banks was shot five times and this particular gun held five bullets. My only question is "How did she think she was going to get away with this?" I guess love really is blind and stupid.

Good questions have been raised...where is the knife? Why wasn't it returned? Can her target practice be verified

I think they both had something to do w/ it. She had the gun that killed Avis & she also told her cousin she went to target practice, why would she say that if she had nothing to do w/ it... Either Keyon told her to do this & she did it alone or they did it together, either way she's guilty.

I think there are a few questions that still need to be brought out about this case. First, I need a logical explanation on how gun shot residue can be on Pittman's hands if he wasn't a shooter. Second, I need to know whether any blood or evidence was found in Carla's car.

Also, I missed some of the testimony about the cell towers. Can someone tell me if the phone records proved that Carla was near Pittman's residence during the time period in question?

is carla strong or big enough to have kick a steel door off the hinges ?

Where is all the blood evidence? There should have been a lot of it around. I watch tv;. Blood spatter should have been everywhere on the person who did this. shot and stabbed. I think it is quite feasable that he went and got both the shoes and the gun when he dropped off the 'groceries' and returned them when he picked up the 'groceries'. He could very well have kicked in that door. Her? She would have to have been manic with anger to do that. anyway, did they check showers for blood? what about the clothes everyone was wearing. We need NCIS to come on in. On the other hand why is she not telling on him? I'd be pretty vindictive if i found out that he was flirting up someone else while I was rotting in jail.

First of all we need to pray for both families because they have both lost a love one over a no good man who just as guilty as ms. hughes.And second who are we to judge thats for the lord to do not the public, nor the law. My whole thing is why give back the gun you know you have killed someone with and then dont bother by letting your uncle turn it in, then why does the victim father have the garage door opener when it was supposely in the fiance car. God bless this whole situation guilty or not.

This trial is more complicated than it first appeared to be. Not an open and shut case. There was shabby investigation on the state's side and the defense can't settle on a single thing. He asked for the shoes to be inadmissable, when he had already agreed for them to be entered into evidence. Where is Pittman's shoes he wore the day of the murder? Why the police officer didn't take the dog into the house to possible sniff out the place? Why was the crime scene compromised? Carla was told by her Cuz, that her dad told him to get the gun back from her and she didn't need a gun. She took it back empty. Carla is a well to do person. She could've purchased her on gun, but she didn't. You have to know her. She's used to having things her way. It will be a surprise to us all at the outcome. Not everyone in her hometown believe she is innocent.

The prosecution has 3 things to point at Carla: Cell phone records, shoes, and the gun.

The State should have focused more on the cell phone records. Keyon admits to possessing the shoes at some point and we can assume the defense will provide opportunity (as in a key) to return the shoes to Carla's townhouse. Also, no one has Carla firing the weapon or on the crime scene at all. However, opportunity for Keyon to ascertain the weapon prior to the murder and to return the weapon after the murder was there.

Keyon's testimony was horrible. He came off as unreliable, unbelievable, and unlikeable. This goes a long way with a jury. Bridgett's alibi for Keyon actually has him at the gym prior to when he has himself there. She said he was early or on-time. He admittedly was a good bit late for practice. She also has him there after he says he was. Also, not many people stand in the same room with someone and talk on the phone to them at least 4 times. Bridgett's testimony was just as sketchy as Keyon's. And, we can probably assume that he was cheating on his current wife when Bridgett went to visit him in Detroit as they got married just a few months later. If I were an innocent party, I believe I would be scared straight and be fearful that I would end up with another crazy woman. Not Keyon.

The cousin's testimony was pretty bad at first... He told the State she called and said, "We killed her." However, when the defense crossed, he used the words, "They killed her." and also said that he did not think that Carla was involved by the way she stated it.

The defense has gun shot residue on his hands. Yes, it is a small amount. However, if I washed my hands after I killed someone, I would probably be pretty sure to get it all. The likelihood of doing so is slim. That leaves just a few particles.

The defense alleges an alibi for Carla, creates opportunity for Keyon, and definitely creates reasonable doubt.

Remember, the Defense does not have to prove that Carla did not do it. The State has to prove that she did. The defense, without putting on a single witness yet, has created doubt. Reasonable doubt is all we need.

I've followed this case since November 2006 and have followed every minute of the trial coverage. Looking forward to seeing the defense's case!

...assuming they do not include lesser counts in the jury instructions.

Ms. New Jersey, it is unfair to characterize women from MS as desperate, pathetic women with low self-esteem. This is a problem that many women face regardless of race, economic status or geographical location. Instead of bashing women, we should encourage women to find their own significance. Perhaps the result will be more women that refuse to allow a man to use them to disgrace other women. Carla Hughes is guilty. Pittman is just a coward.

He did not want his house to get messed up with her blood.

