Defendant now faces death penalty after guilty verdict

Wow that verdict! That was gut renching! So sad.

I guess I am somewhat shocked! Had I been a juror there would have been reasonable doubt. I personally feel that Keyon and Carla conspired together based on his actions and behavor. I also believe that the reason she never implicated him was due to the fact that she is saying she is totally innocent. So to implicate him would be her admitting guilt also.

Such a sad case all around! A young woman is dead, an unborn child is dead and another young woman is going to prison. And the man behind all this has moved on and remarried!!!

she innocence, pittman did it an set this young girl up.

thank God for intelligent jurors, this young lady has been spoiled and had her way all her life, without reguards for others according to post of people that knew her from school, now she needs to pay with her life for taking two.

Wow. Guilty until proven innocent. This was a tough case, but anyone who says there was no reasonable doubt is kidding themselves. This case is overflowing with reasonable doubt. I am amazed.

I don't know how the jury could have found her guilty. There was more than reasonable doubt.

While justice was served on one part, Mr. Pittman played a role in this as well, I believe that they planned this together but the defendant has taken the fall all alone, I watched in disgust as this man portrayed to have tears of heartache and pain however no tears were shed, I guess he cried on the inside. My heart goes out to the deceased and the unborn child. May you both rest in peace.

I believe the verdict was justified. She did it. She left too many unanswered questions about the gun. Target practice my foot.

Oh my God!...NO!!

This was a case that there was two suspects here, apparently the investigation by the police concluded that the weapon and how it was obtained and ultimately used in the crime was not hard to figure out who the guilty party is .Justice was served..!!!

I am appalled! What did I miss?????????????

I JUST CANT BELIEVE IT.. I REALLY DONT THINK SHE DID IT HOWEVER I DO BELIEVE SOME ONE ELSE WAS THERE IT JUST WAS NOT ALOT THERE TO SAY SHE DID IT.. I THINK AND BELIEVE SHE NEEDS A RETRIAL

And the jury has spoken...GUILTY, pretty obvious when her own family members (uncle) realized it...

AMEN!!!! JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED....... NOW LET HER SIT IN PRISON AND THINK ABOUT THE AWFUL CRIME SHE HAS COMMITED!!!!!

GUILTY!? I can hardly believe it.. this is ridic!

Wow...suprising verdict! Very sad all the way around.

I don't understand how this jury could have found this woman guilty of this crime when it is very clear none other than Keyon Pittman committed this heinous crime. This was definitely an injustice. It just goes to show that there is no justice for the accused in America. Very sad indeed. It's also sad that this man has gotten away with these heinous crimes. Very sad day.

I watched this entire trial and there was too much circumstantial evidence that if she wasn't guilty they wouldn't have had it. I think Mr. Pittman either assisted her or did it and she is taking the blame. The prosecution made their case for me.

That was the correct verdict and no more smug looks on her face now. How dare she cry for herslf when she brutually killed Avis and that unborn child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Justice worked here today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD-–Justice was served. This woman needs to fry or rot in prison for the horrible crime that she commited. We still don't know what she did with the KNIFE.

She snapped and now she has to pay for it.

OH MY GOD ,,I DIDNT THINK THAT THEY WOULD CONVICT HER ,BUT THEY DID ,,,A ND THE MAN GOES SCOTT FREE WOW!!!, MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON HER SOUL,,,,,SOME ONE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS FOOLISH CHEATING MAN AND A LADY THAT JUST EMOTIONALLY COULD NOT TAKE SHARING A MAN ,,,,THIS IS A WARNING TO ALL OF PEOPLES EVERY WHERE !!! DONT CHEAT !!BE HONEST ,AND DO THE RITE THING !!!!

I agree with the verdict. She is guilty!!!! The jury saw past her appearance and her education. Besides, What does a killer look like and what is the required level of education of a killer? Three cheers for the JURY.

I am not surprised, but would not have been surprised either way. One question puzzles me- where was Carla Hughes child when all this was going on. I heard sometime during the trial that he was 3 years old at the time of the crime. Where was he the day of the murder?

Was Carla Hughes married?

WOW, I think Carla should of taken the stand and told the truth, I don't believe she did it alone. Very sad for both familys.

Guilty as the verdict should be. Why on earth would anyone not speak up if they knew another person committed a crime that they're accused of? For love? There's not that much love in the world. Carla didn't even cry enough tears to warrant tissues as the verdict was being read. She may have been intellectually smart but, she was pretty dumb when it came to matters of the heart.

WOW!!! The prosecution did not prove their case. Obviously, jurors really do hold the fact that the defedant does not testify against them!! I hope that they can live with their decisiion!!! How stupid was that?

I feel it is so tragic when a person who is very intelligent could get caught up in this situattion .I hope that she is spaired the death penalty.

this is a good example of how a crime is not checked out for all possible murderers. I felt there was just as much against the boyfriend as there was Carla. How many years will she have to serve before they find out she's really innocent? That has happened more times than we know about. Why wasn't there a more thorough investigation? Now one is dead, one is convicted, and he is free to mess up someone else's life. Unfair.

well the death penalty might be a bit harsh don't you think life in prison would be a bit better of a sentence. Killind does not solve any thing

I wonder what she thinks of the death penalty now.

I thought about this case and I really did not see why he would want to kill his pregnant girlfirend but Carla did seem to have more of a motive, she was in love with him.

ChocolatesMusic

gun, knife, shoes with dead womans blood-GUILTY, the jury got it right

We need to re-think jurors!!!! This is a shame, the prosecutors did not prove his case the verdict was a result of emotions. What a shame.

This is a sad situation. She put herself in a bad place messing around with this man and he had a fiancee with a baby on the way. For her sake I hope she can avoid the death penalty. My question is where was Keyon when the verdict was read? I did'nt see him in the courthouse!

Unbelievable!! Beyond a reasonable doubt means there is no other reasonable alternative. The prosecution did not meet that burden of proof. How do you explain the gap in the timeline of 2 1/2 hours, the gunpowder residue on Keyon's hands and theactions of Keyon at the home. Come on people!! He has now killed his fiance and unborn child and set up one of his girlfriends. What a great guy!!!

I agree with the jury. I would have voted guilty also. I don't think she will get the death penalty . I also think that Keyon Pittman should also be on trial. Because of him the lives of two women have been damaged forever. One is dead and another one faces the death penalty. You also have an unborn child who was the most innocent one of all. Women use the brain that God gave all of us. Don't mess around with married men or men who have girlfriends . Most men don't leave one relationship for another. They like to have their cake and eat it too.

So happy!!! It's time to wake up world. Do not try to get away with murder. This was a heinous and atrocious crime. She deserves every thing she gets the murderess mistress that she was. Now spend the rest of your days on Death Row!! God Bless Avis Banks and her unborn child. Justice has been served!!!

In my heart, I felt Carla was guilty. The brutality of Avis' death indicated pure hatred and rage for her by the perpetrator. That always or usually is the case in crimes of passion. Still I can't help but be saddened at the loss of three lives. Avis, her unborn child and now Carla. It was all such a waste and for WHAT? That shell of a man named Keyon.

As a mother, I can't imagine what Linda and Carl must be going through. It's all so very sad.

THEY ARE WRONG!!! She did not do it.

If Carla Hughes is innocent, then she should of taken the stand to tell her side of the story for at least a lesser sentence. Obviously she commited the act if she refused to testify. As far as Pittman goes, I strongly feel that he was somewhat involved.

I am completely shocked by this verdict, I thought there was reasonalble doubt, but I do back up our jury system. I wonder what nailed it for them to deliver this verdict.

im keep her in my prays but i knew she did it. i feel sorry for her child.

well i think she got what she deserved she was found guilty of all charges and now she has to deal with the consenquenes of her actions... may god have mercy on her soul if that day shall ever come.... she should known better than to get mix up with a loser like that if he could cheat on his finacee of course he would of cheated on her.... duh..

They have the worng person.

I am very happy that the jury found Carla Hughes guilty. Maybe the Banks family can feel like there can be some type of closure. In actuality, there will never be an end to this tragic occurrence but at least there can be some kind of closure.

What?Carla Hughes GUILTY? This is a bunch of crap, Keyon Pittman set her up. I think that they should suggest putting Pittman on trail, because he did it, he had many motives to want to kill Avis Banks. I feel for Hughes, she is a young woman who will now have to spend the rest of her life in prison, for a womanizer. She should request for an appeal.

I believe the jury was wrong and I'm sadden by the verdict.

That was totally WRONG!!!! How could those jurors not see that she DID NOT do it! I pray that she wins on appeal and that pittman gets all the horrible things to happen to him and only him!!!!! Hes a piece of trash and he will get his. This is so sad...

I honestly think Carla and Keyon both had a plan to kill Avis. I dont see why they never even thought to question both. Especially when Keyon called carla right after he found his fiance dead. Keyon not wanting to deal with the responsibility of taking care of a child and Carla being a woman scorned. They both mesh together perfectly.

Wow. I knew that this case could go either way but I'm still speechless. As a law student, based on what I've learned thus far, it seems as if the defense has a stronger case. The defense didn't need to prove innocence but needed only create reasonable doubt. It seems that there was ample evidence to create just that. I think the jury may have punished the D for her refusal to take the stand. Perhaps that was a misstep on the part of the defense. She may have committed the crime, but there was doubt. But as I've learned, reasonable doubt is a subjective matter of degree on the spectrum between guilt and innocence. With this case....I'm just not sure...I have doubt....hmm.

Wow, I'm surprised they found her guilty. I hope they try and get him too.

That's a good thing

I can't believe that Carla has been found guilty. I really believed Keyon killed Avis and that Carla was covering up for him. That is why we as women need to know our own self worth and not allow a man's relationship affirm what we are worth. Because if she had enough love for herself she would have never tried to cover up for him and then end up being charged and he is left off the hook. She was probably hoping that because she was never in trouble with the law that she could possibly beat the cast and be with him and that was not the case. I really wished that she has spoken up and told the whole truth from the start of the investigation but she didn't because she loved him. Now he has gone and married someone else living a (wonderful) life while she now thinks of possibly being sentenced to death. I think Carla was just another victim and pawn in this man's web of deceit and it is clear that he does not give a damn about her. I really feel sorry for her family.

I am very sad to hear that this woman was convicted! I truly believe that the State did not prove their case at all!

I just pray that she can get through this, and I am hoping that if possible her lawyer can get her a re-trial at best!

Are you kidding me???? This was a brutal, personal killing...it was an overkill. Keyon Pittman just got away with murder...I strongly urge his wife to beware!!!

wow. unbelievable!!!!!!!!!

I believe the jury looked at the real evidence and came to the correct verdict.

I figured that she was going to get convicted too many evidence, the knife, the gun, and the cell phone pings...Bless her heart dont wish the death penalty on nobody though.

This one was really close. The fact she had the gun and the bullets matched was a major factor. I think her attorneys should have elaborated on this as to me it was a very important key part of her defense. and it was never addressed in the context of the trial. This was the one thing that bothered me. and the one thing I would have found her guilty on. However, the law rules and if she never was in a stiuation like that this would not have happened. My hat off to the jurors as this was a close one but you have to rule the way the law goes. Payers to all involved and especially Ms. Hughhes who now needs inner strength to get through this oreal. Her attorneys did a fantastic job. God bless Ms. Hughes, and again may she find inner strength and pray.

I think the jury got this one right. I had no doubt that Carla was guilty. SHE was the one who borrowed the gun and knife. SHE was the one who was telling people that Keyon wasgoing to be her husband. I found those comments from her to be very telling. Yes, the jury got it right!!! Rest in Peace Avis.

This is truly sad. This young woman and her unborn son were murdered for absolutely nothing. I believe the jury reached the correct verdict. She sat stone faced throughout the entire trial but, cried out as the verdict was read. Both families of the victim and defendant will forever endure hardship because of her calculated action.

I KNOW SHE HAS TO BE HEARTBREAKING TO BE FOUND GUILITY.
SHE NEED TO ASK FOR A APPELL FOR HER CASE.

I simply do not understand this verdict. The fact the jury was ignorant enough to even ask the question that they did meant that there was not a single person in that 12 that understood how and why the prosecution could not call a defendant and ... not only that, it is a defendants right not to testify..makes me question if they knew what 'reasonable doubt' is. This case, if there ever was one, screams reasonable doubt... there's no witnesses, there's no forensics even... aside from blood on some shoes that Pittman admits he would use!

Where's the justice system is this country. I truly believe Mr. Pittman has a lot to do this and somebody needs to seek something to charge him with the crime. The state did not prove their case at all. The experts in this trial didn't bring any notes or the findings to the trial. Mr. Pittman was let off so quick and it just doesn't make sense, the fake crying and alibis just didn't make it. I hope Carla defense team is starting on this appeal as we speak.

I have watched this trial from the beginning and all the testimony that was given at no point did the prosecutor or his office ever proven there case. They never gave any testimony that actually proved she was in the house. They used the shoes as a way to say it was her but the state never proved this as well. I have followed many trials on your network and this is a perfect example of how an in justice took place. The so called boyfriend is as guilty as sin and he was just a womanizer. He set her up to take the fall and gets nothing out of it at all. He could not have cared much because he went out and got married immediately after this crime. The Police did a very poor job in there investigation and I believe that this Jury was only interseted in getting a conviction. They were all women except for three and that tells you something as well.The justice system is terrible. Justice was not served in this matter except to let a real killer get away and it is over. Now they are going to have another trial to decide her fate and that will not prove a thing. What they should be doing is to find the real killer in this case.

I saw that coming a mile away

I can understand why the jury voted Carla Hughes guilty and the finger points straight to her defense attorney

she deserved every bit of what she has received!! I knew she was guilty. she should have used better judgement in who she shared her bed with, now she must pay the piper as they say! she sowed and reaped all at the same time. may god have mercey on her soul! sorry about that I forgot that a woman who would kill a woman with child does not have a soul. she must repent to god sooner then later, who am I to judge. janara from WI.

This is truly a very sad and senseless case. Now Carla Hughes faces a sentence of death. Which is truly appropriate for the crimes she has been convicted of. Having said that, Pittman remains free and more likely than not, continues on his scandalous, cheating rampage. God Bless Miss Banks and her unborn baby. My thoughts and prayers are with both families!!

INJUSTICE! But then we are talking about Mississippi!

I just pray there is a new trial. It is obvious the jurors held it against her for not testifying.
This is a travisty of justice.
Keyon should be in her place.
Not Guilty

I think she got was coming to her who are we to say that she was not able to bust a door in a women that she fill has been hurt and nothing going to get what she thought was a happy life will do the unthinkable if men can do it why are we so narrow mined to think that ladys can not able to do the same.I happy that the family of this poor lady that was taken can finaly get some peace for what they will never foget but they are in god hands now they will see her one day with her child by her side.I hope they show no commpasion for that person Ms.Hughs she for she show none to Ms.Banks and her child..

I feel the jury did the right thing by finding Carla guilty, because I don't believe in the death penalty, I feel the jury should show her more mercy than she showed Ms. Avis Banks and her unborn child and spare her life but give her life w/o no parole.

i am very sorry for this young lady to get caught in this situation with no good man that i think killed his fiance and got into ms hughes apartment and return those shoes he used . plus the gun probably was in ms hughes apartment and he used the gun without her knowing it . hope a appeal will set her free and god bless ms hughes and im very sorry for the ms banks family .

I believe the verdict was correct. The constant question for me was, why borrow a gun and knife, then return them after the murder. First, I have knives in my home, so why borrow one? And, If I'm scared of intruders, why not keep the gun and tell police about it, or go purchase one of my own? What's the odds of the bullets coming from the gun she borrowed?
Over the years we've seen many well educated people make poor choices. In this case it was "human emotion" not education that decided the fates of Carla, Avis and her baby boy.

I am not surprised at th verdict. Although I struggled with the guilt of Carla Hughes the questions which continued in me were: How could she say she was at the Firing Range and forensic found that the bullets in Ava's body were from the gun she borrowed from her cousin; Why is no one could put her at the Firing Range?; What happened to the knife she borrowed; Her refusal to testify, although it was her right, caused suspiciaon that she was afraid of being cross examined.

This is not right at all. They are letting that sorry K. Pittman go free and sending this woman to jail for a crime she did not do.

I can not understand how the jury has come to its conclusion. The prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Carla Hughes was guity of the crime. A majority of the information that was provided was circumstantial. This is a true miscarriage of justice...

There was just as much evidence that Keyon Pittman committed this crime as anyone...he exhibited mens rea.

The justice system didn't work in this case. There is too much doubt to send somebody to the chair.

I am shocked! There was reasonable doubt ! I watch Court TV every day,you could say it is my and my husband's "hobby". I am truly perplexed by the jury's verdict. Right now there is a man whom has in some way gotten away with his role in this horrible murder!!!!

wowwww ! i never would have thought she'd be found guilty.. It clearly had to have been a hard decision.. i am absolutely shocked !!

Damn im very angry with this case because it doesnt make since why would this women commit this horrible crime who knows but prosecutors have strong evidence to link her to the murder of avis bank and her child and what a great victory for the prosecutor...

i cant believe it, the state got this all wrong there is still a murderer out there in that community

I hope the jury will finish their job and give her death. I also hope she finds the Lord and ask forgiveness for what she has done.

I just read the verdict. Not surprising. If she were innocent wild horses couldn't have kept her off the stand to claim her innocence. One of the many things that bothered me about Carla's character, was where was her daughter when she was carrying on this torrid, obsessive, lame-brain affair?

I also thought her affect throughout the trial was not one of someone unjustly accused. And, I hope Kenyon gets his just desserts...what a passive aggressive scumbad he is!!!

my heart,body,and soul says she's not guilty. she should have taken the stand reagardless.. my heart goes out to hughes and the banks family.

i watched the trial from the beginning, I hoped and prayed it wouldn't have turned out that way. I'm very sadden, to know the outcome.

Hughs guilt was questionable until the statement Carla made after Thanksgiving 2006. " Things are going to change now" She told Keyan in anger on Saturday, the day before she went to her cousin to borrow a weapon! That's just too much of a coincidence. Woman scorned is like the devil in disguise! Keyan probably called Carla all the time to try to pacify her and keep up with her whereabouts...to keep Carla from getting to Avis and telling her of the affair with Keyan. Evidently Thanksgiving was the last straw!

I am outraged at the verdict this jury came back with, obviously each one of them did not listen to what the defense presented, I personally think the prosecutor FAILED in presenting their case, I watched and followed everyday. I think this is a terrible mistake and hope KENYON does not destroy another young woman's life as he did to Carla.

t really does not matter now that Ms. Hughes has been found guilty. But my one question during the entire trial has been about the shoes. if a man whre a size 9 shoe and a woman can fit his shoes her feet would have to be larger than his whenever a woman buys a mans shoe she will always get a smaller size unless she has a larger foot than the man.

How unfortunate for ms hughes. Although i believe she assisted in this crime I don't believe she committed the murder. Guilty of two counts of capital murder! She should have defended herself, and really expose Mr. Pittman for the coward and scoundrel he really is!

My heart goes out to the banks family as well as the hughs I have been following the case and I must say that I kind of felt a guily verdict coming. I pray that God has mercy on carla soul and I pray that the banks family can now move on. I watched as the verdict was being read and for the first time I believe carla the horrified look on her face after the verdict to me did not show a killer . I will continue to pray for both families!!
God Bless

Let's face the facts: Carla asked for a 38 revolver and knife days before Avis was killed, she returns the gun empty without the knife and claims she went target practice, but where? Why, in just a few days would Carla think the threat of a break-in no longer a existed? Regardless of Keyon's behavior, a gun nor knife was ever in his possession, the blood-stained shoes were in Carla's closet not his and the cell phone pings demonstrated the suspicious time-line. Either she is guilty or has really bad luck.

Im sorry but if im innocent of a crime i dont care what questions they throw at me i will be on that stand to tell my story.i just never heard if the question was ever asked to pittman about who he was talking about when he told carla they've done something to Avis..Who is they??