This women is innocent....why?!?!...clearly i get the evidence points to her but it can also be pointed to Pittman...and he had gun powder on him n they didnt find any on her or her clothes but they ONLY FIND BLOODY SHOES....if i had killed someone i would not be keeping bloody shoes in my closet. She is well educated and even if it she did do it out of jealous or just snapped...it was awhile after that i would be like oh i need to cover my tracks...but to leave bloody shoes in the closet...dont makes sense....AND this woman is not capable of busting down a bolted lock door...all the evidence pertainig to the how the crime occured point toward a man commiting it....a woman of her stature cudnt knock that door down...a mother or soon to be mother or woman no less wouldnt shoot and overkill by stabbin a future mother it seems more of man to not have such compassion....and the fact that she was shot at and stabbed is more of man's style of killing up close personal attack..it was way overkill to shoot n stab....

Yes she borrowed a gun...n i'm pretty sure Keyon knew about that and took full advantage of her borrowing that gun but why return it witout the bullets...why return it at all....her actions or non actions seem wierd for a guilty person...When u r caught in a lie or in trouble its human nature to cover ur tracks...n the evidence against seem to planted like she made no effort to cover her tracks at all....

I believe that Pittman set Carla up. I haven't heard anything about gun powder or blood in Carla's car. The shoes are a joke. First time tested nothing was found. Then two years later oppps there is blood. I believe Pittman is the one who should be on trail.

And on another note...i dont get why some of yall are baseing her guilt or innocence on her reaction at trial....i'm pretty sure her defense attorney advised her not to react to anything as to not appear guilty or innocene n to me if i was innocent i would not react at all n if i was guilty i would overreact on stuff such as i dont kno...PRETENDING TO CRY ON THE STAND...like a Keyon Pittman did....come on this dude is soooo GUILTY...like there is nothin that doesnt scream him being part of this...that alibi has so many holes...its crazy...

carla killed avis&child. carla lied about her relationship with Mr. pittman. carla lied about talking to avis. they proved the gun carla had was the gun used to kill avis&child. carla is facing death if she didn't kill avis&child at the very least she supplied the gun and was standing at least three feet away from avis&child when they were killed. carla has blood spatter on her shoes.mr. pittman had no blood spatter on him and none in the car. if you believe the defence there should be blood in the car.and carla supplied the gun and was their at the time avis&child were shoot.

Carla, Keyon – SIN LEAVES SCARS. You both deserve life in jail. Carla wake up and testify against your lover. He has no loyalty to you. You killed Avis for NOTHING! Your live is over and he has moved on. What a fool you are.

Thanks Lady D for thinking with a level head. I know Ms. Hughes and her family. This is totally out of Ms. Hughes' character. I believe Mr. Pittman either committed this crime or was involved in some way. He has proven himself to be dishonest and people that have worked him him say he has an explosive temper. I have never heard of Carla displaying any type of behavior that would support what she is being charged with.

carla is facing death if she didn't kill avis&child she would've told who she gave the gun to. i bet carla's three year old child is mr. pittmans.she had to kill avis&child so mr. pittman would be with her and their child. mr. pittman was at practice when carla was killing avis&child. the basketball mom puts mr.pittman at the gym.

I think that the defense could do a whole lot more and tear holes in Keyon Pittman's testimony. I think he should be called back to the stand and be asked a number of questions. You have found a woman you suppose to love, whom is carrying your child, and you have the nerve to call another woman over. Where is the love for Avis and your unborn child? Did you really lover her? Do you think Carla killed Avis and your unborn child? How did the killer know Avis's routine? How would the killer know if Avis was going to be home or whether or not anyone would be with her? A lot of things just don't add up or make any sense. I think Carla needs to go ahead a tell the truth.

if she was guilty, wouldn't you think she would have taken a plea instead of risking the dealth penalty? if i were a juror, my vote would be not guilty. it's just too much circumstantial evidence and reasonable doubt to send a mother to the gas chamber. i cannot say that she did this. i am absolutely sure that she knows what happened. and lastly, what type of man wears the same size shoe as his girlfriend?? yuck!!!!

aloha- pittman reminds me as scott peterson. he chose to pick 1 women to play house w/ and then make this women having his baby too. and then ask banks to be his wife because bnks is having pittman baby. then there is grilfriend number 2 clara. and then there is girlfriend number 3 i forget what was he name. scott peterson and rayon pittman act the same way w/ so many different women and on the witnesses stand in court right in front of the jury and the judge and the districat attorney and the person that being blame tell a different story in court on tv. i think that pittman is the one that killed banks at his home and his garrage and then did pretend that someone did ransack pittman and banks home. pittman should be the one sitting where carla is sitting right now.