I believe Carla Hughes did this, perhaps to hurt her lover who refused to dump his fiance for her. I wouldn't be suprised if Mr. Pittman knew what was coming and did nothing to stop it. After all, what man doesn't want women fighting over him. In the end, it's a real tragedy for many people and their families. Especially for the family of Avis Banks and her unborn child. Keeon seems to have had no problem moving on and getting married. I wonder who he's seeing on the side now. Better make sure she doesn't have access to a weapon.

Denise – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

I'm shocked at the verdict. The awesome defense attorney sure gave me reasonable doubt. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in that jury room. I hope some of the jury allows interviews because I'm left with so many questions.

I think the jury did a great job,she had to much that she could not explain,Maybe she should have told the jury she did not do this,and tell the truth,I do feel that Pitman was the reason she went crazy and did this. He is a Dog for sure and now she maybe a dead Dog.

She was guilty since day one.

She is either the unluckiest woman on the planet or she is guilty of this crime. The jurors had no choice.

Justice for Ms. Avis Banks and her unborn baby..

I have been foolowing this case for many days, and I mean hearing the verdict was heartbreaking to me too. There was reasonable doubt!!! What is wrong with this jury???!!! I believe Carla was truly innocent. Pittman is the guilty one. Remarried one year after the murder. If that doesn't look guilty what does?

Finally, a jury that got it right! My faith in mankind and the justice system has been restored. I feel for Carla's daughter and family, but Avis' family is without their grandson and their daughter. The defense should have used another tatic other than trying to point blame on her lover. No question he is a jerk, but she was a fool to get involved with him in the first place. Her "story" was unbelievable, and the defense never did anything to answer the question of the gun, the knife, and the so called "target practice". It just didn't add up. And, oh yes, the shoe DID fit .....CARLA!

good....

I only caught the remainder of this trial today 10/13. But Jack Ford and Jami Floyd had covered a lot of what I missed. And with that said, Like many people feel that O.J. Simpson got away with double murder. Congratulations Keyon Pittman. You are now part of the "I got away with Double Homicide" Hall of Fame.
Ms. Carla Hughes, take care of yourself the best you can.

I really truly believe that MS.Hughes has been rail roaded and i truly do believe keyon should be charged he is the actual killer.so you guys has let a mass murderer out to kill again which he is going to try again after this mark my word.this was his practice of being perfect and he has suceeded.

I honestly feel that both Hughes and Pittman comitted this horribly act. Pittman shooting and Hughes stabbing. They thought that not finding the knife and both taking part in the murder that she would be found inocent and would not then testify against him. They were hoping on reasonable doubt.

may God have mercy on her

Anyway, I'm with the jurors. She looked awfully cold for a well-educated, accomplished person!

Just curious tho, were ballistics done on the gun and I missed it?

This is wrong,i don't believe for one second she's guilty of this crime.However I can and do believe that Pittman killed his soon to be wife, because she found out about his affair.Someday Pittman will be alone because he will have lost everyone who loved and cared about him.

I am so surprised. I still think she is innocent. The jury really made a mistake this time. I really did not expect that verdict, and was hoping it would be "not guilty." That man got away with murder.

Plain and simple..........MOTIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jealousy...........is motive.

I'm not sure if we the people, got this verdict right or not. There were so many issues in this case and so many questions that remain unanswered:
1. Why didn't the police dust the door frame for prints?
2. Why was Keyon's clothes not tested? Why weren't the shoes that he claims he changed, ever asked for?
3. No one find's it odd that he didn't have more blood on him, I mean you find a loved one basically slaughtered and you don't do the automatic thing, grabbing them, holding them etc. Something isn't right.
4. If there was no gunshot residue on Avis' clothes, where did the GSR on Keyon's clothes come from?
5. If Carla did commit this crime, there should have been way more blood evidence found in her home, clothes, car or something, other than the little that was found on the shoes, the shoes that both she and Keyon had access to.
Finally though the one thing that can't be ignored that makes Carla look very guilty, is the fact that she borrowed a loaded gun from her cousin, fve bullets were loaded, and five were fired at Avis', four to the body and one that missed and lodged in the garage door. That just can't be explained away.

it should be unconstitutional to sentence carla to death based on circumstancial evidence. there no smoking gun for those jurors that found her guilty, i also don't think she had a juror of her peers. a serious miscarriage of justice.

Just as i figured! This proves the legal system is not for people of color wether black or hispanic. To find someone guilty with only circumstantial evidence, this is what the legal system has been doing for years. Look at the mess texas is in with all the death penalty cases being overturned my heart go's out to the defendant and the victims family. Not only has the Banks lost a family member the Huges also lost to a judical system thats has failed people of color since its inception.

I can't believe it!! Hughes was not guilty, in my opinion. She doen't deserve this, let alone the death penalty. Now, tell, me, are they going after the low life cheater fiance? They definitly need to!!

This is unbelievable. How can the defense establish "reasonable doubt" in this case and the jury still convict Carla of these crimes? The evidence appeared to be circumstantial at best. It's almost as if we americans absolutely have to blame someone when something goes terribly wrong. What I mean by this is since the prosecution didn't have strong evidence to single out and convict any person they chose the "convenient" person. In this case, Carla Hughes is that "convenient" person. While I am not championing that she is completely innocent of this atrocity, I don't see where the evidence is convincing enough to deem her guilty.

Then she should have taken the stand Marsha... wouldnt that make sense considering there certainly was reason to believe that she in fact did or could have commited the crime... rather obtuse thought process for the defense, considering her life was at risk

The actions of this jury only further confirms my belief that our entire legal system needs a complete overhaul. The jury question to the judge suggest that this jury has a complete mis-understanding of what "Reasonable Doubt" means, not to mention thier complete disregard of the defendants right not to testify.

I am saddened & heart broken as if I knew Hughes personally. I believe in my heart that she did NOT commit this crime. I haven't missed any coverage of this case because there was something ab out Carla that drew me in to continue watching. My heart goes out to her as well as her family. I pray that this case will have a second trial, just like Elicia Hughes.

i am dumbfounded by this verdict it was obvious that the victim told her fiance that it was over and he just couldn't deal with it he was used to being the one in control and he boiled over when she told him he would have no contact with his child i feei terrible for ms hughes

I feel that justice has been served she was a innocent as she was made out to be. He had several other women which tells us that he was just a male whore, but not a killer. She did not have another man so she was a woman scorned and she committed this crime. I do feel bad for her child, but she took the life of a child as well. May God be with her....

I too believe in this verdict. Let her rot in prison for taking a life. I do not believe in the death penalty but she should rot in prison and think about what she did.

I think justice was served, she was guilty she had both weapons and had the jealous rage to shoot and stab this innocent woman and kill her unborn child over a no good man. I think she will tell a different story now that she is found guilty and include the person who helped her commit this crime as well.

I also think that the death penalty is harsh but Carla needs to answer to a 'higher authority' for her actions.

This verdict is ludicrous! I watched the trail from beginning to end – and read up on the case, too – All of presented evidence was speculative at its very best… And I do mean its very best!

I was looking for a hung jury. I really think there was reasonable doubt in this case.

They got it WRONG!!!!!

I usually find the jurors' verdict somewhat understandable. This one NOT so much!!! I can't beleive that anyone could be ok with the verdict. If this is or was JUSTICE I, don't want a serving. THANKS' but, no THANKS'

what happened to resonable doubt

I'm surprised at the verdict but believe the jury had no choice. By choosing not to testify, Carla Hughes sealed her own fate. If she was innocent then she should have behaved in a way that someone with nothing to hide would behave. In my opinion, she should have been eager to tell her side of the story regarding the most damning evidence like the cell phone records, the murder weapon and the missing knife. Without answers to such important questions the jury had no choice but to seek their answer based on her silence. Such an enormous loss for all families involved.

she should have given him up, no doubt he had something to do with the murder.

My name is Carla from philly, I fell bad for this young woman I would have gotting on the stand. If I didn't do anything I'm sure going to defend myself.

after watching this trial from start to finish,i am so surprised at this verdict! i don't understand how circumstantial evidence can convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt!!! it's mind boggling. i could never find her guilty to capital murder knowing that the death penalty is probably going to be enforced. i just don't see it,i don't believe she is guilty at all. the boyfriend is the guilty party and now he can continue with the lifestyle he had then. he is probably messing around on his wife as we speak!!!!!

My heart of hearts tells me he was involved but if you look at the gun and the knife and let us not forget the shoe prints, how can you come to any other conclusion? Her own family member told the police she borrowed these things because she wanted to protect herself from an intruder but funny how the exact 2 items she borrowed were used in the commission of the crime. How do you explain that?

I feel the jury is wrong on this one. I know that people say that rage can cause someone to do what was done to Avis Banks, but I don't see Carla Hughes being about to commit such a brutal crime. Keyon, on the other hand looks to be the guilty party in this crime. I know the tears he was crying were crocodile tears and I noticed at the times when the testimony should have been very saddening to him, he was not as upset. I think the gun was taken from Carla Hughes and returned and she new that she looked guilty for getting the gun and in turn made the shooting range story up. The knife was never returned to her, and with that amount of stabbing and that much blood, wouldn't she more likely than not have some cuts on herself. I don't think justice has been done here.

I don't know what trial the jury were watching. It certainly was not the sameone I was watching, The trail I was watching, the defense presented all type of reasonable doubt, especially regarding Keyon. I personally agree with the defense, Keyon had motive and opportunity and would benefit the most from Avis' death.

Edith H

Largo, MD

Wow, I didn't expect this for a minute. An innocent woman going to prison or sentenced to death. What a shame.

this again proves that there are compelling reasons why people should not get involved with someone who is in a relationship with someone else . I never could understand what someone wants with a person who cannot be true in one relationship . what makes them them think they would be true to them

I just don't think the Verdict was just, she is being railroaded like Mrs. Mcguire. All the evidence was circumstancial and she did not murder miss banks.

Justice has been served.

Cant believe the jury had NO DOUBTS about this crime!!

Honestly, I am extremely defense minded yet I saw this one coming. Ms. Hughes borrowed the weapon that was used to kill the two victims. That fact, presented by her relatives, was an insurmountable obstacle for the defense. I tip my hat to the litigators on both sides this case is the epitome of justice.

jmarvin

Her lawyer couldn't provide verification of where she claims to have been target practicing? Seems to me that at least shells could had been recovered. Did she explain why the knife wasn't returned? If you claim to be innocent, then TAKE THE STAND!! Even if one can't hold it against them, not taking the stand says a lot!!!

I knew that she was guilty. How could she kill Banks and her fetus and think would walk sky free. I don't care about her being educated she was just stupid.....

This trail should have taken place outside of Mississippi. Keyon Pittman is the guility party here. He framed Carla Hughes to get rid of Avis Banks to do just what he is doing, deceiving another woman. I less than one year married to another woman. I am so sad, she is not gulitiy she was framed.

Leslie from Houston, Texas

that is wrong the defense had a very strong case i thought and the prosecution didnt convince me i think keyon did it and but god will deal with him in do time i feel sorry for that lady they just took another life

wow! im shocked i at least thought there would b a hung jury!!! but u know what the problem was. even though there might have been reasonable doubt any person that was innocent would have taken the stand and stood firm on what the knew they didnt do. she had two problems that she couldnt shake off. where is the knife? im pretty sure thats something the jury kept askin she never provided any answers for that. the other thing is the gun if u didnt kill her that mean pittman did. no bullets where r they? she should have took the stand and testified that was her only way of walkin free!! oh and dont forget the shoes! if she really committed the crime and kept the shoes she is crazy! i dont think she was that stupid to keep them thats why i believe they did it together and she knows it. she knows what happen i think its time for her to tell the truth. and u know what was so sad her mother had no remorse after the verdict was read which tell me she believe carla did it or was involved so sad!!!!

I thought she was guilty to much evidence the gun knife and shoes I dn ont think pittman had the time to do the crime. He is a pig thats for sure but she knew about Avis she should have walked away.

I fell bad for Carla but I do know that she did have something to do with this crime, and even if Mr. Pittman killed his finace, she conspired with him. She's the one that borrowed the gun and knife, so even if she didn't us it she is still responsible for the death of those two, and may God be with her.

unbelievable!!! I believe that if the police had stayed on the fiancee long enough they would have found that he did it and framed the defendant. She should have taken the stand in her own defense to explain the gun and knife. Why did her cousin come forward? No one knew anything about him, just curious.

i wonder why they have not chared him with the muder

She got what she deserves;She stepped into an relationship,she was the other women;She will have plenty of time to realize cheaters never win.

Wow I am shocked the defense had me convinced.He did a great job.I have to say I love In session and cant wait for the next trial.

im so glad carla hughes was found guilty. giving her the death penalty is to easy. for what she did to that poor woman and her unborn child. but i know the law and trust me im fine with it.

Yeah i believe she did it too. I keep hearing all this talk of her "intelligence"....she obviously didn't use her head this time. Mann how can she have went so far.

Maybe if Carla had taken the stand people would have been more easily convinced that she didn't do what she was accused of. I know I would have been screaming that point to anyone who would listen as well as to those who wouldn't. Everybody talked about Pittman's lack of emotion, Carla didn't show any either until she learned that her life is now on the line. Whether she did it or not, I can't say because I wasn't there. I believe she did it though based on the evidence against her. Thank God I didn't have to bear the burden of deciding her fate! But whatever the case may be, lives have been ruined forever. Avis' family will never see her again and Carla's son will have to grow up without her. I also feel for her mother whom the camera hit for a few seconds. I know these mothers are heartbroken. My heart aches for them.

Wow, I cannot believe they found her guilty. I thought it would end up as a mistrial or hung jury. My heart just dropped when I read the verdict. I do belive that Carla was involved, but she didn't do it alone. But, I didn't think that the evidence was sufficient enough to say she was guilty beyond a resonable doubt. WOW!

i am so sad, but i dont think the jury did a good job because for the simple fact, they had more evidence on kenyon they had on carla. I felt like she should have took the stand and told everything she the only reason why they found her guity is because she didn't say a word that why they did that. My heart goes out to her and her family also to avis family to don't nobody desever to die like that and she was preganant and for kenyon his day is coming because he know he killed that girl and carla so in loved with him she taking the blame.

I feel sorry for Carla Hughes, I think she should have token the stand. If she knew in her heart and in her mind she was innocent, she had nothing to hide. The defense made out Mr. Pittman as the bad guy always but, it takes two to tango. She wasn't smart enough to stay away from such a man. I pray for her and her family. The real victams of all this were the deathes of a beautiful young women and her unborn baby.

Come on, people. If any of you were charged with a murder you did not commit, wouldn't you have taken the stand to explain your innocence!? The jury got it right.

I can not believe this...Do not believe she did this.....So sorry for her,,

What wasn't – reasonable doubt considered, because if it was the verdict would have been NOT GUILT!!!!!!!!!!

we believe this young lady was set up, and all the evidence showed if she did have a part in this horrible crime, she didnt do it alone. this fellow keyon got off scott free. there needs to be some more digging, and a definite appeal.maybe theres some error in the trial process, and she will get a new trial.

Jurors asked only one question during deliberations: could the prosecution have called Hughes to the stand. The judge sent a note back to the jurors directing them to their jury instructions.

When Hughes was advised by the Judge of her right not to take the stand. Were the jurors absent, sleep or had ear plugs? Did they not know that part of the instructions. They may have considered the wrong thing during deliberation.

Guilty? I don't believe it.

I think the jurors should have asked themselves this question: Where are Hughes' bloody clothes, if she is the murderer, and if she would hide them, why wouldn't she have hidden the bloody shoes with them?

Keyon Pittman had access to Carla Hughes' house, keys, shoes, gun, knife and cell phone. He proved himself to be a deceptive person. The crime was committed at a level of violence more consistent with a male perpetrator than a female.

I think Pittman is the murderer and Hughes suspected it. What she didn't know was that he had framed her with her own shoes. I think she denied having the weapons, when questioned by the police, in order to protect Pittman. Then when she became the primary suspect, she couldn't take it back, because it would make her complicit in the crime.

She didn't testify on her own behalf, because the Prosecution would have asked her why she lied about having the gun and "I was young and stupid and smitten" wouldn't have cut it.

I feel that jury are looking at her because she had affair with a sorry man that was involed with another woman. I think that her laywer done a good job. I hope that sorry can sleep at night knowing that he lied and his games will come to a end soon. I want to keep the faith and the Lord has the last say so. Because there are people praying for her as myself.

This is very very sad, I don't believe she did it....They didn't even have enough evidence to prove that she did do it.....I wish I would've been a juror....you can't just go off of what you feel, LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE....RETRIAL!

Finaly justice. We just need more of it. The crime made the person not the close and not how well she was dressed. She is a murderer.You people saying reasonable doubt you are eithor blind or want to blame someone else blame the killer and it not Mr.Pitman. Everyone needs to except and take responsabilty for thier actions.

im so amazed i just knew that wasnt goin to be the verdict.It just wasnt enough evidence, but yes i think they both had something to do with it, i just dont think she should have gotten capitol murder.And hes scoot free!!!Its a very sad thang for everyone. The verdict almost had me crying and i dont know any of them.

wrong verdict! She did not do this Mr. Pittman should be ashamed.

Just ice was served! It just shows in our society today the type of role
models our children are face with each and every day.

i think the verdict was unjust and he was the one who did it but the problem is someone had to pay for that baby being killed and he walked away scott free but he have to live with it for the rest of his life

Where in the heck did they this jury from? Her lawyer did a great job.
Did these people not listen to anything that was said.?
i think that man did not want a baby to tie him down. He just wanted to keep whoring. He is a low life,and the jury was just plain stupid. Were they awake or looking for their fifteen minutes of fame.. no matter what happens I feel this lady got screwed by that man and our so called justice system. may God bless her,and maby what really happened will come out before it is too late. My prayers goes out to her and her family.
Helen N.J

JUSTICE WAS SERVED! i bet that smug look just got wiped off her face. she did it and she know she did it but keyon is scum and i don't know what woman would want to marry him. he is a dog! if keyon did have something to do with this he will get his it's just a matter of time and what are women this hardup for a man nowadays. geez what a shame they act like keyon is the only man in mississippi. or he must be packing a monster but i am glad justice was served. god bless the banks family.

The jury got it right. She never said where she went target practicing and why she left no bullets in the gun. There were 5 bullets in the gun when she got it and 5 bullets were used to kill Avis Banks. . She did this for a man and he could have cared less about her. He is married now. I don't understand why if Mr. Pittman didn't want her why she couldn't have looked for someone else. She should have known the other woman is the first suspect.

This is ridiculous, justice was not served here. The defense did more than enough to secure reasonable doubt, and the prosecution fell short of proving beyond that doubt. I personally think that the jury saw how educated Ms. Hughes is, saw that she is a beautiful woman and wanted to make an example out of her. This is so sad, may God be with her. And as for Mr. Pittman (the real guilty party), he will get what is to come to him... Eventually.

I do believe that this girl committed this in conjuction with Keyon Pitman. I also believe it was not over kill. It was just making sure this young lady was indeed dead. Only one potentially fatal bullet was shoot to the upper part of the body and so the knife had to be used for reassurance. Both played an equal part to this murder. After Carla is sentenced, Keyon needs to be also charged with murder as well.

Gun knife shoes – says it all unfortunately. The bullets matched the gun Hughe's cousin lent to her days earlier after she had made the comment about "some things are about to change" to Pittman. Men like him do not have to murder a woman w/child to get her out of the way. Avis was NOT IN Pittmans way – as shown by one girlfriend and then another. It was the GIRLFRIEND who could not handle the kind of affair she was involved with. Egotistical at best. I think the jury got it right. If it quacks like a duck and it walks like a duck – we do not arrive at cow.

Gun knife shoes spelled Hughes w/motive – jealousy and ego.

It is about time women start to pay for their jealous rages, that is clearly what happen she simply snapped. For everyone out there thats wants to trespass on other people realationships this is the out come.

Wow! Would all of you naysayers out there feel the same way if you were the one on trial and you were involved in a ridiculous love quadrangle and someone ended up dead and you weren't the one who pulled the trigger, but yet you are charged? Think about it, the shoe could easily, someday ,be on the other foot. How would you feel to be found quilty? This is really sad. Maybe, we could be on your jury...scarey isn't it?? You would be be outraged when you hear the words: We the jury find the defendant GUILTY!!!