Carla did not kill Banks Pittman had the gun powder on his hands not Hughes He was not seen in the gym for 20 to 40 min he went to kill Banks then went to store then to Carla house the assistant coach stated Pittman was not at practice when he left the school but Pittman claims he was at the gym till about 8:30 he had time to kill Banks and make his rounds back so wheres the freind with dreadlocks. Pittman did it he did it Carla was that jealous of a pregnant woman and his sex wasn't good as he want people to think. Carla should walk there are too many holes in this case especially with the bad police work they missed so much. why Pittman wasn't put in jail once gun powder was found on his hands and tested who was the men on this case? they need to be fired, s his a town that favor men? Pittman took those shoes back and kept the knife or the other person who helped him threw the knife away. That Bridgett could have helped her lover, maybe her husband will be on trail for beating or killing her. I wonder what is Vanessa is thinking about her new husband she better not get pregnant he's not ready for a family girl be careful.

Carla is Guilty!! The gun was in her possession at the time of the murder. She returned the gun to her cousin two days after the murder of Avis Banks. With all the blood at the murder scene if Keyon (aka) Mr. Scumbag had committed the crime there would have been blood somewhere in his vehicle. Keyon is only guilty of being a low life dirt bag. Carla is guilty of murder and being a spoiled brat who got everything her way by being the only child of her adopted parents. I hope the jury is smart enough to send her away for the rest of her life. Avis Banks and her unborn child deserves justice!!

Carla is a cold-blooded killer, look at her, she may have the smarts, but the common sense is missing. Her Lawyer Walls, need to get it together– he stumbles over every question he asks. Her demeanor is not looking good at all. Sometimes the best people and the quiet sneaky ones are the ones you just cannot trust.

why was Mr Pittman not a suspect in this case? he was one with the gun power on him , an he call Carla to the house to be with him. this man has no respect for his owns family .yes Avis was with child an he was the father .to me this is a case of kill two bird with one stone he get Avis &Baby out the way an Carla as well. I bet he had someone on the back burner he is a dog. all the crime show on tv people veiw them and learn i don,nt think this woman is a murder i am sorry that i not on that jury. the DA sould ask that his man be check out completely to see watch his what was his gain this case got to much to confusing guestion ?send this case back to him until he get it right.I hope her lawyers are planning to show them how to BEAT MR PITTMAN AT HIS OWN GAME.

I think its possible that they are both guilty. If Pittman framed Hughs then Pittman would have been the one to ask for a gun and return it empty. I am surprised that even though they can place Pittman near the school at the time of the Murder, That they arent looking more into him as well.. They are both guilty in my eyes

Regarding the gun in relation to a burglary, is it not a rule out that if she used the gun in target practice, that the "burglar" did not fire in the home. Carla has now taken away the the burglary alibi since all the shots were fired at "target practice".

What type of Knife was it? Most people that live in a high crime neighborhood would never request a knife and it seems that she should already have a one!

Where was Carla's son during the time of the murder?

I think Keyon used Carla as a pawn. He asked her to get the gun for him and told her to use the break ins as an ascuse. Its to many questions that they didnt ask him like where he was for those 30 to 45 minutes when he disappeared from practice, why did he buy groceries and take them to Carlas, why did he go to the neighbors to use the phone, why was he crying with no tears or emotion. Keyon is guilty. Both of them are guilty but Keyon pulled the trigger.

I totally agree with Jen. Keyon Pittman and Carla Hughes are partner in crime. That is why both are taking the fifth to avoid implication to the murder. Carla Hughes borrow a gun and return it empty and made a phone call traced in the vicinity of the murder. Keyon Pittman in the other hand has no blood on his shoes given the fact that he got blood all over his clothes when he carried Avis Banks body. Note also that it was admitted that Carla Hughes and Keyon Pittman often share wearing each other shoes. Now that one of them got caught and possibly can implicate each other for murder, I'll do the same thing and take the Fifth. They plan this together and I do believe that he's framing her now to save his own skin.

This is a sad case. I think there has to be additional evidence that is not being brought forth by the defense or Carla is as guilty as it seems. Her demeanor suggests that she is hiding something. I believe if Kenyon was not directly involved that he had prior knowledge that this would happen.

Carla Hughes is innocent... Keyon Pittman set her up. Come on, even his alibi admitted that he had disappeared within the time frame Avis Banks was murdered. I don't buy Pittman's story, the fake tears, the bogus testimony, the stuttering, REALLY???? It's obvious that he did it. He wanted his fiance dead so he wouldnt have to keep up with too many women...... PUT HIM IN PRISON!

I don't understand what would be the reasoning for Hughes to clean the gun, because she's already tied to the gun. But there is a reason why pittman would need to clean the gun.I just think that he is not innocent in no way. Why cry over Avis now he didn't seem to have feelings for her back then.

There has been no evidence presented that would convince me without a doubt of anything other than the reckless behavior displayed by both Pittman and Hughes in terms of an affair. However the circumstantial evidence does suggest to me that Hughes "could" be the killer, but, it also suggest to me that Pittman could be the killer. In fact I have considered the possibility of them both being involved in the murder of Avis Banks. The prosecution has gone out of there way to show the moral issues, yet Pittman is there key witness. This is the same Pittman that has had no moral compass what so ever displayed as a proffesional, a role model for our youth and as a man about to be a father and is in a commited relationship. Having been involved with so many women at once, his motive is at least as obvious as Hughes. It is obvious he was not a man looking to settle down. And my how quickly he bounced back and married another woman. I wonder......was he seeing his current wife when he was involved with those discussed here. There is so much more that we don't know. Too much. All I know for sure is that one or both of them "could" be either the killer or an accomplace, and Pittman's hands are not clean. I anticipate more implications and legal battles regarding the murder of Miss Banks in the future and hope to see more actual facts the second time around whether it be in an appeal on Miss Hughes behalf, or prosecution of another suspect (possibly Pittman) As a resident of Madison MS, I am disappointed that after three years our prosecuters office did not tie up more of these loose ends and present a stronger more FACTUAL case regardless of the suspect. I am glad I am not on the Jury because they have been given such a "messy" case to decide.

Carla Hudges did not take the stand and took the fifth. If she end up taking the stand, she need to convince the jury that Keyon Pittman did it and planted the shoes to frame her. She will still be accountable for being an accomplice and therefore could also be charge of murder even she did not pull the trigger, so she might has well take the fifth. The investigators bungled this case by not investigating more on Keyon Pittman role in the murder. Assistant coach said that Pittman put him in charge because he will gone for a while already raise a red flag. If the jury found her of not guilty, this not so- complicated case will end up being the perfect murder. If it’s a guilty verdict, the other one got away with murder.

No question, no doubt GUILTY!!!!!!!!

Yes, maybe Keyon is a bad bad boy...BUT, if he set up Carla you would think that after sitting in jail for 3 years she would get on the stand and tell that story. Things can't get much worse. Yes, she is/was stupid over men...but, she is not that stupid...not stupid enough to go to jail for the rest of her life for a guy that was at least "triple-timing" women and who took off to Detroit and got married already...HMMMMM, wonder what he has that is so special? So special to go to jail and not tell the truth??? She had her chance....she is OBVIOUSLY GUILTY and the jury will find her so. And how could any lawyer claim that she is being treated unfairly because she is a descendent of slaves???? OH MY, tee hee, what an embarrasment! Those defense lawyers will say and DO anything!

Poor Avis and her precious baby! God Bless Avis' family.

i really do think that carla is not guilty of the murder i think that she got caught up. i believe that keyon is the one that is guilty of the murder. i beleive that he took the gun, knife, and shoes from ms hughes apartment and after he use them he took them back. think about this if you will they mentioned that her door was kick in which had a deadbolt lock to it. do you think that she had enough strenght to kick the door in.

as for as her going target practing what make them think that she did not go to a area way out and shoot at bottles or cans that is the way we do down south because a lot of us do not have access to a target range.

Did the bullets match the gun that Carla Hughes borrowed?
I missed that part of the testimony.
Thanks

What about the door being kicked in Avis's home. What did the evidence show the damage was and how hard you would have to impact the door to break in?

What was Carla's alibi? Has she ever came forward to say where she was at the time of Avis' murder? it makes me question if she and Keyon are guilty.

why did keyon lie about ever seeing carla's son bedroom. why did he put on that fake crying on the stand i am still waiting for the tears to fall he just wasted kleenex wiping his dry eyes.

I certainly hope that the jury realizes that there is not enough evidence to take this woman's life. I believe that Pittman did not want to commit to Avis or he would have married her. After 5 months, there is a possibility that the fetus could have lived, placing a responsibility on him that he did not want. He is married now, but I think this was to to cover himself in this area. He was a playboy that wanted to play while sharing expenses with a professional woman who could enable that lifestyle. Add a baby to the picture, and he wanted out. I do believe he framed Carla. I do wish though that she had taken the stand.

To restate the obvious, Keyon is a creep but Carla is way too smart to not give up Keyon if he was in on the murders when she's facing the prospect of death. Keyon is the one going about his life doing anything he wants and Carla is the one hung up on a guy she can't manage to have all to herself. And then about all the talk about Keyon's phony tears, what's with Carla sitting there like she's at a teacher's meeting showing no emotion at all, phony or not, when she's facing death? I'd be a basket case.

Now that the jury has been sent to deliberate, how can we, the CNN online viewers find out when they come back with a verdict and watch it live? PLEASE help! This is soooo gripping!

To me, there are just too many unanswered questions to concede that the prosecution presented enough evidence to find Carla Hughes guilty of capital murder. True, the prosecution found bloody sneakers in her closet but how did she get home that night? Was there blood from Avis in the car, on the stairs leading to or in her apartment or how about bloddy clothes? None of those things were ever mentioned.