I must have been watching a different trial? There was a lot of circumstantial evidence that pointed to her. But come JURORS..... Its plain to see that "Keyon" is the true murderer. I do hate the fact that she didn't testify to answer some very important questions but the facts still remain that he is "GUILTY" with out a doubt!

I cannot believe that a jury would find Ms. Hughes guilty of committing
these murders. Her attorneys in my opinion did in fact put on a very
good case for reasonable doubt. Keyon is responsible for much more than she is.

I think justice has been served. Keyon had no reason to kill Avis. Although the defense fought a good fight, the gun, knife, and shoes told it all. May Avis and her innocent unborn child rest in peace.

Can't say for sure who the guilty is in this case, but one thing is for sure. This turned out to be a very sad ending for both the side of the victim as well as the accused.

Was there doubt? Yes. Was there reasonable doubt? No. The gun and the cellphone records did Carla in. The jury got it right and as difficult as it had to be for them, they took their time and examined the evidence before them. Honestly, I thought this was going to be an hung jury.

I can't believe this verdict. I watched and listened to everything and if I was on this jury I would not have been convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt. And that says a lot because I am not usually prone to believe the defense side of things, I am a law and order lady and more often than not side with the prosecution. I served on a murder/kidnap case and understand the inner workings of the jury process and I can't understand how these 12 come to the decision that this woman is guilty. In my opinion, if Hughes is guilty of anything it is of being seduced by the real killer, Pittman and now he gets to walk away free and clear, how sad.

I am one that also believes that Mr. Pittman was involved. I believe that they both conspired to kill Ms. Banks and Mr. Pittman used Ms. Hughes' shoes to put more evidence pointing at her. Basically, he used her to point the evidence at her.

If Carla Hughes is guilty then so is Keyon Pitman. He had more to do with this than womanizing! I am sure that he is breathing a sigh of relief because now someone has been formally charged with the murder and they can't necessarily pin it on him. WOW! I wonder if Carla Hughes will talk now and say anything in her defense or to implicate Pitman.

The majority of women on jury found the truth. A pretty face is not a pass for murder.

I'm sickened by the entire thing. Can a woman be so desperate that she'll kill to get a man?

She may have done it but there was plenty of reasonable doubt????

I believe the jury got it right. Keyon Pittman is a pitiful excuse for a human being, but he is not the one that got the gun from her cousin, she did. She returned it right after being questioned. If it was really for protection, why return it so quickly???? Don't understand how people can say she had nothing to do with it.

thank god she thought she had got away keon pittman is not gods gift to any body she should have found her another man

I am shocked!!! There was clearly reasonable doubt!!!

@Jacqueline Wilson – regardless if Carla has had it easy in her life, that does not constitute a conviction for murder; however, unless I missed something in my criminal justice classes!

The jurors duty was to decide her guilt or innocence on the evidence that it was presented, not any inferences that they wanted to draw...the evidence. The EVIDENCE showed that Keyon Pittman had a key to Carla's house, he wore the shoes that they found the blood on and his actions after he claimed he found Avis' body are all details that can not be overlooked.

Based on those facts alone, there is your reasonable doubt. I do not know this woman at all, but I do think it is sad that she was convicted of this horrible crime when there was just as much evidence against Keyon Pittman!!!

I feel Carla Hughes had bad lawyers. They wasted their time making Mr Pittts the bad guy we already knew he was a RAT. They never explained WHY she continued to see him after he told her that he was getting and Avis was having a baby. Also, they never explained Carla stalking! They missed to many chances to explain her behavior.

PS Another major error when they put her mother on the stand. Where is her son? Was the father of the little boy at trail?

I think the nail in her coffin was lying about going to a shooting range. If she had acted shocked when the gun was found to be empty by her cousin, I believe she wouldn't have been convicted. The other evidence was quite convincing that Pittman was involved to some degree and a set-up was plausible, but not after she admitted to using those bullets.

she did it,we may not like the fact that Keyon is now remarried but Karla acted alone, she was SICK with jealousy . She destoyed several lives,her own son will not know his mommy and avis is dead and her poor son was never born.

Everyone kept saying..'she's to pretty,,to educated to have commented
this crime..Well, i'm glad the jury saw through all this..and let that be a
lesson too ..'you can be pretty and have all the degrees in the world'
and still be a very evil person...i have no smypathy for this killer.

The jury did their job - and did it well. She is guilty. This was a murder full of rage, and Hughes was the only one in this very taudry drama who would have felt such rage. It's a good thing there were so many women on the jury. They weren't fooled the way some men might have been by a nice-looking, well-educated young woman. I'm sure justice has prevailed.

Of course she killed Avis. Especially when she used the knife to make sure the baby was killed also. This is surely a rage killing. She was following this lover where ever he went with Avis, even checking into hotels. She was a "stalker" and when she realized he was not that interested and a baby, a boy, was coming, she thought she would lose him for sure. Why would a woman be so involved with a man who does not feel the same way is beyond me. Many years ago, I loved someone who just used me for sex and thank God I had the strength to give him up. He is a "charmer" and she was played. No matter the education, degrees and the knowledge she achieved, she is an "idiot" to lose everything over this man. God help her to deal with what she has done. God will take of him when his time is done on this earth.

To S comments – The gun range thing cannot be used against her because that was hearsay from the gun owner testiimony. Carla did not say that herself on the video she did.

I worked for major cell phone company cell tower tech dept and the tower info should not be the sole info to show where someone is located just based on that.

ALSLO, K Pittman had the basketball mom, use his phone as if he was there at the school.

I really felt that there was enough reasonable doubt in this case. I was also surprised to hear the jury poll and that it was a unanimous verdict by all 12. If I were a juror I really would have liked to known about the so-called target practice; it would have been very simple to find out the range that she went to, etc., etc. Also I think that many people are capable of "snapping", even an educated woman like Ms. Hughes. Also they said that her child is 3 years old, was that how old he/she was at the time of the murder? Because if the chld is 3 now that would mean that she had a newborn at home at the time of this murder and that is just even sadder.
My heart & prayers go out to both families as this is a tragedy all the way around. Please women and men beware when getting involved w/cheaters. This man is already remarried, had an affair w/that basketball mom 7 months after Avis was murdered, how pathetic!!! He has ruined so many lives because he could not control himself & keep it in his pants.

I was hoping that Carla would be found innocent based on her attorney"s terrific opening statement. I even said to my husband that if he can present all the evidence he claimed pointed the finger at Keyon, there's no way she'd be found guilty. I was disappointed. In his closing he mentioned the ballistics expert never showing the results of the tests and to "take his word for it". I wondered why he didn't pursue that in cross-examination. Even though, I loved his closing argument, there was nothing that really pointed to her innocence. I just couldn't get over the time line of her possession of the cousin's gun and, except for alluding to gunshot residue on Keyon's hands, they couldn't put it in his hands. At the very least she would have been an accomplice. Sad day for everyone.

I think that it is sad and very unfortunate for Ms. Hughes. I especially feel sorry for her child. Thisshould be a valuable lesson for the world to see, it does not pay to cheat.

The Jurors convicted Carla using the " LAW" – the – " INSTRUCTIONS" for a guide. The case presented, was one of fact, not sentamental jargon. If ever a person was guilty, Carla is – I'm not saying Keyon is without guilt. All women who watched this case, will have to judge Keyon for themselves. Carla had the gun and knife, she returned the gun after the murder – she had a very good attorney, who pled a good case, but it didn't work.

She finally shows some emotion. All during the trial she sat there like it was her TV debut

I am completely and utterly disgusted by the outcome of this case. Yes, it is truly sad that Avis Banks and her unborn child were brutally and savagely killed, but with the evidence and testimony of Keyon Pittman (the main suspect, in my opinion) it is also disheartening to see that another successful young woman's life must now come to an end. Anyone in their right mind can see that Keyon Pittman played some part in the murder of Avis Banks in some way...his behavior and actions before and after her murder can prove this; it just seems as though he acted too suspiciously. If it were possible, I strongly believe that Keyon Pittman should have been punished in some way for the murders of Avis Banks and her unborn child. A real man who truly loved and cared for his fiancee and the mother of his child would not have acted in the manner that Keyon Pittman did by rendevouzing with various women... his actions clearly showed that he just did not care for or about her.

Thats terriable the way this case ended. I am most defitnitley shocked.But it goes to show having affair you can lose both ways.

I think she did the crime, but I think there was reasonable doubt. If that worm Keyon did it, he should rot in hell. Also, if she didn't have any role in the killing, why on earth did she not take the witness stand in her defense????

What DID surprise me was that the prosecution didn't get the clothes or conclusive type of evidence. Why not? Was Hughes offered a polygraph? Usually people in her position are offered polygraphs to clear themselves. After seeing her several times, I didn't like her and no, I did not feel that she was innocent. Her eyes spoke of other things not nice.

This should be a mistrial as a Federal lawyer there was no edvidence to give her 30 min of jail time wake up justice system this is a person life. This should be Kenyon Pittman on the stand for murder and Carla fo perjury (7 years not death)

it takes a moran to belive this woman is innocent, Kudos to a jury that will stand up and do whats right and see through the smoke and mirrows, GREAT VERDICT.

Sad!!!!! He did it and framed carla, "wifey" better look out this is a true jerk honey.

There's no way he can love someone and not even have 1 tear cumin out his eyes he's a disgrace and I hope he gets what he deserves

She was obviously guilty. She borrowed gun & knife from her cousin. Bullets from victims' body are match to gun. Her footprints found at murder scene. Victim was shot and stabbed. Crime of passion. She wanted victim and the unborn baby dead!

I feel sorry for carla, if you don`t give the juror what they want, you will always end up on the losing side. she should have took the stand.
it was her life on the line not the lawyer even though they did a good job.

WOW. Pittman wanted his cake and ice cream too, I guess he get to do it all over again, with some other suspecting victim. That was a setup job, and he expected her to be down, and keep her mouth shut about what he did. And she in up taking the fall for a crime she didn't committ. So sad........

she is guilty and now they need to look at Keyon he is on this too. Now he don't have Carla nor Avis(may her and her baby rest in peace) and it is very weird that he got married so quickly he didn't love Avis like he said he did if he did (why fake those tears).

The American jury system at its best???

I think she did do it, but there ws not very much evidence to show that she did.it or even that Keyon did it !

I really didn't get a chance to see the entire trail however there are know WINNERS in this. Both young ladies Hughes and Banks family have list a child and the best thing we a christains can do is PRAY for both families.

I can't believe what many of you are saying. What does Carla Hughes messing with a man who is engaged has to do with her killing someone? Who cares? Being a mistress is beside the point. Keyon Pittman knew what he was doing, he had too many girlfriends and could not keep up with them, so he had to kill one off, and just so happen he took the one he was so called "in love" with and she was pregnant. I really feel saddened by the whole entire trail.The only reason why they convicted her is because she didn't take the stand and they wanted to convict someone quickly. Justice was not serve at all.

This is such an injustice. KEYON PITTMAN is the guilty one. He’s a manipulator and clearly manipulated the women in his life as well as the PROSECUTORS. I can’t believe the jury found Carly GUILTY. The judge better overturn the verdict. If this is justice, then we all better be afraid. This is scary. There was no evidence against CARLA. Keyon set her up and I hope he is eventually investigated for murder. He NEVER loved AVIS and did not want to become a father or have to marry her. Keyon will get what’s coming to him sooner or later. I KNOW he took the gun from Carla’s home, killed Avis and then put the gun back in Carla’s home later that night. Hell, we don’t even know if for sure that was the gun that was even used in the murder. Keyon is a player and he was smart enough to play the prosecutor and the police and then move out of state to Michigan and marry someone else. Keyon should rot in HELL for this. This is such a setup and if based on the evidence presented, the jury has found her guilty, then we should all be very afraid because it could very easily have been one of us.

OMG! This is crazy! Why, in this world, did the jury convict HER!?
"Beyond a reasonable doubt?" Apparently, they were NOT listening. The gooberhead, Keyon, should have been on trial. I would demand a retrial, appeal, or something! This decision is absurd. The blunders made by the police, are enough for a retrial. They didn't test for fingerprints on the door of the home. The dog brought in, was not trained to alert for foreign smells. This alone should be cause for retrial. GIVE ME A BREAK! Yet one more murderer, has slipped thru the cracks!

i have been watching this since it started. i am very shocked that she was found guilty.im sorry but he is the guilty one. to put some one on the death penalty to me they don't have enough evidence on her i am saddened by this

God Bless the Jurors!!!!!!!!!!!

She is so Guitly!!!!! She did it and she is evil.

WOW... I'm in shock and can't believe she was found guilty. I'm with some of the others and hope she gets a retrial. I think keyon is getting away with murder...

It is very sad for all parties..my heart goes out to everyone that this crime has affected. I can't help but to think that she is guilty. If I were in her shoes and I was "innocent"..I would be scared but I will be ready to say my peace on the stand..I would want to have my say on the stand to defend myself if I were facing such serious charges. The fact the she did not testify sealed her fate.

Did Carla's defense ever state her alibi? The jury used the instructions given by the judge.

so uncomfortable with this verdict,as well as this case.something feels wrong.

I don't believe it..no fingerprints, no gun shot reside, no bullet forenics (forenic files i love it) no eye witness. Please. The defense showed reasonable doubt, and the juror didn't hear it (were they sleep).
All I'm concerned with is reasonable doubt, and the defense showed it.

Are those real tears she is crying? Did her attorney see them?

I watch this entire trial after being layoff, Carla didnot do this by herself. She and Mr.Pittman (player) did this together. She should have taken the stand and tell her story. let them both go down together. Even through she borrowed the weapons, Mr. Pittman had access to her apartment and was able to frame her. His day is coming when they will not need any jury for him but just send him to prison...

I watched a good bit of the coverage and my gut feeling was guilty. I cannot get past the gun and target practice. I cannot think of even one good reason why she didn't explain. Why would she lie about that if she were innocent?

WOW!!!!! I cried so hard as they read her verdict. This woman should not have been convicted of this murder. The defence did an excellent job at proving that keyon was guilty of this savage crime rather than her. I really hurt me to see her being convicted of a crime that couldnt even place her there at the seen no gun powder, no blood stained clothes, jus some shoes that was testified to be shared amongst both keyon and carla. I know she didnt do this. Keyon will pay for this someway or another. Even his behavior after Ms. Banks is dead suggest that he did not care or love Ms. Banks. He continued to have relations with Ms. Matlock and go on romantic adventures just months after her death. I believe in someway shape or form justice will soon be served to the real murderer.-Marie

we feel that carla hughes may have been set up by keyon. he was a player , and didnt want to be tied down, that is why he commited this horrible crime. if carla did have anything to do with this crime, then she had help from keyon.

Only GOD and Carla, maybe that keyon knows what happened. it's such a shame that 2 innocents had 2 be murdered. that keyon who calls himself a man is not a real man and he has married?????? i wonder who else he will hurt??? i am sure this is not the last female he will hook up up with-- he will likely hook up with 2 or 3 more females to go with his wife. he needs alot of drama to make him feel good about himself. i hope no one else dies.

Jesus knows the truth. No matter what we think, feel and believe. Jesus knows the truth and with signs that this world is showing, it want be long. The real truth will be revealed sooner than we think. My prayers are for both families and everyone involved. There is no true justice because in the end someone will be hurt or filled with anger and pain. Avis and her unborn child will not be brought back and Carla's son will not stop loving and missing his mother. Kenyon needs prayer and I pray that he has gotten his life together because if not Avis, their unborn child and Carla, Bridgett and who knows whoever else will be the begining of more damage and evil to come.

The jury got it right. There was just no evidence at all against Keyon and ALL of the evidence pointed to Ms Hughes. Didn't anybody look at her while Keyon was testifying? Ms Hughes was one very angry woman. Remember: this is not a woman who had any moral values in the least. She slept with an engaged man who owned a house and was having a baby with his fiance. She acted like a tramp, but was angry when Keyon treated her like one. If Ms Hughes was angry, she should have been angry FIRST, at herself for such stupidity, and SECOND, at Keyon for being a lying jerk. I would hope she gets the death penalty: she murdered two people because she was a selfish slut. That is no excuse in my book.

How can anyone in their right mind say that this woman is innocent? Just because she is sitting there looking all prim and proper? Knowing in her heart she pumped 5 bullets into Avis' body!! She had the audacity to sit there and start sobbing after sitting there stone face through out this whole trial! If her and her attorneys were so sure of her innocence she should've gotten up and explained to everybody a few things...like um, why is it a few days before a murder did you borrow a gun and knife...why weren't you scared for your safety months ago? Or how about why did you go to target practice with just five bullets...where did you go to target practice? Who went with you? Or how about the golden question...WHERE THE HECK WERE YOU DURING THE HOURS THAT AVIS WAS MURDERED??? The defense said again and again she had an alibi and presented ZERO evidence to show that. I am not clearing Keyon of any and all responsibility he has by no means a saint, he is a jerk, and a dog. But he did not commit the crimes.

The Jury arrived at the correct verdict.

How sad that they nevr took into consideration the break in at carlas house.Maybe the shoes she let keyon borrowed was placed in her closet bein that he had a key once.I mean the duplicate cost of the key is no more than $3.00 bucks.May be if they would have looked into avis's autopsy too see if she had any former scars other than those inflicted in the crime,bein that the blood stains could have been placed there on purpose by mr pittbull at the time he broke into her apartment .I mean if she let him hold her motorcycle she obviously trusted him around her property.And maybe, just maybe she knows pitbull man framed her too a degree in which she could have never explained herself and not be an accessory to the fact. I'm no lawyer, but i do know given enough time and enough access a pitbull could bite or even kill in this case.Too bad Carla didnt have the mental capacity of a criminal,she could have seen all the signs of criminal art work bein painted in front of her face. Shame on the Sheriff agency in this case.....

it's so sad that this young women has to go to jail behind a man and if he did have something to do with it,it will come back on him i hate to see us women get so love sick over these men its sicking love make u do crazy thing but i really dont feel like she did it alone and to let her go down by her self hates me and I dont evenn no her and u see were love gets u NO WERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why is it better to get life in prison than to be put to death? If I had a choice, I'd choose death. Living from 28 years old to however long she ends up living inside a cell of concrete cannot be anything but awful. If she was allowed the death penalty – it would be OVER and done with. Life sentence is slow death. Horrid.

I feel yal have done a wrong verdict Carla Huge is not Gulity. Jonny Walls they lied on your client.

I thank God that the jurors were not fooled like SO MANY of the viewers (I heard all the emails and blogs throughout the trial). I've watched every minute from beginning to end, and after prayer for God's will to be done and, if guilty, for justice to be done, I have no doubts whatsoever regarding the jury's verdict being the right one. Yes, what-his-name (not worth mentioning) is a piece of crap. His testimony certainly had no effect on me as far as helping the prosecution. But unlike some people who have commented, I do not believe that, although he was not the greatest of people, that he had anything to do with the murder. And if he had, certainly Carla would've squealed).

I believe the jury returned the proper verdict. The gun , the gun, the gun. However I do think that he was involved and hung her out to dry. He is so into himself and has no morals and cares about no one but himself. Maybe she can make a deal to spare her death and implicate him.

First, of all I am sad for Avis Banks' family; because sheand her child has died unfairly they didn't deserve this. I hurt for Carla Hughes and her family my heart really goes out to her ; Carla please appeal and request for a retrial. Second, I think Keyon Pittman had played a part in this and I think that he should be serving some time for his role I think he was in on this also. My heart goes out to both of these women and their families there were losses on both parts.

The thing that really makes me mad is that most of this evidence pointed toward Keyon Pittman ; I can't stand him I want to see him rott in jail; I think he was involved in this all the way . I think he is the scum of the earth he is ugly and he is no good and he will meet his maker and he hasn't gotten away with nothing . God bless Carla Hughes family and Avis Banks' family ; Carla stand strong "Only the strong will survive" ; please just don't give up the fight and stay strong a lot of people are pulling for you. You hang in there!!!!!!

Drawtheline, circumstantial evidence is more often than not more damning than eye witness testimony. The fact that Carla obtained that gun, had no alibi for target shooting (because she supposedly wanted the gun for security), the missing knife, the blood on her sneakers, the phone call in which she told Keyon that things were going to be different, and the cellphone records placing her near Keyon and Avis' home was an astounding amount of evidence. Humans can err in their perception of eye witness events – that has been proven; however, circumstantial evidence does not lie and cannot be argued against. Well, one can try... but the chances of success are not very good. Carla was a spurned lover and that can cause people to do things they might not otherwise do. She will pay for that for the rest of her life...

that is sad, i think mr.pittman kill that young lady and put the evidence in carla home.....im very upset of the outcome of this trial. my prayers go out to her family.

She did it she was obsessed an hurt by a man but that is still. No reason to Commit murder a lot of women go thru wat she went thru She knew he was married an didn't care an yes the man played a part but not in the killing she knew he would never leave his wife She deserves her punishment for killing that mother an child

I believe the jury came back to fast.i believe the defense did there job there was alot of doubt in this case. the fact alone that the dog couldnt pick up her scent.im really sadden by this case. the scumbag of pittman gets to walk off scott free,he not only has the blood of avis and his unborn but may have carlas as well how does he sleep at night

This was such a hard case. I mean, on 1 hand, you can say she was a woman scorned, on the other hand, according to Pittman, she knew it was JUST sex and wasn't going anywhere, so why kill his fiance, if you know it was just sex AND, she had male friends herself? I need to hear that she snapped, she had been harrassing Avis, something, for me to believe that she would have killed her AND a baby. So on that note, I really would have been in doubt. BUT, a woman scorned, and envious...who knows?! AND the gun and knife. That was what would have me convinced. Just too much reasonable doubt, in my opinion. But I do think she and Mr. Pittman were in on this togeather. He had more to gain, in my opinion, then she did. Especially, since according to him, it was JUST SEX, and she knew it.

Well the Jurors tried to give her a 2nd chance to testify..but she still refused..That really hurt her by not testfying in her own defense. It made it seems like she was really hiding something. I believe she was hiding something. THE TRUTH!

I had many questions back and forth on the onset of this trial
However as time and trial moved on and forward I began to see in my mind and beliefs this woman was Not the Killer
there was no physical evidence to put her at the scene.
I think that it was the Fiance that did the murder with gun and knife supplied by Carla(possible)
My thoughts still say WHERES THE KNIFE?
I pray For Carla
Was JUSTICE really served?

I believe the verdict is just. I believe both of them conspired together, but if this young lady is going to let things fall as they have, then she is not as smart as everyone is trying to portray. Shes guilty. Hes guilty also, but he is not on trial, she was. He will have his day. Now convicted, watch the truth come out...

I also think the defense didn't do a good job focusing on countering the evidence. Instead, they argued about his character as a womanizer, which is more damning for the defense when dealing with a jury of all women pretty much. A womanizer wouldn't have to do anything himself. A womanizer has the charm, the gift of gab to get these women to follow him, agree to his terms, and in the long run do whatever it is they need to in hopes of winning him over. Thats damning to the defense.

Carla's family was worried about something. Her mother called her sister to ensure Carla did not go near Keyon or the situation. There is a reason to this. This tells me that there was more interactions between victim and defense that was not mentioned.

The gun (you really can't put in anyone elses hand but the defendant). It was up to her to put in keyon or someone elses hand, but she chose not to...... She had the gun... Her family had no motive to lie. Lets not forget that the cousin said that the defendant called him to say that "we just did it or we handled it." or something similiar and when asked who "she said keyon's girlfriend." Damning to defense. The defense tried to convince us that nobody saw defendent at the house, etc. but they never countered what was there that is damaging to me.

the shoes........ why would you want a man that would wear your shoes..... she was not as smart as the defense said...... he did not set her up. they conspired together and her not talking was more damaging to me than anything. if i didn't do it and i have all these things pointing at me... i want to tell you specifically why keyon did it and not me, but she didn't. I believe you only have something to hide by not speaking up and drilling in on creating that reasonable doubt as your saving grace.......... she crapped out.....

I'm so glad the jury did not stop at her education or her looks, because to me she looked like a women who was in love with that jive turkey, and like someone wrote she seemed a bit spoiled, and thought that things were gonna go her way! He was already taken, pregnant girl, new house, he was not going anywhere and he did not want Avis killed that idiot just wanted it just the way it was....not Carla! She saw that there would be no change....so she made a change! wow, now imagine three years later at trial when you know she's over him....imagine what she is thinking....she KILLED them, over HIM...I feel sorry for her right now....now is when she has no feelings about him but the reality is settin' in and he is married.....to someone eles!!!!

Not testifying in her own defense seemed to be the rope that hung her. If I was on the jury I would have been highly suspicious of that choice. Coupled with the circumstantial evidence I would have believed she was guilty also. I certainly don't believe she was the only one involved in this crime. Avis and baby, rest in peace.

Carla Hughes should have taken the stand in her own defense..If she had nothing to hide that would have shown up....I think justice was served.....The boyfriend was a SCUMBAG...But that doesn't make him a killer......If she had used the gun she borrowed for target practice..she should have been able to say where it was...also she returned the gun empty .....she should have taken the stand....The jury need to hear from her that she was not involved.....

I'm not surprised at the verdict. I watched this trial from day one. There were too many unanswered questions from the defense side. I believe that her and Pittman did these murders together. I think he wanted out of that relationship with Hughes and did not want to be a father and he talked Carla into helping him. I also think that Carla was smitten with Pittman and some women are crazy enough to believe EVERYTHING that a liar and a cheat (like Pittman) tells them. She should have fessed up and maybe could have gotten a deal from the Prosecution if she testified against Pittman. Its a tragedy all around.

In my heart, I felt Carla was guilty but not the only one to blame. We as women always feel the "man" is going to leave. Well, the dumb man (Keyon) didn't and now for Carla, life in jail. For What!!! (Look at Him) A man, who after the death of Avis’ and his unborn son, calls Carla after the fact, leaves town (I wonder why???), and get married in less than a year. Keyon needs to be in jail because he was wrong. I feel some justice was giving today but not all.

Too much evidence was going towards Carla Hughes and I feel so bad for her. I cannot say she did it, but the circumstances are too strong against her. I feel for all families in this trial.

This verdict could have been avoided if the defendant had taken the stand on her own behalf!!
I to believe there was reasonable doubt and that it was definitely a conspiracy between Hughes and her lover to kill Avis Banks but because she refused to take the stand she was sealing her own fate.
Mr. Pittman will have to be judged by a higher power and HE WILL SEE HIS JUDGEMENT DAY. His poor wife she better not turn her back on him for one second, she may be next.

I agree with the verdict and justice have been served!being a player in my younger days almost caused crazy woman like her to ruin what i had at home.she should of just stuck to position of being the second woman or left pittman alone now look at her

Keyon Pittman is the most dangerous copperhead to ever come out of the swamp lie lie lie my heart and prays go out to everyone thats has been affected by this horrible crime. but we love you Jami hope you enjoy your next 20 plus year doing what you do so well. thank you for keeping it real.

The jury made the right decision. . . Hell hath no wrath than a woman scorned, and she was a scorned woman.

Pam October 13th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

Anyway, I’m with the jurors. She looked awfully cold for a well-educated, accomplished person!

Just curious tho, were ballistics done on the gun and I missed it?
******************************************************

Ballistics were done. Bullets matched gun Hughes borrowed from cousin. He also lent her a knife which was not recovered.

People say she looked smug
How should u look
When you are fighting for
Your life!!! Justice
Was not done!!!

Guilty Guilty Guilty Justice was serverd,However we do not believe she acted alone,She got what SHE deserved.

Oh my God! I can't believe this and I still feel Carla is not guilty. Keyon did it or should I say another "Scott Peterson" but this is one is getting away with murder. All the evidence points at Keyon. He had the motive, gunpowder on his hands and he had access to both homes in wich he could have gotten the gun from Carla's home. And there was no trace of gunpower found on Carla. Carla is only guilty of falling in love with a Big forehead womanizer. And Keyon knew his way around Carla's home. Carla's mom gave us that evidence when she said the had came up stairs in Carla's child room and spoke to her. Keyon faked his crying on the witness stand and he showded no emotion when Avis died. And this case had so much reasonble douth in it as well. I would really like to know what were the jurors thinking.

I am surprised at the verdict. I served on a murder trial years ago and its amazing how jurors don't go by the law. Whether you think the person is quilty or not has nothing to do with it. You are supposed abide by the law as it is written, like it or not. As I understood it if there was any Reasonable Doubt you could not find the person quilty. In this case there was definately reasonable doubt.

Bad decision. Did forensics show how many hours Banks was deceased and how long was the body in the garage before being discovered. Where was the blood on Pittman. The shoes could have been placed in the closet by Pittman after the murder and during the days of the investigation. He had a key to Hughes apartment. The only evidence the Proscecution had was the gun and the knife. That was truly bad for Hughes. Had I been on the jury, I truly believe it would have been reasonable doubt... but the Senator lawyer just did not plant enough doubt. Too much blame toward Pittman.

PLEASE PEOPLE WATCH FORENCIS FILES ON TRU TV..
That's why I say Resonable Doubt.
I don't know if she is guilty, but reasonable doubt was proven.
We have to know what reasonable doubt is before going on a jury, because I want her Lawyer if I ever get in trouble. He did and excellent job, and the jury got it ALL WRONG.

Also: Hughes lied repeatedly to the police in her interviews. If she were actually innocent, why didn't she tell police the truth from the first day? If Keyon were involved in any way, why didn't she admit that? Why did SHE borrow the gun and the knife, then lie about them? She has brought this on herself, in all ways possible. She needed to take the stand: not to provide new evidence, but to explain the evidence that pointed only at her. The problem is that there was no explanation of what she did. Lesson for women: don't ever sleep with married men or men with girlfriends. You should have more pride. Keyon didn't really want her, he just wanted the sex, like he said on the stand.

Because this case was so circumstantial, Hughes will probably NOT get the death penalty.

i personally feel that any woman who has ever gave birth to a child would never stabbed a pregnant women in the abdomen. Ms Hughes was plainly 'set-up' in this murder, and Mr Pittman went on with his life and married someone else in one year's time, he met someone, fell in love, got engaged and married. When did he mourn the death of his fiancee and their unborn child. The jury should be six blaces, six whites. Three females white and three females black and so on .... MISSISSIPPI LET'S BE FAIR during the appeal and get Carla Hughes home to her family, she has over-paid the State for a crime someone else committed, I'll be watching and praying for justice.

I can't see a woman stabbing and shooting another woman. No love is greater than that of a child, who now will be without his mother.

They both should have been charged. You did have enough for doubt,but far more evidence to link her there.

This was a sad case, yet I felt there was reasonable doubt. I believed the evidence pointed to both Carla and Kenyon. Her education has nothing to do with whether or not she could commit such a crime. Many people do not love with their intellect they love with their hearts and their emotions, which we all know could lead a person to some bizarre decisions. We are all human and have our flaws. I personally know many educated women who get involved with individuals like Kenyon Pittman, even worse than him. She was in love. Maybe to the point that it made her participate in something she would not normally participate. We may never know what really happened. For that reason she should not get the death penalty.

The jury had it right. Carla alone is guilty of this heinous crime. No reason for Kenvyon to want to kill Avis and his unborn child. After all, he was having his cake and eating it too. Hopefully, Carla can use her teachiing skills to educate and rehabiliate other female prisoners in the system. And likewise, they can school her on ordinary life issues since she lacked common sense, but is otherwise intelligent.

Marcia , I totally agree I do believe that they (Carla & Keyon) conspired together to commit this horrific crime.And I have strong reasonable doubt that either party was there at the time of the crime so there in deed room for another suspect(s).I a home sick so I have been glued to this trial and even done some web surfing on andits amazing how so many people that know Carla state she just didn't have it in her.Well breaking news ...LOVE, LUST, and a combination of a manipulating MAN can make you do things that you never thought you would. I pray that God spares her life and maybe after reality sets in to Carla she will come forth with the truth of what really happened that night. My heart goes out to the parents of Avis because the lost a hild and grandchild in such a brutal manner. have a heavy heart for Carla's parents also because we do the best to raise them but we never let go and they too have lost a child.The one thing that I know is that both moms are God fearing women.I will be tuned in for the sentencing trial tomorrow.

I was SURE there was enough evidence to show reasonalbe doubt in this case that there would be an aquittal or AT LEAST a hung jury. I'm not convinced justice was done in this woman's trial.

Wow!! I felt she may have been guilty, but I didn't think that was proven by the prosecutors. I believe there was reasonable doubt that she actually pulled the trigger of that gun.

Wow, I wonder will prosecution go after another suspect? They need to!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree that this is a sad case all the way around..... but Carla did it! The gun the gun the gun! Too fishy & she wouldn't cover for him if he had anything to do w/ it. Too bad for all involved!

they did find her guilty..but for some reason i think the fiance had something to do with it.

I think that Keyon Pittman was fully involved and think he should be put on trial . Keyon didn't care anything about neither one of these women; I really and truly beleive that Carla Hughes was framed!!!!!

I have so many mixed feelings about this case. I think both of them should be GUILTY. Carla Hughes knew exactly what she was getting into. I guess she was portraying some kind of fantasy in her mind that Keyon was going to be all hers. If a man loves you, he will only love you and not this woman and that woman! Black women, we really need to wake up and take control of our lives. My heart goes out to Avis, her unborn child, and Carla's son. Murder is not the answer, common sense is!

She got what she deserved and I have no pity for her .. if she was so damm Innocent why did she then take the stand and let it be knew? That she didn't commit this crime ? She hung herself by not taking the stand that tells me that she has something to hide (GUILTY).. Keyon took the stand told it all even though he's a low dowm of a punk I believed him more just for that so carla will spend the rest of her life in prison now

I am horrified! I felt the prosecution's case was weak and they did not prove that Ms. Hughes comitted this crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Not to me, anyway. I hope and pray that the defense will file an appeal and people with "common sense" will be chosen as jurors.

wow Carla did not do it.Pittman walks free the new wife better watch out he is no good,I know he can!t sleep good at night for what he has cause all these deaths.His ex,the baby,and now carla.He will get his,he thinks he is free know and living good,but his day will come very soon,and i mean very soon.When you do wrong too other as he has done no good comes too you.I will keep Carla in prayer and hope she will have re-trail to prove her innocence.And i pray that GOD keeps Carla child safe and surcure,it going too be very hard for the child without there mother.

Wow never seen that comming they have it wrong poor family my heart goes out to both sides

I thought the verdict was going to be not guilty. I am surprised.

After hearing the defense's argument, I pretty much was certain that she was guilty. The way her lawyers bashed Mr. Pittman was unfair. The man is not a killer, he is just a man with an insatiable appetite for sex with a variety of females, while living a normal life with his girlfriend at home.ex:(President Bill Clinton, Governor Spitzer). Ms. Hughes just lost her sanity and her biggest downfall was her cousin's testimony.

I feel so bad for her. Maybe someone from the jury found Keyone atractive, what a loser. I can't believe she has to take the wrap for this. You know what's sad she's gonna go to jail for life, if they don't give her the death penalty and this jerk is gonna keep womanizing. You know I hope they appeal this and get some real jurors. I hope she decides to talk now and give him up. God be with her! What a shamefull verdict.

Come on people, did you really listen to the the same trial I did. Lets not just feel sorry for people because they look nice or have a good job. She borrowed the gun and knife. The gun was fired and she returned the gun. All the evidence was there to show only she could have accomplished this. The shoes, her everything! She chose not to defend herself because she had no way to explain where she was (other than the murder scene), and where she fired the gun prior to returning it. I know she doesn't have to prove herself innocent, but she needed to do something to help the jury see she wasn't there because the trial wasn't going her way. The jury listened and made the only decision they could, "guilty".

I agree with the verdict and justice have been served!being a player in my younger days almost caused crazy woman like her to ruin what i had at home.she should of just stuck to position of being the second woman or left pittman alone now look at her!

I for some reason do not feel the right person was charged with murder. I don't feel they proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that it may have been the boyfriend

I think they both planned and killed Avis. Its just too late for her to say we both did the crime and its unfortunate but thats the law. He (Keyon) got away and he knows it.

I agree with the verdict, although I could have understood it if it went the other way. One thing is for sure: this is a tragedy all the way around! One baby is dead. One baby will grow up without his mother. The lives of two educated women with goals centered around children are over (regardless of the penalty decision)...and all for Mr. Pittman, the organic-eating, unscuffed-shoe wearing TEACHER with all the morals of an alley cat. I wonder what the new Mrs. Pittman thinks of her prize now?

She may be guilty, but the procecutors did not prove their case. There was plenty of reasonable doubt. People want to blame women who get involved with men like Pitman, by saying they "need to use their brains", but our culture needs to look overall at the messages we teach regarding men and women. We (women) have not "come a long way Baby" over the past few decades but have actually lost a lot of ground and power, as evidenced by the prejudice in this trial and verdict, the daily portrayal of women scantily dressed and submitting to men on television and in the movies, and the constant advertising of billions of dollars in products for women so that they can get men to approve of them and accept them, because that is has been taught since they were little girls as one of the highest values in our culture. Women are harshly judged in our culture based on their ability and inability "to get and keep a man". Let's all wake up and teach our girls and boys, women and men that they are worth more than that. This is such a sad case and not that uncommon.

Justice was NOT served in this case i think, there should be a retrial I would like to no which courtroom those jurors were sitting, I can not believe these people were hearing the same evidence i was hearing, this murder has K Pittman name all over he is a cold blooded cold hearted murderer.

I feel that Ms. Hughes committed the crime. Think about it! What "real" reason did Mr. Pittman have to kill Ms. Banks. (1) Okay, so she was pregnant, big deal. You have plenty of women pregnant and spouses/boyfriends continue to cheat w/o suffering any repercussions from it. (2) They were engaged, now lets be realistic. People break off engagements all the time especially within our black community. (ex: on again off again). (3) What, he was afraid she was going to leave him, yeah right!! Mr. Pittman just doing what the other 85% of men are doing, CHEAT and getting away with it. A womanizer, Yes, killer, No. Ms. Hughes thought she could get away with murder b/c she has gotten away with so much other stuff. She got upset with Mr. Pittman b/c he had Ms. Banks as his #1 and she wanted to be in her place. She could not continue to accept the fact that she was a sidepiece. Someone should have informed her, once a sidepiece always a sidepiece. Just keeping it 100%.

GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!! Thank god we have a justice system in this country that works. You play you pay!

I am not surprised at all. The spoiled brat was used to having her way or no way. The Defense did her an injustice by trying to place all the blame on a jerk (Kenyon). But the fact of the matter is: The gun made her guilty. She borrowed the gun 3 day before the murder and return it 2 days after the murder. After the murder, Kenyon was under the Police radar. He did not have the time or opportunity to go over her house and return the gun. Carla had the gun the entire time. One of the bullets out of that gun was found in Avis. Thus, Carla is GUILTY.

As far as the sentencing phase, I do believe her life should be spared. But with the unborn baby involved, you never know . . . . . . .

Justice is suppose to be fair... It's VERY obvious that the jury DID NOT follow the instructions of the court or the law... There was AMPLE eveidence and testimony to show "reasonable doubt" and she should have been found not guilty according to the law... What the purpose of the Judge reading the Jury instructions to them and you go off and make your own judgement or law for that matter... The instructions said that they could not cosider any reason why she didn't want to take the stand because it was her right!!! So if they are basing there decision clearly because she didn't take the stand is not following the court instructions or the law...

OMG YES! There was enough circumstantial evidence. And drop the whining about people of color. There are injustices done to all kind of people every day of the year worldwide, not just the South. Let's see how ignorant you would be sitting on this jury! They got it right!

The Jury was comprised of intelligent Juror's, I believe they reviewed the the same information as did the investigstors, and unfortunately she was found guilty...

Now for Mr, Pittman; he should be ashamed of himself, because if he wasn 't selfish Ms. Banks would still be alive, his selfish act caused so the deaths as we all know it, how sad, the baby never got a chance.