Its amazing how people are quick to give their opinion on guilt of Carla Hughes when the law states that you are innocent until proven guilty. Great thing about our great country that allows freedom of speech. Being from MS, and the area in which this crime took place, people [mainly women] everywhere are coming forth with information regarding Keyon Pittman that allows Stevie Wonder to see that he had something to do with this crime. He had involvement. maybe those who commented about his non-involvement havent been watching the trial and reading the local blogs. Women are coming forth about his womanizing ways and need to remain single and unattached. Sorry but the defense arguments and lack of Ridgeland PD investigative work (one of the most racist PD's in the south) has convinced me that her involvement doesnt match the indictment if even the crime at all. Ridgeland PD knew it was a blck female murdered and someone had to be blamed so no extra work involved just get an indictment and convict Carla Hughes even though all the evidence led to Keyon Pittman being involved somehow. But who cares????? Anyone see the finale episode of Drop Dead Diva? Relate that case to this one and go figure if you are smart enough...

Time has come for the supporter of Carla to start to work on a appeal with a high court because I think this women will be get this charge an this poor excuse of a man will get away with murder,no love is that good to knowly put your family in this mess. I know Avis family are not supporting this man.

Paula, Is your boyfriend worth all that you're going through?

I think Keyon went to Carla’s house (when he went to go leave his groceries) , retrieved the gun and the knife, and either went to go kill his fiance Avis Banks alone or with the assistance of Carla Hughes. Either way, I think the jury should put more of the spot light on Keyon because i have reason to believe Carla didn’t murder Avis Banks alone if at all!!!!!!!!

i would have asked " Once you knew Keyon was scum why didn't you just leave? I also think the Family should look into suing him for being partly responsible for Avis' death.

The actual evidence points to Carla Hughes as the killer. There is no justice for Avis Banks or her unborn child if you don't convict her on the evidence because Keyon Pittman is a collossal a******.

carla hughes did not do this, what reason does she have to kill another man's fiance that she did not even know. You want to call it a crime of passion for what, did she have any altercations with the fiance? no on the other hand pittman knew what he was doing by having an affair. sooner or later it would have came out and he probably did not want to deal with it. He thought he would take the easy way out kill his fiance and still have his cake to eat "carla hughes"

If she used the gun at target practice with only 5 bullets (highly unusual) – why was the gun returned empty and coincidentally five bullets were discharged during the murder from that gun? iSN'T THERE A WAY TO TRACE BULLETS VIA LOT# OR SERIAL #'S TO THE BOX THEY ORIGINATED FROM? if so, can't they see whether the bullets from thecrime scene match bullets from an ammo box at cousins or not – which could disprove Hughes claim she went to target practice? and if they didn't match any ammo box from cousin she borrowed gun from – she (Hughes) would have had to purchase more bullets for her alleged target practice?????? Was this looked into at all?

One question; What happened to the clothes that Miss Huges was wearing at the time the murder was committed? I think that there should have been covered in blood. Why just focuse on the shoes?

IF Pittman commited the murder or was involved in any way (or had prior knowledge) it still does not explain WHY Carla returned the gun less than a week after borrowing it. Empty. She either did it herself OR Pittman did it and she is covering up for him....

According to testimony, Carla returned the gun because her cousin asked her to, after her father, and his father, had spoken.
Also, EVERYONE keeps saying she borrowed a knife and a gun.
Her cousin testified that he GAVE her the knife because it was laying on the table.
It seems it HAD to be one of the two who committed this heinous crime...we may never know. But GOD does.
It is my opinion, after listening to the trial, that i would have to pick Pittman as the guilty one.
The prosecution's case, in my opinion, left reasonable doubt, in my mind, at least.
I believe she will be found "NOT GUILTY".

Am I the only one that thinks there should be 2 defendants on trial right now? Carla borrowed the gun from her cousin, and Keyon fired it and commited the actual murder. That's why gsr was on him and not Carla.

He did it, the issue is to prove it. HE DID IT!!!!!

That is what I am saying too, Kira O' Leary. They are partner in crime for she is covering for him. It's too late for her to come clean and take the stand because she will also be charge of murder regardless Keyon Pittman pull the trigger. The prosecution bungled this case by like you said. If she doing target practice, the detectives should have check where she's buying all her ammunition. I guess that is too complicated for the detective to focus on two person of interest so they settled on one person<<<Carla Hughes. Keyon Pittman got away with murder.