I personally DO NOT agree with the verdict because I did not think that the prosecution had a case against her.

Oh yeah by the way just because a man cheats does not mean that he is guilty of murder just of cheating! All the evidence in this case points to Carla Hughs plain and simple. The jury got it right and made the right decision ! The people have spoken and GUILTY it is!

The jury got it right!!! As far as her not taking the stand, she couldn't. There would have been to many tough questions to answer that could not be lied about. She had to depend on reasonable doubt, it was her only hope. The brutality of the murder suggests a crime of passion. I think besides the gun, the strongest evidence against her was the cell phone records. She was in the vicinity when the murder occurred, Keyon was miles away. The only thing the defense attorney did wrong was promise to prove that Keyon did it in his opening remarks. The evidence clearly showed that he was miles away when Carla murdered Avis and her unborn child. Keyon is a scum bag low life, but not a murderer. I am for the death penalty in most cases but believe she should get life in this case, because it was a crime of passion even though she probably planed it. Jealousy will make even the smartest people crazy at times.

I cannot even express my dissappointment in my own community. This investigation, the trial, and now the verdict....... it has all been so backwards and surreal!!! It is frightening and heartbreaking in this case. It will bother me for some time.

I am totally shocked!!! Keyon Pittman, did the killing.He did not want to give up his "cheating way's".I think M(r)s.Hughes attorneys were right.Give her a retrial and when you do put her up on the stand so she can teel her side because if she did not do it then it will not hurt her if she told her side,and she can bring her friend up to tell that she was really over to her house visiting her.Back to Mr. Pittman I've never seen a more fake man in my life.He faked cried because his eyes were never red like he had been crying Put him on trial!! Thank youfor letting me have my say.

what is this world coming too mr.pittman had more motive than anyone he didnt want to be with ms.banks but he didnt have the balls to tell her because she was pregnant and he knew child support would come into play so he killed her and set ms.hughes up he had a key,wore her shoes, took the knife killed poor avis now look he has ruined another life may GOD have mercy on his guilty soul

I feel that the jury made the the right decision.I would have voted guilty if I was on that jury.
She borrowed the gun that did the killing from a family member!!
I could never get past that fact. I guess neither could her own family.Thank God her cousin and uncle felt something wasn't right.
This is a Death Penalty case.....There is no way she wouldn't have told if Keyon or anyone else had helped her.
Justice was served today.Tragic case.

that was very painful to watch. it brought me to tears to see just the picture of her reaction. i thought the defense put so much doubt out there. i hope they dont drop this case. keep looking for new evidence and keep appealing. lets not send another innocent person to death-row. my condolences goes out to both the Banks and the Hughs families.
God Bless

carla only you and God know the truth about what happen, you and your lover knew what you were doing and now you would have to deal with the next stage of your life that youg woman and her baby are gone may God have mercy onyour soul. please ask God for forgiveness so that your soul will not be lost.remember the ten commandment thou shall not kill.

I really felt sorry for her when I heard the verdict. My mind kept on going to the fact that she has a 5yr old child, so sad this whole case is just so sad.

keyon did it he had the shoes access to the gun ,gsr on him first one there , when the defense attry said do u kno who shot the woman and he said no i dont ....... if i was having an affair and my lover killed my baby i would know she did it and be angry and tell ppl she did it because i know my lover . he acted numb

Sorry, I couldn't convict HER if I couldn't convict HIM! She got played!

First of all, only God can judge, but I think that if she was willing to play with fire by not implicating the boy friend at all, then she didn't think much of her own life. It saddens me to know that there are still women out there that would take the fall for a no good man.

Oh, so now she shows some emotion. Now that she knows she might be going to the electric chair. Why didn't she show any of that for the poor girl that she supposedly didn't kill. Except for the time when she was so unconsolable at first, when the police came to talk to her. How cold is it when you use your own families gun to kill a woman and a baby. Then now you have split your family forever!!!

This is absolutely crazy!! How can a jury convict this woman based on NO real evidence. The boyfriend had access to the gun, the shoes and easily could have set her up. I've never seen something so ridiculous in my life. I just love how this system fails people everyday. Just because they couldn't get enough evidence against the jackass boyfriend, they convict Carla. What a mistake.

I fell like like this is the rigth verdict because she had the gun & retrun the gun back too her cousin with no bullets in it at all also Carla return the gun but did return the knife another thing Carla shoes that Avis Banks blood on then.I fell sorry for Carla child because they are going to grow up without a mother & in the end it wasn;t even worth because Keyon went on with his life Carla ls goimg be sitting in posion for the rest of life

Was Ms. Huges offer a plea??

You do the crime then do the time!

Hey i think that if she was innocent,she would have talk and told her side of the story,but with her knowing what really happen,she didnt want him to tell on her,so im thinking she committed this teribble crime and his albis was him sitting in the gym not talking to the kids knowing they had a big game the very next day,and thats why he was making all the calls to carla at that time,because he knew she was on her way to his house,to kill his girlfriend at the time,thats the reason why he came up missing out of the gym,because he was telling her every move to make...I wouldn't be surprised if he heard the whole killing because he talked her into it.....Keyon Pittman was the mastermind of it all!!! carla should have testify on her on account...

Maybe she should have used those tears during the trial instead of waiting for the verdict. She was guilty and she thought she was going to get away with it, that's why she always looked so smug. No, he was no saint and he admitted he was cheating, but SHE also knew he was living with someone else and that didn't seem to bother her, she just went right on cheating with him. I hope they give her the death penalty!!

The defense attorney told the jury that the only witness the prosecution had was Keyon Pittman. WRONG!!! The defendant's cousin was a witness, and he put the murder weapon in Carla's hands during the time of the murder. Thank goodness juries can see through the manipulations of criminal defense attorneys.

I have been watching this trial everyday. I kepted hearing she returned the gun empty because of practice shooting. Why was the question never brought up about where she went to shoot to see if the empty shells were left there or were they left in the gun?
Not taking the stand in her defense was probably because she had no explanation for all the evidence against her. When her cousin testified you could tell he was thinking she had something to do with it and she had used his gun, and then no knife returned. I too believe Pittman was the beginning of all this grief.
Remarks were made about how we see teachers as leaders. i don't know about the rest of you, but after all the molestation and mistreatment to kids, they no longer are high on my opinion of leaders and well educated people.
As they say,,,,,,,what does a killer look like?

oh what a tangled web we weave when first we endeavor to act like animals in heat and then degenerate into jungle rule

Regardless of whether or not you think the fiance was involved, there is no getting around the plethera of evidence pointing in her direction. No curcumstantial evidence there. Footprints (hidden boots in box), gun, knife, exactly five bullets used, cell phone evidence. Puhlease people! That isn't reasonable doubt, that is hard and fast evidence. And if the boyfriend was involved, there is not one second she would have spent in jail knowing she was up for the death penalty. She would have spilled her guts for sure and would have asked to cop a plea and save her life. She didn't do that, because he wasn't involved. He is indeed a LOSER and I hope he spends the rest of his life paying the price for all the pain and suffering he caused... but she is the murderer.

The jury has a tough job to do, and yes I believe they got it right. You could not keep me from testifing if I were not guilty. There would be nothing I would have to explain. She want to play with the dogs , she now has the fleas! I do not wish any one has to make the decision the jury now has but this women took two lifes one (maybe two) that had no say in what the "man" was doing! Rest in peace now that the truth is out.

I am very shocked to read the verdict. I think that Mr. Pittman should have been looked at closer. I also think that Carla Hughes should have taken the stand to confess her innocence. That may have made a difference. Meca leca hi!

I feel very bad for the mother and the unborn child, but, I still feel that in my heart Carla did not commit this crime. On the other hand, if she did, she got what she deserved. Deep down in my heart I truely feel that Pittman did it. Or the did it together. I am truely Shocked at the verdict!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If she had taken the stand and stated her innocence I would have thought her not guilty. I watched the whole trial. If I did not kill that woman I would have shouted it from the rooftops. I do believe he also had a part in this. When she found out she was not pregnant she had to find another way to get this scumball.

Court TV obviously does not believe my name so I will put my email name. Thank God the jury is more savey than some of the New York commentators you guys have on your show. The chick has an education, true but so did Scott Peterson. He was convicted on circumstantial evidence and this girl actually had borrowed a knife, a gun, which turned out to be the murder weapon, and had bloody shoes in her closet. Said it before and I'll say it again, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is probalby a duck!!! You liberals in New York should get a better handle on reality. One would think you would with all the violence in your city. Justice is served. God bless the murder victim and her unborn child.

Conservative in Iowa

Reasonable doubt was established.... the "shoe" evidence was so compelling. I don't know ONE straight guy who would ever wear a woman's shoes... just doesn't happen. My gut is that Mr. Pittman got away with murder.

I was confident that Hughes was guilty after hearing about half of the testimony; however, according to the law, Hughes should've been found not guilty. The defense beat the prosecution in this case, but once again, the prosecution wins. This trial, for the first time, makes me question the current law. Should it be revised? The defense should have hammered the fact that she was an educator, especially during the closing arguments.

Paul from Des Moines, Iowa

I feel that the justice system failed this go around. This was not an open and shut case. Too many people of the RPD failed at their jobs. MY heart goes out to the Banks and Huges families.

Is it Election time in MS??
There was/is too much reasonable doubt.

I'm guessing there's going to be a RETRIAL!

Don'tLuvMe2Death!

i am glad she was found guilty. i felt all along she did it. her attorney tried too hard to convict her boyfriend of the crime. i admit he is terrible for hisa woman chasing but i dont think he is killer.so she should have taken the stand and talked if so innocent. that fact plus her lawyer blaming the boyfriend got the guilty verdict. the lawyer should have dangled the boy friend or an intruder. he put all his eggs in one backet and heres the result. good trial. i enjoyed it. my condolences to both families.

I have also follwed this case from day one and i feel as though Ms. Hughs did not kill Ms. Banks and her unborn baby. Now Mr.Pittman i feel should be the one about to seek the death, cuase as someone stated before Ms.Banks found out about Ms.Hughs and they got into an altercation. Maybe he didn't mean for it to go that way but when people have that much anger and rage in their heart no telling what one will do. I will always keep Ms.Hughs, Ms.Banks, and both families in my prayers. For Justice was not served in this case.

I have watched this trial from the onset. I would not have wanted to be a member of the jury. I don't know if she is guilty or not-I do know she was sucked in by that cheating jerk. Both of them will have to live with the very poor decisions they made for the rest of their lives.

Good job jury!!! Keyon just did not have enough motive. I do have a question: Why is it? when a woman knows about the other woman or finds-out there is another woman with her man. Why does the woman always go after the other woman and not the man.

Pitmann got away with murder! I believe that she was set up or was an accomplice. But her life was at risk why didnt she take the stand and defend herself????

I was only able to watch bits and pieces of this trial.

Can someone tell me if it was determined that the bullets that killed Ava came from the gun she borrowed from her cousin?

Thank you.

A beautiful young women, with a promissing future whose live has been destroyed because she got involved with another woman's man. I believe that while all evidence points to Carla, Mr.Pittman was also involved. Through testimony, it was proven that he is a cheat and a liar. Because of his behavior, Avis and her baby are dead and Carlas life is over (no matter what the sentence is), and Mr. Pittman goes on with his. This case should still be under investigation. There are to many unanswered questions. Was it just Carla, did mr. Pittman help or did he frame her.

Carla Hughes, was found guilty, and I am shocked! I am surprised that the jury asked the judge that question about her taking the stand, when they were instructed to follow their jury instuctions!!! I can't believe that the jury convicted her on circumstantial evidence! The police seems to have gave Keyon Pittman a big pass....on everything! Also, what was the deal with Keyon taking that married woman Bridget Matlock on a "romantic getaway" to of all places DETROIT 7 or 8 months after the murder of Avis?!! What kind of woman would go on a romantic getaway with someone, who's fiance and unborn baby was just murdered?! Matlock, also gave him an alibi.

EVIDENCE: She got the gun and knife from her cousin.
EVIDENCE: Victim was found with 4 bullet holes, and 1 bullet in wall
EVIDENCE: Suspect returns the gun to cousin with none of the 5 bullets
EVIDENCE: Shoes found at her house had the victims blood on them.
EVIDENCE: Foot print on the outside of the door, that was her shoe.
EVIDENCE: Her cell phone records show that the was in the area.
GUILTY: WHAT MORE EVIDENCE DO YOU NEED PEOPLE?

To everyone saying they should have Keyon as a defendant obviously didn't watch the entire trial or anything after the verdict was read. They had ZERO evidence pointing to Keyon. They didn't have any evidence to even bring 1 charge against him! So how can they charge him???? Just because he is a lying, cheating, scumbag doesn't mean he is a killer. If he DID have something to do with Avis' murder, then Carla is STUPID for not testifying against him and deserves her guilty verdict. I have no sympathy for her at all if he was involved because it's her own fault for not testifying and stating that. If she was innocent she should have been up there defending herself to the end. Everything points to her. She was a spoiled little brat who was mad she didn't get her way and was driven to commit a crime of passion. Her character must not have been that great if she is sleeping with a soon to be married man with a child on the way AND if she doesn't have custody of her own child. Educated people make stupid decisions too so don't let her appearance and background fool you. People "snap" all the time. I am so grateful that Avis Banks family finally can have some closure. RIP Avis.

This man has victimized his fiancee, his mistress and his child. Amazing she was found guilty without a reasonable doubt. However, I think she could have had better representation to prove her role in this whole situation.

Verdict is correct. Great job Jury!!! Her attempts to look innocent didn't work. I never saw her show any emotion either way... throughout the trial. Just eyeball everyone who was talking. Oh yeah and occasionally raise her eyebrows. She knows what she did and he is a loser. If he is married, that lady is as dumb as he is...She better run while she can.

Amazing! So much ridiculousness in this case. This is what I think happened....

Keyon was mentally distracted on that day, thus not coaching the basketball squad. He created an alibi by talking to the team mom, sitting briefly in the gym and returning to the gym after the murder.

He purposely sat near the door of the gymnasium so he could out undetected. He then drove to his house, probably changed into another shirt and Carla's shoes, staged the house and waited for Avis. When he heard the garage door shut, he went into the garage, murdered Avis and made sure to step in the blood with Carla's shoes. He changed back into his previous attire – went back to the school to give the appearance that he had been there all along.

When asked by the asst. coach if he could catch a ride home, he had to say "no" – 'cause the evidence and such was probably in the car; and he had to get back to the house to discover the body. He kept his car running, and went over and scared the neighbor – in order for her to call the police, see him, and so the time-frame could be validated. He didn't want to call 911, because those calls are recorded and often are used against people -as to the choice of words he used when he called, if he sounded concerned, etc.

He may have hugged Avis in front of the police to show as if he was concerned, but some of that blood was probably spatter from the gun or stabbing – but who knows – the dumb police never tested his clothing! (stupid)!

Later that night, when he went to Carla's house, he put everything back and waited! I think Carla knew something! But I don't think she knew to the extent of murder.

Keyon was very clever!...

OMG! Obviously this was not a jury of her peers. There definately reasonable doubt whether you thought she could be guilty or not. God is the only judge that matters. Keyon will have to answer to Him also. We all know that Keyon had the motive and opportunity to kill Avis and the baby also. He went to Carla's house before and after the murder. He could have gotten and replaced the gun, knife, and shoes. He also had gun residue on his person. Are you kidding me?

Why does defense alwas try to tear down evidence done by lab techs it always make the defendent look more quilty remember OJ!

Ok .. I knew this was going to be the verdict after watching the trial. I don't think that the boyfriend should go scott free. I firmly believe that he knew what she was going to do and might have even helped her plan it. I'm majoring in Criminal Justice for my Bachelor's degree and through all the classes I've taken I'm learning to "read between the lines". She's definitely guilty .. she had the gun, the knife and her footprints were found at the crime scene. What more can one say? I don't believe in killing another human being but under the circumstances that's the least she should get. If they put her to death by lethal injection then it will be alot more humane than what she did to Avis and her unborn baby. She should get what she deserves. Life in prison w/out the possibility of parole is too easy .. they have it made in prison. I'm a correctional officer in a men's prison and they have more luxuries than we do. They just have to serve their time living with things we wish we had. I feel that if you take a human life that you should pay with your life.

I think Carla should have testified. Perhaps the decision from the jury to charge her could have gone in another direction. We will never know at this point. What a total waist!!!!! Intelligent, smart, educated and full of life with a bright future. It only takes a few second to change the course of ones life. Hers is ruined. WOW!

I am really torn over this verdict The defense explained the shoes but the gun is what had me leaning towards guilty.But Mr. Wanna be playa needs to be charged also!!!!!!!

i can't believe that she is guilty, I think there was plenty of reasonable doubt, especially since her so called boyfriend did nothing, he had to park his car down the street, and all cell phones can call'. 911 even if you have a nationwide plan.

WOW GUILTY so sad Keyon Pittman should have had a seat right beside Carla Hughes also being changed with murder i truly believe Keyon Pittman was just as much Guilty as Carla Hughes i really think it could have been anyone maybe it was one of Keyon Pittman other women rest in peace Avis Banks & The unborn child.....

Guilty, as I thought.

As for Keyon, there are so many men out there like him two timing women it's not even funny. Probably, most of those Black men in this trial have 1 or 2 women on the side. I also got the impression that Keyon was a little afraid of Carla and that's why he never broke off with her after the false pregnancy. That gun and knife situation, along with the fact that Carla refused to take the stand, was the clincher for me. I have no sympathy for Carla, but for her mother and the Banks family.

Carla did it now she must pay for the crime. I hope she thinks of ms. Banks and her son every nite for the rest of her life!!!!!!!!

I am not convinced that Mr. Pittman is innocent. However, he was not the one on trial.
Ms. Hughes was the person who borrowed the gun and knife.
Stupid her.
I commend her cousin and her Uncle for coming forward. and doing the right thing.
If I was on trial for my life I would have taken the stand and implicated Mr. Pittman as my accomplice or the killer if that was the case.
Innocent people do not keep quiet.

I feel the evidence to convict Ms Hughes was too great for the jury not to. What is sad about this case is two beautiful smart women and a baby's life was destoryed and Mr. Pittman has gone on with his life. Let this be a lesson to women we need to stop falling for the bull, these poor excuses of men give.

I'm so glad that the jurors have came to the right verdict.She had gotten the gun and the knife.she was in the area with her phone at the right time also the shoes leaves no doubt in my mind.Since keyon had not seen her after the killing he could have not ever had the shoes to kill anyone.Thanks for listening

She is Guilty! This was a crime of passion, overkill if you will. She wanted to make sure she was really dead, shooting and stabbing. If she was innocent, she should have taken the stand, but guilty people rarely take the stand.

Its so sad that this happen to her but u have to be punish for your actions there is no need to cry now you should of thought about it before you done it..I feel so sorry for her because she is so young with a son left behind without his momma but thats probably the same way Avis family feels....

Looks can be deceiving! She certainly didn't appear guilty, I think the verdict could have gone either way. At any rate it was a very interesting trial to watch. Pittman should be greatful Karla has seen fit to keep her mouth shut...at least for now.

I'm not surprised with the verdict, but it shows how flawed the jury system is. We need an educated and a professional jury that understands how a trial works, not a jury made up of random people..this system is outdated, and inappropriate. There was plenty of doubt in this case, and the jury has to understand that if there is, they must either acquit her, or have a mistrial. Weren't any women offended at the fact that the prosecutor's office went after the cliched "woman scorned" idea? This is ridiculous....understand that I think that she probably did have something to do with the crime, like helping Pittman organize it, etc, but that doesn't mean that she has to be the ONLY ONE charged with the crime. One quick question that should have stopped the jury in their tracks...."how did an averaged size woman break down a double dead-bolted door?" I'm an average sized man at 5' 11", 210lbs, and it would be nearly impossible for me to do this..and if I tried, it would probably make an unbelievable amount of noise, and take me an hour or more....sad

As a law school student, I am shocked by the verdict. Personally after watching the case I could not say that I am absolutely sure she committed the crime. I believe her attorney thought that the jury would understand that the burden of proof rested with the state….Once, I heard that the jury was compose of a great deal of analytical professional women, I was concern. Sometime, the level of criticism is higher, I could not feel like I have done my job, when a young lady could possibly be put to death over the next two years. And I am not sure she committed the crime

I'm speechless I honestly believe Carla is innocent and this jury really made a big mistake now this woman who had so much going for herself will spend the rest of her life behind bars or even worst get the death penalty I feel so sorry for her

I can't believe this verdict there was so much resonable doubt in this case, but this American Justice that we trust so much in. What happen to beyond a reasonable doubt.