I was wondering if Keyon Pittman had any other children prior to Avis' unborn child. I ask because I keep hearing comparisons to Scott Peterson who clearly did not want children. I don't think Pittman did this though. Also, Senator Walls kept saying that Carla Hughes does not have to explain anything to anyone. If I was accused of a murder I did not commit, I would be screaming that point to the top of my lungs until somebody listened. Carla didn't borrow that gun and knife for nothing. Jealousy can bring out the worst in the best of us. But we are in Mississippi where another Hughes teacher was acquitted of killing her husband not too long ago. I thought the state had put together an ironclad case then too. You just never know.

I believe from the evidence against her, she pulled the trigger on those two victims. If the gun evidence was not a factor, there might have been resonable doubt in the case. Justice has been served unless Carla is protecting him.

Why does the defense lawyer continue to focus on Keyon Pittman?
clearly that strategy didn't work for him during the trial!

Pittmen could call his ex but not the police

yes this is a made for liftime movie on how the perfect murder can be done an justice fail you .the basketball ma is will say what ever keyon tell her she wanted him to.

Did anyone ever question any of the young boys on the basketball team at practice the night the murder took place?
The one student that was a member on the Basketball Team that Keyon Pittman, coached was also in a relationship with Mr.Pittman, she could have lied for him.
The Assistant Coach says he was not at practice.
Gun Powder residue, was on Keyon Pittman, hands not anywhere on Carla Hughes. Keyon Pittman, had a key to Carla Hughes apartment and he had admitted he had worn those same shoes before that were found in Carla Hughes, shoes. I think that if it is possible the inside of the shoes should be tested for DNA, evidence because I am sure whom ever the killer was they had to sweat.
Carla Hughes, was a smart woman don't you think she would have had since enough to get rid of the shoes ?
Carla Hughes, is guilty of falling for Keyon Pittman, and trusting him too much with too many important things.

Did the killer try to make it look like someone broke in Keyon Banks, home around the time of the murder ?
Keyon Pittman, committed this crime.
Someone tried to break in Carla Hughes apartment twice.
O.K. when my ex-boyfriend cheated on me he used the same lies, games, tricks, or whatever with all the females .
I could be wrong but it reminds me of the same thing.

Why does Keyon Pittman has to be a dirtbag, he wasn't in this relationship by himself and they both are adults who made adults decisions. She is guilty and it seems to me she is resolved with the verdict knowing she murdered Avis Banks and her unborn child. How stupid and foolish she is, now. No man or woman is worth killing another person for, rather self defense. And this was no self defense, Carla Hughes was accustomed to having her way or the highway and now she is in the jail way.

I turned my TV on this morning to CNN first thing because of this case.
What is wrong with that defence attorney??? There is no way that Hughes killed that woman. I believe she was involved with Pittman as far as the getting of the gun and knife, but he set her up to take the fall and she has. She needs to speak up and take him down with her.

Carla is guilty bottom line, remember Carla was to be married when she was younger to her child's father and he called it off the day of the wedding. It is in my opinion that Carla said to herself that I am going to get this man one way or the other and I will not have another man dump me. FOOLISH WOMAN, LISTEN UP WOMEN NO MAN IS WORTH THIS!!!

Carla Hughes, family should be hiring a whole new professional defense team for her. In my eyes she did not do this .
Her life may be on the line for something she may not be guilty of
Forget pleading the 5th to save my life I would talk everything I know and more .

More injustice in America!!!! The defense raised more than a reasonable doubt. Could she be railroaded because she's African American? It's like the burden of proof fell on the defense. Completely ridiculous!!!!!! I'm not saying she's innocent but there was not enough proof to kill her. I believe the man had WAY more reasons and motives to kill that woman.

no gunshot residue on her but he had it on him??? That glove not only does it not fit it has extra fingers!!!! the only thing they can place in the area(not the crime scene) is her phone. I know how easy it would be to grab my girls phone with out her knowing and call myself. That proves nothing. How can someone be convicted with no evidence is beyond me. They proved he's a dirt bag and all her character witnesses paint such a beautiful picture of this woman.

Guilty as charged next case please.

It is a sad thing that the jury found Carla guilty I just can't see how she
just sitting there in that cout room let this happen to her, not open her mouth when she said she gave the jury the note, she decided not
to testify, she should have knew that it was wrong it I was Carla myself
I will have got on that stand to tell truth if Pittman has something to do
with this crime,you should do this for your own good they should find
Pittman stripe him down get him to tell his story, don't be shame to
speak up, talked with your lawyer explain to him when you said you
did not kill Banks.

I think the jury is wrong. i dont thing carla hughes is capable of this crime. i do think this was a very personal attack and i believe Keon was cheating with many woman and and did not want ms. banks but i dont think he would have done this either but 1 of his many lovers could have but not ms.hughes jus dont see it in her at all. i so think ms.hughes should have taken the stand and im hoping her att is planning a appeal and he did a great job but she needs to take the stand and the person this ladu is and have been need to be the center of the appeal

Carla Hughes is my cousin , but all of that aside unless I am missing some major pieces to this puzzle I just don't understand how she was convicted. I don't understand how Keyon Pittman with all his decietfulness was not charged . I am sure God has a plan for Carla and it will be revealed. I want her to know my family is praying for her and will stand by her in her time of need. I LOVE YOU CARLA

Carla is an evil cold-blooded murderer and I have no sympathy for her! She was stupid for a no-good man and now she has to pay for what shes done.She looks so evil in the court room and has shown no remorse,even when they read the verdict she seemed to be faking.If I was innocent of a crime such as this I would be screaming from the roof top that I AM INNOCENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And what does her grades and accomplishments have to do with a murder???? (nothing)

I have never written, I feel confused by this guilty verdict. One of the guests Jamie had on today is a proscecutor and brought out a good point. After hearing all of these people today, I wander if the jury is having second thoughts. Did the defense bring out the facts that Carla does have a son. It places more thought that a mother who has carried a child ,I doubt would all of a sudden become so violent and shot and slash an expectant mother. What about the gun powder.? I am sure we will never know the exact truth, but there was definte "reasonable doubt", so what happened? How long before an appeal occurs. I am in agreement with Xavier, it wasn't upto the defense to prove Keyon or anywas else guilty, it was the prosceution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, i have reasonable doubt.

In the wages of love things get haywire; I think that Keyon knew rightly what was happening, and Bridget is co-conspirator to this...I personally beleive he contrived it, shot Avis; Carla, gone out of mind stabbed her, and Bridget is laughing like an evil person....

Carla should pay pennance; but NOT for capital murder...KEYON PITTMAN NEEDS TO. Just refer to Hosea 4 and 6; He needs to pay for his actions, and the Lord may not be so merciful now to Carla, but he waits because his judgement will not be so merciful upon Keyon and all his harlots; his angels on earth were taken, and he will loose HIS wrath upon those that took them.

That heartless, egocentric and narcissistic Keyon will be well deserved of his pennance whence it comes....and it will.....

im a little leary about the verdict just as you all, but put myself in Ms Hughes mind, she was a woman who achieved great things, and maybe along with that she probably felt she could never fall, it may have given her a false sense of herself. With all that recognition makes you feel like people could never see you doing wrong. Its PERFECTION, but thats all in your mind. This is all separate and different when LOVES comes calling. Keyon was, maybe still is a charmer, and he could charm the pants off a snake. When the reality hit Carla it devastated her, she couldnt handle the truth about him, she probably went there for Keyon and was surprised by Avis. So rather than go to jail and be embarrassed for breaking&entering she killed her at that moment. We all have two sides to us. The side we want people to see and the other we hope you dont ever have to see.

In noway do I believe that Carla Hughes commited this crime. I hate to think about the years she will spend in prison. Is is true that they find out that she didnt do this that she cannot be released.

I don't understand how can you find her guilty when Keyon had gun residue on him, he had a key to Carlas house. When he found Avis he just stood out on the curb until the police came come on there is reasonable doubt all around!!

I just caught this case on Monday. I don't know everything about it just yet. What I would like to say is that Christian women really need to watch themselves. Many times I've seen good girls go for bad boys and get caught up in situations that took them by surprise. Whether Carla Hughes did it or not, the red flag was, he was someone else's man. In fact, he was everybody else's man. As she spent time in jail, she found out a lot more about this man's lifestyle than she could handle. She couldn't change her story at that point. Her appeal depends on her silence to ride it out. Then her story will come out and the police will come up with more on this man and his fake tears. The person who killed Avis shot her more than needed. Stabbed her more than needed. Kicked in the steel door with the anger only a man could generate. These things were done with the overkill a woman is not generally known for doing. Maybe I'm wrong, but a lot of this doesn't add up. Carla didn't testify because she couldn't prove her story to convict Keyon. After all, she was on trial, not him. So she had to ride it out and trust God. She's gambling on Keyon underestimating her lawyer getting him to trial for setting her up. Carla may have had some he said-she said in this. but driven to murder? He ain't all that. Christian women just aren't that violent. But that's just my opinion.

I just want to say that Jami interviews with family is very kind, real and she talks to them like their family, Jami Floyd is not afraid to talk about God, Jesus, and truth, like alot of others people on that show.......stay real Jami........and there is no winners here, one man ruined so many lives cause he so self obsorb..................

Just a viewer but I think that Carla tried to frame Keyon. If she wanted Avis dead so that she could have Keyon she would'nt have done it in his home knowing fully well that he would be the prime suspect .He could have just as easily been sitting in her chair....then she would have lost him.I think she was soooooo through with him. you want her you've got her....One thing I've learned about womanizers is that they love nothing more than to have women fighting over them. It feeds their ego.........I hope the jerk rots.Carla should have walked away.