Oh and yeah Carla got the gun and knife...but I think she originally got it for protection,because her apartment had been broken into, but after Avis was found shot – she knew what Keyon had did. Wanting to protect him (dumb choice), she gave the gun back to her uncle and claimed that she went target practicing...not thinking that her uncle would verify if the gun had been involved in a murder.

So sad for Avis and the baby.

How do you get married 1 year later??? He didn't want Avis or Carla! He probably thought Bridgette was the safest choice, cause she was already married!

Although I have some doubt as to her guilt, I am not really sure that is reasonable doubt, i.e., enough to exclude her from being the one who committed the murders. I cannot get past the gun and knife! When she returned the gun empty that created a problem. She told police she did not have access to a gun (Lie). Lying does not make her guilty, however, it does go to CREDIBILITY. She lied about being romantically involved with Pittman, and access to the gun. Those are big issues. She also stated, according to the DOG (Pittman), that "things were going to change", this on the Sunday prior to the murder, also the day that she borrowed the GUN! WOW!!!
She never provided an alibi for the murder timeframe, never, ever did anyone say she was somewhere else other than where the murder occurred! She was identified to be in the vacinity of the crime near the time of death!

Love can drive you CRAZY and make you do things that you ordinarily would not do, right?

I think justice has not been served b/c as far as we know, Keyon has not been charged with anything. If there is to be true justice in this case and if the police dept. and the DA's office want us to think they are competent and not just some backwards hicks, they will charge Keyon as well. I think she had something to do with this woman dying. However, there were so many holes in this case it is a shame. And since the evidence is there to support them both having a hand in it, then they both should be charged AND convicted!!!! Do the right thing down there...back ally hicks. Some day Avis will have true justice but this day wasn't it. This was a half justice day and a dark day for justice.

Although I believe Ms. Hughes committed this crime, there seemed to be too much reasonable doubt for the jury to convict this woman. I think the defense attorney did an excellent job on behalf of the defendant. I really believed the jury would be hung in this trial. Shock is not even the word to describe how I feel.

Let's see...She admittedly borrowed the murder weapon on Sunday, the killing occurred on Wednesday and she returned the weapon on Friday and dropped her head when asked by her cousin if she was involved. Yeah....somebody ELSE did it. Unbelievable how many people want to believe what a defense attorney makes up.

well the jury has spoken , i wish they could have charged keyon too but, ms. hughes took up for her man from the start. for you who say she did't do it she might didn't do it by herself but she was inon it . if she was so innocent why the hell did she get the gun and knife. justv a coincidence days before poor avis was killed .she might look like ms goody two shoes on the outside but hersfriends say she always got wa=hat she wanted but keyon played her ass . but he didn't put a gun to her head to get him to help her she did it 4 love now what.......

Pitman had a lot to do with this. Carla may have supplied the weapons but pitman did the crime. He should serve jail time.
The only thing gets me is Carla not taking the stand and it may seem to her that providing the weapons would connect her with the murder.
We must recall Jesus was not gulity, yet he spoke not.
They said the bullets match the gun, did they check the gun to see if it had been recently fired. Play with a dog he will lick you in the face, Sleep with a dog you will get fleas.
My heart goes out to her, and Avis family.
Two women lives are taken, two families destoryed. Pitman get to go on with his life. Pitman puts the ( E ) in evil. There are so many unanswered questions.

Carla should have been found guilty. Just because she is an educated woman doesn't mean she doesn't have the ability to kill. Just look at the facts: She borrowed the murder weapons, returned the gun without bullets and kept the knife. Bloody shoes in her closet (in a box). Cell phone records in the vicinity of the victim's house. No alibi. She's not the first, nor will she be the last woman to kill another woman over a man. Just look at past trials. Some women will kill so their daughter can be cheerleading captain. Carla took two lives because of her anger and other personal issues. I'm so tired of hearing about her education and how well she looked at the defense table. I remember another person who was very articulate and intelligent and did not look like he could kill anybody. His name was Ted Bundy.

WOW!!!!!!! I'm not so sure that we do infact have the best CJ system in the world. This case had doubt written all over it. I really would like to know what the jury based their decision on. This portion of the bifurcated trial has been an injustice to the 5th Amendment of our constitution. Talk about the classical school and the utility perspective. Is it better to kill one innocent person than to let 100 guilty go free???

The only question I have .How did Pittman get the gun from Clara's house and returning it without her knowing it was gone?

This is another police screw-up. No proper investigation. The police decided who they can pin the tail on. Just forget their bad investigation. We will be hearing about this case for years to come.
Gordy

this is so sad that this low life has ruined so many lives . the last time i saw some one fake crying was bobby cutts. . that let me know right then he was guilty. besides that this is a very educated woman and this crime was made to point right to her . i believe if she had done it , she would have planned it better and been secretive.

I think pittman got hughes to get the weapons and that he did it. set her up, but I think she was in on it somehow. But he needs to go to trial also

How horrible...there was reasonable established to me, just by virtue of the fact Keyon Pittman was involved as he was in this triangle. I would have hated to be a juror involved in this case!

Guilty? Only when it comes to loving the wrong man. I think that there was way too much reasonable doubt.

WOW! I didn't expect she would get the guilty verdict.I really thought there was resonable doubt. Feel sorry for Carla and her family,I truly hope her lawyers can get her off on appeal,Mr. Pittman is the person who should be on trail,not married and enjoying a free life.

I was a little torn with this case. However, I do believe the right verdict was reached. In my opinion, I think what really made the jurdy decide on "guilty" was the gun. There was never any explanation given on where the bullets went when the gun was returned. She had said, I believe that she went to a shooting range?..... Prove that..... that would have made all the difference in the case...

Um a few days before the murder she borrowed a gun with 5 bullets with in and a knife, a few days after the murder she returned the "empty" gun and not the knife...the gun and bullets from that gun where used in the murder...for you pathetic unbelievers, ask your self "why" did she not take the stand??? It's simple really you walk to the stand and tell the Jury why you did not do it...hmmm you'd think with her life on the line she would want to tell her story, the greatest oportunity to tell the jury she was set up as some of you are saying...well not getting up on the stand is like an admission of guilt in it self....the jury are allowed to convict on circumstantial evidence......and thank goodness they did

I honestly think this was the only decision the jury could have reached. Carla put the gun in her hands when she said she used it for target practice, so even if Keyon took the gun from her home there would have been no bullets in it.

so very sad and im still not sure she did it.

I am really hoping that these prosecutors will bring Keyon Pittman to trial; Because he played a major role in this crime . I think that Keyon Pittman had all of this planned out; I hope that Carla will appeal I hope that she stands strong. Keyon Pittman your day is coming you haven't gotten away with anything.....

I have been watching the comments surrounding this trial. I am glad to see sooo many people interested in an event that occurred in MS. We are usually last on everyone's mind.

I too don't understand the question surrounding the Defendant's failure to testify. In that, everyone (or so I thought) knew that the Defendant is the one who decides if she will or will not testify. Nonetheless, there is no way I would not have put my client on the stand, unless she exercised that and said-"I don't won't to testify".

You have the no good Keyon who no matter how we feel about him, he did show up and give his side. She didn't have to do it, but she should have given her's. This was a case of credibility and the only true evidence that the jury had to test Carla's credibility was a video interview tape-which was not good-and her demeanor in the courtroom-which was not good.

Even if the jury believed that Keyon was involved, and I believe he was, that still doesn't remove guilt from her. But, I agree, this is a sad day.

While she may have book sence she had no common sence. Tragic, but I feel no remorse for smebdy who knws their not guilty to not fight for their life, an get on the stand and cry out ur innocense....tht was a deac give away. U heard the jury, tht was their only request, I don't care wht the judge told them, had she takn tht stand this may have been an aquittal....

I thought there was reasonable doubt. Someone claimed that people of color can't get a fair trial? There were two Afro Americans on that jury. It only takes one for a hung jury. Don't blame it on racism.

Too many unanswered questions here. I sure hope she doesn't get the death penalty.

I wouldn't have wanted to be a jury member in this trial. I think she committed the murders, but in this case I'm not 100%. There is reasonable doubt. Win, lose, or draw She should have taken the stand and defended herself. In the back of my mind, always the thought, an innocent person would want to. Maybe the jury will give her life, instead of the death penalty.

I have unanswered questions. Where is the knife? Where was target practice? Why was the gun returned if she needed it for protection. Where these questions ever asked? Please advise me if these questions were asked. I also wonder why they were not.

The jury got it right. She acted on jealous rage and murdered a pregnant mother. If Pittman had anything to do with this we should be hearing about it soon, from Carla Hughes herself. If I were innocent of a crime, nothing could keep me off the stand to explain my side. The jury got it right.

This is so upsetting! I believe Pittman had something to do with it too, he should be punished also. Only God knows who the real culprit is, but Pittman was to blame for it.

I think that Ms. Hughes is guilty as charged. The major problem for me with the defense case was the gun and the knife. Despite all their dramatics they never were able to explain how Keyon was able to kill her with the weapons that were exclusively in Ms. Hughes possesion.

This is so sad....your leagal system has failed her in the worst way....anyone could see that Pittman wasthe gulity party and got away with murder..

She could of done it or not! But looking at the evidence that the prosecuter represented, they did not show enough! There are soo many loop holes in this story. Another thing, why was these beautiful women fighting over him! Mississippi must have a very drastic shortage of men.

I agree with * lady s October 13th, 2009 3:23 pm ET above...
So many ignorant people out here... The argument, no one could put spoiled Carla in the house i.e. witnesses... they must not of been paying attention. How many cases are proven without someone seeing a criminal act committed??
jeeez ... victim shot with the gun Carla borrowed from, and returned to her cousin so she would not be in possession of it, as well a knife (so coincidental) victims blood on her shoes, why defense presented no evidence of mentioned target practice... because shells were spent on the victim maybe? etc., etc. Defense strategy putting the blame on Pittman whom else, was just a smoke screen because they had no other defense...Pittman may have swelled her to the point of (1st degree) murder however, she was not illiterate and knew right from a real wrong and warrants an eye for an eye penalty.

I still do not believe Carla did this crime. I am praying for Carla and the entire Hughes family. I know it is hard for the Hughes family to experience this. I will always keep you in my prayer.

yes keyon was in on it with carla but carla was on trial not keon the jury probably felt they did it together so if they thought she was involved in it why would they vote not guilty and while a lot of u r so sad for carla what about poor avis and her baby?they r the real victims if u do the crime u must do the time but not the death penalty. if yiu all were in the banks shoes i wonder would you all keep taking carla's side

The jury never considered the facts. This is a example of the time we live in. Wrong is right and right is wrong. To have come to a guilty verdit, it is evidenced that that the jury only heard the prosecutors case. They never heard the facts presented by the defence team. The defense proved beyond a shadow of doubt, that Keyon was there at the crime and given his own testimony of wearing the shoes, going to Carla"s apartment to take food the day of the crime, gives him the opportunity to get the gun kill Avis and ramshack the house to make it appear like a break in. He had the splattered blood on his clothing and the gun powder on both hands. There has been a great injustice and given that I am the mother of three daughters of my own I can truthfull say the killer was set free. This reminds me of our savior who was crusified for our sin. Read the story, the people set the quilty free and hung the innocent one. You have to look at the jury . What was their motive? It appear to be in black and white. Sad to say but it is true. It had nothing to do with the innocent blood of Avis and the unborn.

It amazes me that now Ms Hughes shows some emotion ! I do believe she is guilty but Keyon is not without blame, he should be ashamed of himself for his cheating ways that lead to this terrible crime, I hope he will change his ways .

My heart goes out to all concerned except Keyan Pittman. I can only thank God that I didn't have to make this decision. I'm sure the jury did what they felt was right but I don't agree with the verdict. There was definately reasonable doubt.
I see too many times when the police fail to investigate fully because they have already decided on the easy choice.
It's such a shame that so many people have suffered because one man thinks only of himself.

I am amazed with the verdict!!!! Did the jurors !!NOT!! pay attention to closing arguements and the judges instructions???? The prosecution must PROVE she committed this crime, and they fell short of that by a long shot!!!! To the people out there who are pleased with this verdict had better pray that you are not some day in court on trial and expect the law of !!innocent until proven guilty!! be up held for you. It certainly was the other way around here!!!!!! Guilty until proven innocent!!!!

Watching this trial I went back and forth as to Hughes' innocence or guilt. The State was relying on "circumstantial" evidence to convict. Circumstantial evidence is not based on 'Facts" – so isn't a jury instructed to rely on the facts not circumstances or emotions? If this jury did indeed only look at the facts presented in this case how can they not see reasonable doubt? After all there is a second party here who has very little integrity. Was this an educated, well informed jury... did they not read thier instructions? By asking the judge if the prosecution could have called Ms. Hughes to the stand seems like a red flag to me. I wonder if the judge was concerned about how prepared the jury really was in making such a monumental decision if they didn't even read the instructions. I see a good chance for appeal.

I'm really not surprised at the verdict but thought it could go either way. I truly hope she is spared the death penalty but my heart and prayers go out to her family, especially her child and of course the family of Avis and her unborn child; who was the most innocent of all. There were things about her defense that bothered me and I feel, as others have stated, that not taking the stand to clear up certain questions was a BIG mistake. Her reputation alone I feel would have helped.

If I was at a gun range I surely would have had somone from the range on that stand, not to mention the fact that I would still be on the stand declaring my innocence.

Why did she get the gun and knife? Either she knew he was going to kill her or they killed her together. Either way she is guilty. I can only assume that the reason she never told on him was because she was convinced (or someone convinced her) that she would not be found guilty or she knew that if she implicated him or his part in the murder she would still be just as guilty. So in fact she is the one that let him get away with murder.

I do hope they give her life and not death since she was not in this alone.

I am truly sadden by the verdict. I really hate that an educated women got played by a dirty dog (pitts).

I believe the jury found her guilty because it was made up of women (probably mothers) and that had a big impact. They put themselves in the "what if" mode of the murdered woman. But they never thought to put themselves in the "what if" mode of Carla Hughes. I believe the verdict was WRONG and I believe that Mr. Pittman is the one that is guilty.

There is no way this young lady should have been found guilty. Pittman killed Ms. Banks.. but it did happen in "red neck county Madison, MS". That judge helped his red-neck buddy all he could. Madison police dept failed Ms. Hughes big time. Mississippi did it again.

I think it is so sad that she has to pay for that crime with her life and he walks away free as a bird. I think they both were involved and Carla should have told the truth from the beginning. I watched they entire court proceedings and there was reasonable doubt. The prosecution's evidence is purely circumstantial. There are so many questions to be answered and so many loopholes in the entire investigation. I watch Forensic Files, Snapped, the First 48, and a lot of other investigative shows and I don't think that the Mississippi Crime Lab and the Police Department compare to other states as far as investigating crimes throughly. Keyon Pittman, you may have gotten away with double murder here, but when you meet your maker, you are going to pay and pay dearly. Because of your actions, you have ruined the lives of the Banks family and the Hughes family. Keyon is a sorry, poor excuse for a man because he didn't love Avis and his unborn child. He only loves himself, and his new wife should leave him because she may very well become his next victim.

I just recently began watching the trail and I was convinced immediately that Carla Hughes is guilty of murder. There is too much evidence that points directly to Carla. She borrowed the same gun that was used in the murder. Her shoe had the victim’s blood and matched shoe prints at the crime scene. These two pieces of evidence was too much for the defense to overcome. The defense points the guilty finger at Keyon Pittman, but did they provide a good excuse of how he got he gun?

Pitmann had a lot of opportunities to do this murder. I really think both should have be charges. Isnt it funny how the detectives only did enough to charge Carla and not look future into Pitmann. He was a horrible liar and in only one year married but yet crying over Ms. Banks with no tears. If Carla was so upset about about him having a child i really believe one of the shots would have been in the stomach to insure the baby wouldnt make it. But because the stomach was avoided tells me it was him and he couldnt directly hurt his unborn son. Another point is her pants were pulled down. Do you know how hard it is to pull off pants on a person that is dead weight?

Reasonable doubt should have been found without a doubt. Too many situations that make you think it was her, then Pitman and some make you think somebody else.

Come on, folks... I understand why many of you feel that there was reasonable doubt, but you should remember that the jury saw and heard a great deal more than any of us did. The fact that they spent eight hours deliberating tells me that they weighed the evidence carefully before finally deciding to convict.

pittman clearly did it he has already remarried

the grocerys was key to the whole case the defense missed it

Geeze, they found her guilty! The smartest woman can be blind when it comes to love/lust

Kim,Santa Cruz

another case of racism they never proved she committed the crime the state never proved she was at the crime scene it was to many blanks not filled they failed to produce evidence that was the murder weapon because police are human and lie why wasnt the documents shown the positve match of the bullets shown just cause a person say something that doesnt mean its true if they wouldve produce this evidence then it would be no room for doubt nor did anyone see her at the scene the cell records indicate she was in the vicinity not at the scene the state had a good case but failed to prove she was the one who committed the offense its just worked in there favor once again the so called law failed miserably

I would also like to know this. If Pittman was in on this with Carla why isn't she saying so. Does'nt she realize what is going to happen to her for the rest of her life? No way she loves him that much. He is married and gone.

I think she did it...But she had help...The alligator tears that Keyon showed didn't convince me..He had something to do with it..

Death Penalty after a murder.

Carla H. should have taken the stand to defended herself, if she is innocent. If she is guilty and didn't want to change her statement from her original story, well than she has to do her time for the crime. Most likely she will repent and ask for forgiveness, so she should tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, which I think she will sooner than later. Repenting after the truth is much better than covering up a lie. Life behind bars forever will play a major role on her insight of the right thing to do. That Pittman person, that 's another story, if he is innocent as far as the murders, life does go on. On the other hand if he is guilty, what a life he's got to face. The truth will be known, he will not have peace. The new wife should take notes and know that there is nothing worst than laying with the enemy/devil. God Bless the Banks family and the other members of the Hughes family. Avis and the baby are already ok.

This case is filled with grief! The poor little baby who never had chance and his Mother who happily believed all of the lies Mr. Pittman told her. Then there is the defendent who was willing to carry out the viper's orders, and think that he would stand beside her! Where was the jury during the trial!!!!

i wonder what made the jury come to that verdict

I can not believe this verdict. It is very plain that the jury do not understand the law. No evidence was presented to prove or show that Carla committed these murders, however there is plenty that proves that Keyon set the whole thing up, and followed thru with his plan KILLING AVIS AND THEIR UNBORN CHILD. Keyon has no conscience and has thus far gotten away with murder. If he really LOVED Avis he would have went home to her instead of going by Carla house. This jury does not have the final say.

Unfortunately, the only choices the jury had were "guilty" and "not guilty." Too bad her attorney didn't fight for inclusion of a conspiracy charge. I'm with the In Session anchors: what does this weasley little guy have? I'd like to know who he married and how long after Avis' death he married...and if he was the only man in town at the time.

I am just amazed at the verdict, it is totally ridiculous, how could there not be reasonable doubt, i think the only thing that hurt Carla was the fact that she did not take the stand, if my life is on the line, i would have sang like a hummingbird, especially if i "did not do it" that is just sad, she have a child that will not spend time with her like he should now, all because of the choices she made messing with KEYON PITTMAN.

There was no reasonable doubt, the prosecutors proved their case. Pittman was nowhere near the crime scene when it happened. I agree, he was involved, at least he was aware of what the impending danger to his fiancee, but he didn't do it and to let Carla off would've been a travesty. Avis did absolutely nothing to Carla and did not deserve to die as a result of her jealous rage.