I saw this case from the first day. I thought from day one that he had something to do with it, i mean we all have are own opinions and a blind man can see Mr pittman had a lot to do with this he new what Avis did every day, he new she would stop at the mail box drive in to the garage let down the door then get out of the car when the door was let all the way down, the only way carla new this was if he told her or if she stalked her. keyon did not wont to be tied down the only reason he may have stayed in that relationship is because she was going to have a baby. he had a motive to do this to her, what could carla gain? why would she kill her and she was pregnant i mean carla had the same thing happen to her in the past, her babies father left her, maybe she did push him into leaving her but kill her no, if she did then she got what was coming to her. black women don't kick your door in because we wont your man you have to piss us off talk crazy and i don't know any black woman that have shot any female and stabbed her and pulled her paints down shoot a woman point blank in her face for what? one kick to brake a bolt lock, the police have to kick three or four times to kick in a door carla may have been strong but she was not that strong. now she was wrong for what she was doing but i don"t see her as being weak to the point of this man telling her to kill this pregnant woman. the gun, carla should have spoke on that one, but like they said today it's not over and some one need to keep looking into this case. keyon is going to keep on doing what he do. how could he leave town and get married the next year... if he loved avis so much and was close to her family why did he just up and leave like that. and her lawyer did not help her at all.... i pray they help her appeal better cause this is not right. and the banks they need to stop thinking that keyon is not capable of doing something like this. what he loved avis to much? i pray that in her appeal she tell what really happened it can't hurt her any more.

Poor Carla was caught up at the time, she may have known something abiut it, but she did not do the crime, I am praying tha God have mercy on her and she be released, she is being punished by society, The battle is not for man to fight, its the Lord. To all the critic, judge not that ye be not judge. Pray for all the parties that are involved and their families. It is not a time for condemnation, it is praying time. Carla had a child, that baby needs all the prayer it can get,

I don't watch a lot of court tv, but this case makes me believe your case is only as good as your lawyer's defense skills. If Carla had a better lawyer she would have won this case. I agree with everyone that mentioned the fact about someone kicking that door in, there is no way a woman could do that. As far as the look she had on her face during the trial, she looked depressed to me. I don't believe that she could have killed Avis being a mother and a Christian woman. Carla has proven that she has compassion and love for people that are underpriviledged. I believe Keyon did it or had someone else do it. When Carla told her cousin "they killed her", makes me believe she knows who it was. I think the reason Keyon didn't call 911 is because he knew that when you make that call, it is all recorded, the 911 operators asks all kinds of questions and it could be used against him later. He stated on the witness stand that when he saw Avis lying there he sort've laid his body on her and was hugging her, I believe he did that to hide the evidence. The door that was kicked in should have had all kinds of blood on it. When Avis opened the garage door. she would have seen that the door was kicked in and she would not have gone in. If the murder took place at 6:00 pm, everyone is getting off of work and are normally getting home at that time. It's hard to believe that noone saw a vehicle in front of their home or heard gun shots. None of this makes any sense. Women that date committed men usually do so because they don't really want a committed relationship. Carla had to know that she wasn't the only fish in the sea and that there were probably a lot more competition for her besides Avis. She knew he was a total womanizer. One blog that was really telling here was the statement someone made about Keyon didn't want blood in his house. Those detectives in that County are totally incompetent, the DA is totally trying to make a name for himself politically. Overall, I don't believe there is any real justice for poor Avis and her child and I feel sorry for poor Carla because she may be in prison for the rest of her life for a crime that she probably did not commit.

She got what she deserved. Deal with it!

I honestly dont believe Carla committed the crime. I believe this is why she didnt testify. I honestly believe she could have watched, but I really feel she knows and probably planned everything. I believe she promised not to tell a soul and she's holding on to her conviction. You could look at her expressions when certain people talked. I do believe she hate the very day she got involved with any of this. She didnt know it would end up like this. Unless she speak out she will learn a life she has never known.

I don't for a minute think she's innocent – SHE borrowed the gun and knife...SHE returned the gun empty...Her cousin may very well have asked for the gun back, but why was it empty when she returned it? SHE had as much if not more motive than he did. After all, why would he kill Avis? he had the best of both worlds already. His words or actions may have set it up, but she's the one who did the deed. If he was in any way complicit in this crime, now would be a good time for Hughes to speak up.

Carla Hughes was obviously set up by that man but this is what she gets for sleeping with another woman's man. Avis was not murdered by Carla alone, he probably planned this out with Carla and she was stupid enough to go along with it. Her tears look like tears of shame not for murder but because she was dumb enough to help this man that is at home relaxing while she is about to spend the rest of her life in prison. I think Carla Hughes played a role in the murder of Avis and her unborn child but with help. That's why the jury most likely didn't give her the death penalty figuring that she did not act alone and was left with the short end of the stick.