I think the most telling proof of Carla's guilt was the look on her mother's face after the verdict was read. She showed that she knew Carla was guilty and seemed to accept the verdict as a given due to her daughter's stupid actions.

This case to me was very sad. One beause a young woman and her baby lost their lives in a horrific manner. Two another woman also lost her life , due to the fact that she had fallen in love with a man that did not kow how to be faithful.

I really wish she had of taken the stand and told her side of the story. This way the jury would have had something else to go on rather than what the prosecution was saying. My heart goes out to both families. May God have mercy on all of their souls.

This is no surprise to me. I believe she did it and now she'll pay the price. I hope they sentence her to death.

I think the gun and the shoes did her in. It is truly sad, but if you kill then you have to pay for it. Don't know what else to say.

Wow! I'm still amazed at how often women take their anger and jealousy out on other women. If she felt betrayed, manipulated, etc. by that man, her anger should have been directed at him.

May she rot in jail.

This is unbelievable! I don't understand how it is or why it is that Ms. Hughes was found guilty solely on the basis of circumstanstial evidence. It is my belief that Mr. Pittman is guilty of the crime but I would not have convicted any person based on circumstancial evidence. The prosecution did not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and I believe that had this lady been white, she would have walked freely from that court room. I rarely ever think that race is a factor in determining a persons fate, but in this case, I can't think of any other reason as to why a jury would convict this woman. Her consitutional rights have been "waived" by a jury of her peers who evidently know nothing about the constitution. I had every intention to attend medical school but after seeing this case and many others, I know that I have no choice but to attend law school because this cannot continue. I believe that Ms. Hughes's conviction will be overturned and the truth will come out once there is physical evidence. God bless this nation!

Only God and the killer knows who did it.

i just wish she had spoke in her own defense i think the jury would have appreciated it

I think she did this crime, with lots of "silent " encouragement from this creep. Example: compaints about his Avis, and telling Ms Hughes how much he wanted to be with her , but it was impossible because Avis Banks was pregnant and he was trapped. He knew she had the gun and knife , and he continued to "play " her as he had done to all these women in his life .He planted the seed of MURDER , and in her despiration, she murdered her rival so she could have him. Looking at him I am puzzeled .What did he have to offer these women Must have been some " HIDDEN" charm . God be with you and your child Avis.

Hughes had three years to provide evidence that she went to target practice (with ONLY five bullets) with the murder weapon, to explain why she needed an empty gun to protect herself (was she going to throw the gun at any potential intruder?), to provide evidence of Pittman's taking her shoes and replacing them, to provide overwhelming evidence that Pittman was so insanely in love with Hughes that he would kill the mother of his child with whom he had purchased his first house, to explain why she flat out lied about several issues in her initial police interview including her relationship with Pittman, why her cell phone pinged off cell towers nearest to Banks' home, conclusive evidence that she did not commit the crime. It's easy to point the finger to someone else in a trial – it's what most murderers do. Pittman may be a snake in some people's eyes but he was not the defendant in this trial – she was. The jury did a fine job.

What I find most dangerous in this verdict is the jury's question about the prosecution requiring the defendant to testify. The defense presented an alternative to the state's theory, which was enough for me to have reasonable doubt. But the jury's question implies that it was necessary for the defense to have provided proof that Ms Hughes did not do this crime., not the standard required by the American justice system. This is not the first case, nor will it be the last, in which Americans serving as jurors show their ignorance of their own justice system.

Bloody shoes in closet, borrowed gun and knife, cell tower picking up phone calls, rage killing that only a woman scorned will do, all equal..GUILTY...

When will you women learn not to let your heart overrule your mind? Treat an affair as what it is, just an affair.

i can not believe 12 people agreed that this woman was guilty of something that was obviously done by that evil, womanizing, liar. he had plenty of oportunity to get the gun and replace it, and the same with the shoes. carla hughes may have to spend the rest of her life in jail, but the man who did this will end up being judged one day by the only one that counts, and i'm certain will suffer for eternity. who knows how many other innocent people are behind bars because of 12. i wouldnt be surprised to hear that two or three gave in because they were tired of being held without seeing family.

Im sorry, but the minute she refused to testify, that's when I knew she was guilty. If I was innocent, I would be shouting it from roof tops!!! Anything you can do to share your side and help prove your innocence. That just screamed "GUILTY"...Im not surprised at all. There was just too much evidence against her too. She had no chance really. I mean, look at the over kill in this case...she went way beyond spur of the moment murder!!!!

Wow I am distraught at this verdict. It so clear that Pittman comitted this crime.I goes to show that now days you are guilty until proven innocent. Very very very sad.

What a waste of an education! The end.

I think that are several things that damned Carla Hughes from the beginning. No. 1.... She did not speak in her own defense. No. 2.... They never really established what was done with the gun and what happened to the knife (also it would have been nice to have someone verify seeing her at the gun range). And No. 3.... Her alibi was very shaky. My gut tells me that both she and Mr. Pittman were involved. As someone stated previously, to tell the truth about his involvement would be the same as an admission of guilt on her part. Being an accessory to murder garners just as much time as committing the act itself. I think she rolled the dice on keeping everything to herself and it bit her in the as*. Somewhere down the line, I think we will see her implicate Mr. Pittman. The only person who has "won" in this case is Keyon Pittman. I still believe that Avis Banks' killer(s) is still walking the streets.

the grocerys was how keyon got gun,knife and the shoes.and how he took them back after he killed avis what ya'll think

This educated woman made some bad choices. She got involved with a man who didnt love her as a person and then she went out of her way to get him. In her hometown people are saying she didnt do this on her own. If she didn't whoever she acted with made a good choice in partners. Because she hasn't accused anyone else until now. She has had THREE years to point the finger at Pittman or anyone else, to do it at trial makes it appear only as her lawyer attempting to distract the jury. On Saturday, she made the decision not to take the stand and tell her side of the story and now she has to face the consequences of those decisions. I feel bad for her son who now has to grow up without his mother and I definitely feel bad for the Banks family, who may have gotten justice, but they still don't have Avis.

Is lying Keyon Pittman ever going to get tried, or is he getting off scot-free on this?

Carla Hughes got what she deserved, she knew he was involved with another woman, but she still wanted this dawg. She threw her life away. If she wasn't guilty why hasn't she been screaming repeatedly I'm not guilty, and wanting to testify on her own behalf, and putting the blame on lying Keyon?

A message to all women, stay away from men that have a relationship and that are married. Womanizer don't care to use you and abuse you and spit you out. Here this educated beautiful black woman gets involve having an affair with this good looking educated black man that have no respect for women. She gets involve with this looser because he has no morals and she is now the one to pay for the consequences and he is married from what I understand again with someone else. He is a dirt bag in my book.

She became guilty the day she learned Mr. Pittman had a fiance' and baby on the way and continued their relationship. An education is priceless, although Ms. Hughes will pay the ultimate price for hers. I wonder if SHE learned something from this, hopefully "other" women will as well.

I really feel bad for all of the families connected to this case. I sure wish Carla had gone onto the stand and testified, because if infact this x of hers did it and let her take the rap it shows you just how much of a coward he is. Or as the Defence says "A SMOOTH OPERATOR"Ithink the jurors wanted to hear her side as well.If she had testified there would probably would have been more reasonable doubt that would have made it hard to convict her..A lot of these young females get caught up in the moment with these jerks and then things like this happen because he tells her that he "Loves her" And that is all she needs to hear...Is there anyway this can be appealed and she gets to tell her side or is this over??

I have two words for all you out there that are outraged, Scott Peterson. Yep that's right! he was (rightfully so) convicted and sentenced to death on less evidence than Ms. Hughes. I think you are all being blinded by the fact that she is a beautiful woman. And was dating a despicable man. She was dead center in an ugly love triangle and she snapped plain and simple.

WOW!!!! I personally feel Carla should have taken the stand and try to explain and perhaps implicate Keyon. I certainly appears that he had some guilt in the case. He truly moved on very fast!!!! If I were one of Carla's lawyers, I would start the appeal process right away. I truly hate to see people throw their lives away for what appears to have been selfish reasons.

that is crazy she might have done it but they didnt prove it i see a new trial coming. wow wow

Evidence,,,,,are you serious,, bloody shoes in her closet,,borrowed the handgun that was positively identified as 1 of the murder weapons,,the knife she also borrowed somehow became misplaced,
and cellphone towers put her there at the right time,,I ain't sayin she did it alone,,,,but she did it!!

Well there you have it prime example the Devil at work that is his job to kill,steal,and destroy. I watch the trail and watch carla face she seem has if someone was lying on her she appeared mad and angry and violated hum......U see women across america this is nothing new Woman meets man woman likes man Man meets another woman like them both then turn around and meets another woman and marry her leaving 1st woman standing 2nd woman dead hum.. Carla should have took the stand defended her self but again that is the devil job to kill steal and destroy .To the new Ms.pittman run sweetheart you do not deserve this god about to exposed him .

I feel the jurors really wanted to hear what Carla had to say. Her lawyer should have let her taken the stand and try to explain some of the evidence against her.

I think there was reasonable doubt was that jury thinking about, I know pittman did it . she should get a retrial

Because I was married to a womanizer, I find it difficult to be unbiased about such cases as this. I, however, am relieved with the guilty verdict. I know from experience how "the other woman" can become unhinged and see the spouse/fiance as the villain. Unfortunately, the true villian is the cheating party who exposes the "innocent" partner to such tragic consequences.

Too bad, he could not be charged as well.

Well one is considered guilty if the gun and the bullets match up to a gun that was in Carlas possession. Even if he were a part of it she aided and covered up and that makes you as guilty as the one who does the crime, so unfortunately either waly she is qluilty. All for sex, lies and what she thought was love, so sad

she should have taken the stand and told her side of the story !!!!! they say - what do you call a defendant that doesnt take the stand ??? AN INMATE !!!!! enough said !!!!!!!!!!!!

There was definitely reasonable doubt in this case. There were so many loop holes that need to be addressed. How a jury can say that she is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is absurd! How Keyon Pittman has not pursued is beyond me! There is a chance that he is involved also. I just do not think that she has a criminal mind. I don't see a cold blooded murderer. If she had anything to do with this he is the mastermind. She should not go down alone. If she is not involved Keyon set her up.

Whoever did this had such anger for her, shooting then stabbing her in her face?! I do believe he did not do it. Affairs can be hard on all parties and people can be driven to do something they normally would not have done. Shame on him! He should be charged with something.

For me, the question of the gun was the deciding factor. If she was so concerned about crime in her area... why did she use up all of the ammo in the gun at the firing range? Also, since the firing range played such an important role in her alibi.. why couldn't the defense produce it's name? ..Firing ranges demand documentation from their users.. shouldn't the defense have been able to produce some cooberation to her story?

Carla Hughes had the gun that killed that Girl and did not say she did nt GUILTY? Keyon Pittman is just like alot of men i know it may be wrong but that would make him a cad.

I am glad she was found guilty... She tried to get away with murder and it didnt work. I do believe that Pittman may have had something to do with it but it was not murder... Hughes was jealous and she thought she could get away with her competition and it backfired on her. It would have been a total shame if she got away with it .

This is a very sad case for everyone involved except for Mr. Pittman. In my eyes he got what he wanted. He didn't want to be in a exclusive relationship, and he needed a way out. It's sad that he used Carla as a scape goat. I wonder does he sleep at peace at night?

I think Carla is guilty, if she had an alilbi she should have taken the stand and told the jury her side of the story. Just because she is educated does not mean she is not a women, and women can and will do crazy things when they are in love. Apparently, she felt that her case was not worth explaining if she did not take the stand to defend herself.

I watched this trial from beginning to end, and the whole time I had doubt in my mind. My husband thought the same thing. I wonder what the jury heard that so many others didn't?

This verdict was a joke!

I I feel that the jury did a good job and found the teacher guilty of murder. She should have testified at her trial. Shame on her. I think she knew exactly what she did and did not want to be caught up in her lies. I hope she is sentenced to death for taking two lives.

People wake up and smell the coffee.Carla was proven to be guilty.
I'm not saying Keyon is a saint but he had no reason to kill Avis. He was to become a proud dad.He had the best of two worlds.His
affairs when he wanted them and his stable home life with Avis.Carla
is not a stupid women she should have never have gotten involved.
Problem is being she fell for him and wanted something more perment.She knew from the begining what it was an affair. When he wouldn't leave Avis for her even after she pretended to be with child.
She was so enraged that she took the matter to far.There is no doubt in my mind that she did do the unthinkable.If you all listened the evidence was there.The Gun she had gotten from her cousin.He and his father even knew the score. When the walked into the police station.The bullets matched the gun.I guess the knife was to bloody to return.I feel really bad for Avis's family to have to go on without her and their grandchild.I feel bad for Carlas parents also and her sweet son.I just wished Carla would have remembered thou shall not kill.Then evey one would have been okay. They all could have lived happly ever after.Avis and baby boy rest in peace.

Carla is the only one who knew the complete 'chain of custody' of the murder weapon from the time she borrowed it until the time she returned it empty. Who empties all five bullets from a weapon you have borrowed for your protection? Even if you went to the range you would keep one bullet in the chamber FOR YOUR PROTECTION.

What? I can't believe this Carla is not guilty Mr.Pittman is He killed Avis and people who watched the whole trail would know this. Mr. Pittman say his relationship with Carla wasn't serious but from poems he wrote her and the phone calls he made to her no one can proved that. Mr. Pittman had a key to Carlas apartment its obvious that he framed her by placing the bloody shoes back in the closet and he could have borrowed the gun without Carlas permission while she wasn't there.

I don't know whether or not Carla did it, but the state did not prove it without reasonable doubt. There was doubt here, even including the gun which Pittman could have gotten from her and perhaps the Basketball Mom helped. I worry about our system.

Whether or not Hughes and Pittman conspired to murder Ms. Banks and her unborn child is NOT the issue here! IF Pittman was part of it, he will be tried, and most probably, convicted, as well. The issue is that Hughes willfully and premeditatively committed the murder and even though Pittman had worn the shoes that were found in Hughes' closet, the gun and knife are dead giveaways that Hughes herself committed the crime. I see NO difference between her and Scott Peterson; gender of the perp not withstanding! She had NO regard for Avis Banks' life or her baby and for that, she should be executed! What a waste of human life and all the education that Hughes had so she could teach our children! Wonder if she even gave a thought to that before she slaughtered TWO people!!??

She showed so little emotion during the trial, how interesting that she could now cry for herself and never be moved by the horror of this crime. Why Keyon wasn't also accused and tried I will never understand

some time it just don't make sense when the evidence is not clear

I can't believe they convicted her and he gets off scott free. No justice.

I think the jurors hit the nail on the head
with that verdict.Good for them.I back
them up all the way.

I believe that Carla and Keyon committed this murder together. And he should also be charged for the same crime.

Wow, my instincts tells me she did it, but they did not prove it. I would have found her not guilty. Its too many what ifs'. But SHE DID IT!!!!!!

I totally agree!! If she had not borrowed the knife and gun and did not have bloody shoes in her closet, I would not have thought the jury could find her guilty. I guess that just stands to reason she was not thinking straight, after all she was in love with a man that was engaged to another woman pregnant with his child. Good Job Prosecutors!!

After watching this trial, I had my doubts, but I also saw the prosecutions side. Having said that, the doubts alone should have found her innocent, simply because in a death sentence, there needs to be some definate evidence and absolutely no doubt. I think that he had much to do with it, maybe did the entire murder himself and set her up. Her not taking the stand should not have anything to do with the verdict, but judging by the juries question about putting her on the stand, I think that it did. The law states innocent until proven guilty, and I dont' think they totally proved her guilty. There was too much unanswered questions regarding Pittman and where he was and what he did, including that 911 call. He easily could have borrowed the gun from her, and set her up for this entire thing. I hope she gets a new trial. She difinately will have appeals, so I can only hope they see fit to have a second trial based on the jury holding that against her. She had no need to put herself on that stand and let the prosecution attack her.

Justice has been served in this case! However, The Bum Keyon Pittman played a role as well! He should now be examined by law enforcement for his role in the crime, as I truly believe that they both conspired in these tragic murders.

I feel that even if she is innocent, she is guilty in the sense that she did not love herself enough to defend herself. She is going to prison for a man, a man who probably committed the crime, who else could have kicked the door in. The attack was pure hatred, it seems he was more likely to have committed the crime. What a fool she is!

Keyon displayed a not innocent look. I truly believe he was involved. The case should be tried again with all evidence new and old present!

I have read through some of the comments already and I agree with two that I have read. I believe that they were both (Keyon and Carla) in this together and that she didn't want to say she was just there or an accomplice because she had the chance of getting off free altogether. I mean obviously he had that many lovers, he didn't want to be "tied down" by a woman having his baby. Even though he is married now he isn't being faithful I am sure. He left the state after Avis was murdered and remarried. That in itself makes him look guilty. I believe there was too much reasonable doubt for Carla to have been found guilty! I hope she appeals!

I would have voted guilty. But I think they may have been in on it together, and she couldn't say without admitting her part. Maybe now she will tell the truth.

It is possible, although, that Keyon didn't take part, but also didn't do anything to prevent it. He had everything he wanted. If Carla had just left him, he would have had another woman in weeks. I think he is too much of a coward to kill someone.

She knew he was engaged and that Avis was pregnant. She is not the totally innocent victim some people want to see.

There was so much doubt as to who killed this woman. How does one go about and convict a woman based on this type of evidence? This woman wasn't guilty and eventually, probably after this womans death, someone is going to discover that she was not responsible and all along the person who really killed Miss Banks has been walking around free. How sad!

I feel sorry for both families. I think Carla's lawyer was useless! He didn't know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. If this was my daughter I would have to spend the extra money, and got the best lawyer in the state of Mississippi. Keyon Pittman should have been charge as well. My prayers goes out to both of the families.

The jury got it right!!...all the doubt you have can not erase the fact that the woman had the gun and knife used to commit the crime...it was always in her possession...and if the guy was involved, she would still be guilty!

I would have like to be the "fly on the Wall" in the jury room in this circumstances evidence case. We didnt get "gavel to gavel' coverage through courttv though we were well inform on the case. I believe in the justice system but in this case You damed if you convict and damn if you would have acquit. The Constitutions states that if the defendant dont testify its not to be held against them. I believe the jury held that against Carl Hughes in this case.

I can't help but notice the negative comments that several if not most of the Women have made about the "Man". The bad man cannot cheat without a bad woman. She was a bad woman. A desparately angry bad woman who killed a lovely pregnant innocent woman. If he was bad she was worse. I could'nt find anyone guilty of a death penalty crime without two eye witnesses or a confession though.

A total travesty of justice. She may well have committed the murders, but there was insufficient evidence to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. With this in mind, the jury should not have found her guilty. This was an injustice perpitrated by the DA's office... They had too little evidence to convict the woman and the man, so they concocted an alibi for the womanizer in order to focus all their attention on getting at least one conviction...

wow! this is the first time carla has shown any type of emotion. she actually cried. all the time that i have been watching the trial she has never shown any type of remorse. or any type of emotion at all. that's because she was so confident that she was gonna be a free woman but the outcome was a bit different. if she is taking the rap for keyon then she is straight crazy. he would be going down with me ain't that much love in the world. she has gotten what she deserve.

This is so wrong. I am so disappointed. I can't believe that weasel Pittman is getting off.

I have been watching this case from the beginning and I think that the jury made a big mistake. Carla Huges is not guilty of murder. That man (Pittman) is the one who did it. I am a female and I don't know of any females that can kick a door in. Plus that Pittman wears her shoes, and it was the same shoe that has the blood on it. There is not enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that she did it. I understand that the jury wants someone to pay for this woman and her unborn child's death but not an innocent woman. This is crazy, but at least she can appeal.
I am from Calif. laws aren't that much different.

Ms. hughes obviously is not as smart as her attorney made her out to be. If so, she would know that there is absolutely no future in a low life that is engaged and expecting a child by another woman. Oh well she does'nt have to worry about taking anyone else's man now does she?

wow. i really cant believe it happened like that i think maybe they both did it. she probably knew he was gonna do it but she didnt mind but now the tables have turned horrible verdict!!

This is a shock. I I thought the jury would find her not guilty. There was truly reasonable doubt, Wonder what the jury based the guilty plea on?. Was it just because Carla did not testify I think maybe. In 99% of the cases I do not believe the jury gets it right unless they have information we do not. I think in cases where the death penalty is at steak there must be more than reasonable doubt and there was not. This is really sad. Carla does not deserve this, I hope Pittman can live with himself .

This was a correct and just verdict. Any doubts that came up were not "reasonable". The defense team endeavored to raise "reasonable doubt", but couldn't. But they did create enough smoke and mirrors to open their own Fun House. Hats off to the focused Mississippi jurors.

Frankly, no one KNOWS whether or not she did it unless they were also there. With so much reasonable doubt, there is no reason why she should have been found guilty. That sucks, but that is the way the law is supposed to work. My take on it is that she most likely had a part in it since she didn't feel it necessary to testify on her own behalf. Plus, for whatever reason, she was most likely protecting Mr. Pittman. I would also like to take this opportunity to point out that no one knows exactly how they will react in any given situation unless and until we are presented with it. We like to think we'd do the right thing, but there are just too many things that can, do and will happen that sometimes we don't make the right decision. I am not saying any one person is right or wrong, but no one is perfect.

I am retired from law enforcement and cannot believe how sloppy the Police investigation appeared to be in this case. Poor Miss Hughes in my opinion was set up from the beginning. In my opinion that thing called a man set his sights on his target, Miss Hughes, to be the one charged for this horrific crime which I believe HE committed. Sen. Wall was so very correct to refer to the thing as the devil. I believe he is worse than the devil. I hope and Pray Miss Hughes can appeal this verdict and I hope somehow someway DNA, accurate evidence, can be produced. This poor young woman deserves her freedom and the poor victims deserve true justice.

I felt that Carla was guilty from the start. After Keyon was on the stand it was obvious to me that he was a philanderer but did not have the passion to kill. He would always have continued to have affairs and Avis would have tolerated his behaviour . Carla killed Avis and her baby in a fit of rage, she wanted to control Keyon, and as she could not she killed Avis. Her anger should have been directed at Keyon, if she had killed him I could have understood and would have found her guilty of of justifiable homicide.

R.I.P. Baby Boy and Ms. Banks. Case Closed. When your innocent you defend yourself by speaking on it.

Too many coincidences with no explanation. She did it. What a waste.

very sad situation makes a man that is cheating look at himself in the mirror differently, ya think!

I believe that she may have had something to do with it or new about it, but there was just not enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she did this crime, so she shouldnt have to do the time.

This is extremely sad! I can only hope and pray for her child that she does not get the death penalty. I feel for everyone involved ...May the good Lord be with her and her son throughout this ordeal. God bless Avis's family as well. I can't even imagine being in any part of this situation this is horrible to say the least! I will keep all the families in my prayers especially Carla. God loves you and so do I.

I cannot beleive they found her guilty. Pittman was clearly setting her up, how long was it before police searched ms hughes home, after ms banks death? he coludhave planted the shoes then. I hope they appeal quickly, and that they get surviellance from the store pittman went to before the murder, did they do that to verify his alibi? Alot of questions left unanswered here,i beleive they got it wrong.

This is unbelievable how could anybody in their right mind say that this woman is guilty.
I would love to see a woman kicking down a door and stripping another woman in this manner. Shooting her and stapping her and slitting her throat.
Another man got away with murder and woman will do his dying. He is a con man and no good at all how anyone believed him that he was crying on that stand I will never know.
Her lawyer was not the best for her if she thought by not going on the stand her lawyer would get out of this she was dreaming. I hope and pray that there will demand for a retrial because this is so terrible and that is a fact.
This is a total miscarriage of justice all women should get away from men like this because this will happen again and again. Don't forget women this is a man's world no doubt about it.

MAY GOD BLESS ALL THE WOMEN THAT ARE INVOLVED WITH HORRIBLE MEN LIKE THIS NOW AND FOR ALL TIME AS I AM SURE HE WILL!!!

we as a people need to stop letting outside interference(satan)come in our lives and study the bible, remember man finds a woman he finds a good thing. I will be praying for her GOD BLESS

This is so sad!!! I just don't think that she did this... There was evidence pointing toward the husband also... There really wasnt enough evidence for her to be convicted of anything... True she may have went by the cousin and got the weapon, but whose to say that she didnt get it for the husband so he can go do the crime??? I mean how would you know.. .Thats a question that should have been asked or considered in this trial... This is so crazy! And the shoes... Sure they were in her closet but whose to say again, that she was the one with the shoes on??? She could be covering all this up for him.. And he did admit that he did wear the shoes, so Im saying come on nah... Two lives were lost, it's painful to here that... It's no game out here in this world, it's crazy! I believe that she should get a retrial....

saw it coming, not that I diagree, however, somebody has to be held accountable for the murders, and so on.... but there are just sooo many unanswered questions. and I would like to know how the jury was not "doubtful" about all of the mannnyy unaswered questions. What did they not see or diregarded what they did see. It's just a very sad situation all around. Can't wait to read about the appeal!

OMG! I am so sad for Carla and her 5 year old son.. No body ever asked if maybe Keyon could have killed Avis because maybe he found out that Avis was cheating and maybe that child wasn't his.. That jury made a big mistake! Carla Hughes had no reason to kill Avis and that Keyon will pay. All you do in the dark will come to light. Praying for Hughes and her family, this is so sad and a big shock..

Candace from San Francisco CA

Its the quit ones you have to worry about,she is guilty and she will make some nice friends behind bars.

I was not surprised at the verdict either way it went. I am surpriserd at the horrible job the detectives did. Good detective work most likely could have erased doubt on who was to blame. There has to be sooo much more to this story. Both Carla and Keyon seem to be hiding the truth, of which we may never know.

If she didnt do it she would have testified in her defence! If she didnt do it she would have wanted 2 scream the truth! Instead she sat there and let her attorney try to prove reasonable doubt. GUILTY! Although I do believe Mr. Pittman is responsible for her death to some degree, I dont believe he pulled the trigger.

I thought she was not guilty, but really the only ones who know the truth are Carla, Avis, Keyon and God.

I sure hope Mr. Pittman is happy now. I wonder who will be next when he gets tired of his wife? I can`t believe this jury couldn`t see that he set her up.I also wished Carla would have taken the stand. I hope Carla files an appeal and i hope they find the evidence needed to hang Pittman. I don`t know how he can sleep at night. If Carla was as cruel as some think, she would have never shed even one tear. I`m praying for you Carla!!!!

She should have taken the stand, but she did it. Keyon had no reason to kill her, he was not in love with Ms. Hughes. There was testimony about his awful behavior with women. He simply was playing the women and they believe him for whatever reason. He need his behind slap, I hope both familes jump on him. My gut feeling from the start was he just a playboy, who used his teaching and coaching position as a good poise to meet women. Carla new he was involve with someone from the beginning, I can't imagine what she was thinking no matter what he said to her. What kind of frame of mind you must be in to take a life. She shot her four times and slash her throat ( a sneek attack). That is just plain crazy. Destroyed lives including her young life for no reason!!!

No knife returned to the cousin..Gun practice where she brings only 5 bullets for target practice, buy now she has a gun with no bullets for self defense that she claimed she needed the gun to begin with.
She deserves to wrot in jail for the rest of life.

this just goes to show people need someone to blame,I beleive if carla had testified the verdict may have gone a different way..the jury wanted and needed to hear her side of the story..maybe the unanswered questions would have been answered.she dies and pittman goes free!

We read this verdict in total disbelief , MS. Hughes was convicted on apparently a crime dictated by the prosecutions crimestory! The case was full of reasonable doubt and I do not believe the prosecutors met the standard of " beyond a reasonable doubt ". Unfortunately our jury system has failed this young lady, the state let the obvious criminal walk . GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT carried the day in MISSISSIPPI. VERY SAD !

I feel the results were fair.She borrowed a gun and then told the police she had no access to a gun.I think with her background she should have taken the stand and defended herself. Throughout the trial she came off as arrorgant.I think her defense tried too hard to picture her as a warm loving person.They harped on how someone so educated could never do this crime but she was foolish enough to sleep with this man even though she he had a girlfriend.She was the one with the motive not him.He had both of these women so what did he have to lose? To me she seemed cold and i believed she was afraid when that baby was born maybe he would straighten up and she would be out of the picture,

It has been said in america that there is liberty and justice for all . This should show that not true anymore in this country.Carla Hughes keep your head up the Lord will take care of it in the end.

I am very shocked when I heard the verdict. But I have to say there was a lot of evedince against her. For one the gun, and the knife that one was a doozy. The lady was shot and stabbed plus she asked her cousin for these items a couple of days before the murder. Then she gave him the gun back three days after the murder. By the way why she did not return the knife to him.

When you look at the way Avis was killed with extreme hate. Most men do not kill like that. They usually shoot you a couple of times and they keep going. They don't cut your face slit your throat and shoot you in the head. Don't get me wrong he is a dog all the way and I think he is the cause of this. But I don't think he killed her after I listened to alot of the trial.

It's unforturnate, but then again since there is speculation about reasonable doubt, if her attorney is worth anything, they will file for an appeal.....

The jury is correct! She obviously did it, and had no remorse whatsoever. How could anyone just sit there with no emotion or expression during the entire trial? Especially being the accused. Most anyone else, even if they hated a person, would not wish on to them what happened to Avis Banks. Also would display some sort of emotion or expression. Now she cries when they read the verdict?? Carla's "alibi" was non exsistant, or weak to say the least. Circumstancial as the evidence was, it was still enough proof, especially the gun and knife. The brutality of the crime is unspeakable and clearly a premeditated crime of passion, if there is such a thing... I am glad the jury got past Keyon, because dog as he may be, it is doubtful he is a murderer. Murder just does not seem to be what he was doing with the women. He was thoughtless and insensitive, selfish, and greedy. He really just seemed like he just wanted to do as many women as he could. No particular woman, Avis or otherwise, was "in his way" when it came to him. I am curious if he is faithful to his current wife?? I am also willing to bet, as someone has mentioned, that Carla has always been used to getting what she wanted and Keyon didnt go for it. Avis was in Carlas way, not Keyons.

Did Pittman killed two birds with one shot? Now, he has a new wife.

Did he wear Carla's shoes and scare her to get the gun for him to use? I would of voted for a miss trial.

I am surprised and I only begin looking at the closing arguements today. I really didn't think she would be found guilty due to lack of evidence, could she have done it yes but that is not good enough in a capital murder trial because the man in the middle could of done it as well and if the roles was reversed it would of been just as much circumstanial evidence against him. That being said I am totally shocked. And for those who say she got what she deserved cus of her being with someone else's man that is not fair as that does not constitute murder and history shows it is usually the boyfriend or spouse who commits such crime especially when the victim is with child. I think she perhaps retreived the murder weapon for Keyon and is guilty of not speaking up and partaking in such an act whereas she would of been charged with a lesser crime but Ole well there goes the neighborhood another one down.

I think the jury got this right, after all we do not get to here all of the evidence no matter what TruTv says. They pick and choose what they want the public to hear. She was a jealous lover who was not going to live without her man. If she was innocent she would have got on that stand and testified, after all the truth will prevail. This trial had nothing to do with race, and she did have a jury of her peers, there was 8 women and 3 men, until you hear ALL of the evidence don't sit in judgement. And just because she was found guilty doesn't mean she is going to get the death penalty, they jury gets to choose life w/o parole or death. This is justice for the forgotten ones, Avis and her UNBORN child.

This case is another example of injustice.

In a few months or years, they will find the truth and realize the mistake they made by sending Carla to the chair. It's clear that Keyon or someone else set her up.

Secondly, I agree with Teresa Jones. Carla could have made up a story just to cover up for Keyon. She loved him more than she loved herself, so she decided to take the blame for this tragic murder.

I'm shocked at the verdict. Too much "reasonable doubt" to give Carla this form of capital punishment.

Greetings from Canada.

i think the gun and knife got it she had no explantation 4 it

Give me a break, she is not covering up for him. If that was the case, she would have told on him when he got married to some one else, unless he got married after the verdict was read. She was in it alone and got what she deserved.

She did not take the stand because she would have had to ask two very important questions she had no answer for . one . When and Where was this target practice . two. Where's the knife . Guilty

Those who say she's innocent are blind & deaf. It is so obvious that she murdered Avis and her baby. I believe parents need to stop giving their children everything they want. This can be the result. Carla just thought since she always got what she wanted that he should have left Avis for her. She became so angry when she didn't get her way. Who would want him?? that's the question of the day!

Of course I didn't hear all the testimony on the gun, like did she often go off for target practice?, If so, where did she go for this activity[not a lot of places to go where no one would see or HEAR her. Way too much of a coincidence that she borrowed that gun at that time and it was one of the murder weapons. I have no doubt she is guilty as charged!

Her handling of the gun convicted her: she borrowed it, she used it, she returned it without bullets. Bullistics proved it was match. Circumstantial? She was guilty.

This is very sad. I really don't feel like she did it. But, only God knows the truth. The man did have a key to her apartment. She could have told him she had the gun and the knife in there. I feel she is taking the fall for something she didn't do, but knew he did it . I pray the truth really comes out. But, you really never know what a person will or would do when they feel like they are in love with someone. God bless all of the Family's in this case because everyone has lost someone. Sad, sad case.

Justice has been served. Her gender, race, and education is not a factor. Justice is blind. The factor that Kenyon was having an affair with her does not make him a conspirator in this crime. Furthermore, Carla is an adult she has to held accountable for her actions. She made a choice to be involved with him knowing that he has a fiance. He should not be punished with charge of murder simply because he was having an affair. If he conspired with her to commit this crime, she had a responsibility to her self to not participate or go to the police. "If you don't want to get dirty stay away from the mud puddles."

Guilty, guilty, guilty.

I feel carla should have testified,a death penalty case is far to important...if my life is on the line i couldn"t imagine defending Keyon or anyone else that could have committed this horrible crime..I hope Keyon is arrested and charged for murder..unfortunately Carla had a lot of circumstantial evidence against her..But KEYON had access to the gun,shoes and I believe possibly did let her take the fall..He didn't even care to be present after his tesitmony...God Bless all the families.

Both of them had something to do with it. I'd rather get one of them than neither one of them. Nobody in this world can tell me that she does not know what happened. Now we are supposed to believe that you let your boyfriend borrow your gun, it comes back to your cousin empty and oiled down, is found to be the exact murder weapon, only has been in the hands of 2 people during the time of the murder (one of them being you), and you don't know what happened. IF YOU LAY WITH A DOG, YOU GET FLEES! I don't think Carla is evil, but what she was involved with was evil. The defense said it the best she was "smart", so she knew the deal. It makes me angry to think that Avis Banks had her life taken for NO good reason.

Ladies and gentlemen we haven't seen the last of Keyon Pittman. He will have his day.

Carla Hughes got what she deserved. If she was smart she what of told on Keyon Pitman. Because I believe they committed this murder together. Now Carla has to do the time by herself whille he's out living his life. Also bad move not getting on the stand , that shows alot of guilt to me. REST IN PEACE AVIS BANKS AND BABY BANKS.....

This case has left me confused, makes me wonder what jury was that jury on? did they not understand the laws and beyond a reasonable doubt? WOW... so sad all around and the one person that tangled all the webs in the first place has gone on with his life .

True this man is a jerk! But a jerk does not make a murderer. When she found out he had a fiance and a baby on the way, the ball was in her court to say "No way jerk!" Go home. But instead opted to run with that ball. She wanted him and the only way to get him was to get rid of the "obstacle". She's guilty as sin.

This case was ripe for a verdict of not guilty due to reasonable doubt. Keyon Pittmon is one of the most ubelievable, unreliable witnesses ever to take the stand. What about his lack of tears, unexplained whereabouts for over an hour around the time that Avis and her son were killed doesn't scream "Look harder at me." Please ! He had access to Carla's house and all of her belongs, I'm sure. He told his friend he couldn't give him a ride home because he had something pressing to do. I'm sure it was very pressing for him to commit the murders, return the shoes, make his call to Carla to create a diversion from him. I have worked in the wireless industry for many years. It is a fedral regulation that all cell phones have the ability to dial 911. If Pittmon could lie about something like this, what else could he be lying about? My heart goes out to all of the families affected by this tragedy.

It's a sad day for everyone involved. You know that Avis didn't stab nor shot herself. Therefore someone has to be held accountable, meaning the person or persons guilty of this crime. This was a horrible crime done to Avis and her unborn child. This should be a message to woman involved with men seeing more than one woman. You know the more the woman more lies to be told to each of them.

I I disagree with the verdict. The forensics were half baked.GSR was
not tested on ava s clothes, the bullets that killed Ava were not
tested, and most important the time of death was not clarified
by the medical examiner. The time of death was a theory made up
by the prosecution. I mostly have trouble with this being a death
penalty case.

I keep hearing people say that Mr. Pittman had something to do with this. Is it because of the gun residue? If so why wasn't it followed up. My intuition tells me that Carla did commit the crime but she didn't do this alone. But I feel that its her fault for not testifying. I truly dont think she would have taken the fall for this man. I dont think there is much love in the world for that. But trust me, later on down the road she will speak and the truth will come out if he did help her. I have seen cases like these go back to trial. But we can't forget about the unborn child and mother who lost her life to the scumbag of the world her fiancee. If he did have something to do with it, believe you me he will pay.

Keyon did not have a motive to kill Avis, she never knew about his affair. In her mind, she was in a happy relationship with him and he had his cake. Carla is the one who could'nt handle it and she "lost it".

My prayers goes to both families, let this be a lesson learn LADIES there is no one man worth your life or freedom amen... To many fish in the sea, Please spare her life from the death penalty. We don't really know the truth but evidence point to Carla, when evil comes to us, we tend to loose our thoughts of right from wrong until its to late, its happen over and over in a love triangle pass, present, and days ahead to more people. It seems LOVE is so powerful one cannot control their emotion and act to it. Stay strong Carla "God says we should forgive" until you been in her shoe, one can't judge why this happen AMEN.

I agree with the verdict. I think the evidence was overwhelming. The doubt I have is that Keyon may very well have helped her in designing this murder. By her not taking the stand tells me that she did it all herself or was a conspirator with Keyon. Either way she is guilty. By taking the stand I think the truth would have become obvious in cross examination. She was in between a rock and a hard place as far as taking the stand.......come out looking guilty or at least of conspiracy...............either way a guilty verdict.

There was no doubt she killed Avis. Thank god the jury got it right but based upon the facts there is no way they could let this killer go free no matter how innocent or upstanding she looks..

She borrowed the gun that was the murder weapon, used all 5 bullets (on Avis) then returned it to ther cousin, her bloody shoes were at the crime scene and then back in her closet. Here cell phone showed her in the area of the house during the time of the murder, she had motive. Whoever thinks she is not 100% guilty WAKE UP!

Pittman was not married and had several girlfriends, while not the model of behavior that is not a crime. Killing your rival in a love interest is.

This is a very sad day!!!, Circumsantial evidence also proves that Keyon Pittman could have been murderer; gun residues on his hands?, he wears the same size of shoes with Carla, he was at Carla's apartment the same night of the muder, was missing during basketball practice for a good 30-40mins window, if not more than that!, he was not ready to settle down with one, or two or three women,?, oh yeah he is married now?
Keyon Pittman you are guilty of capital MURDER!, and you know it, the truth,shall always come out, unfortunately, it might be too late for Carla Hughes.

I came in at the end of the trail, but I heard enough to be convinced that she is guilty. Most police are not stupid, this girl would not have sat in jail for 2- 3 years if her attorney had a better defense than the lover did it...She is fighting for her life, if her boyfriend did it she would have sold him down the river a long time ago...there is not that much loyalty in the world....She is guilty...she will pay with her life for that one moment of rage.

Kudos to the Jury for getting it right. There's no man on earth worth taking on the burden of guilt in a double murder charge...FOR LOVE. She is GUILTY. She knows it and it shows on her face. There's a third victim in this case, Carla's son, now he is without a mother, now that's a crime he has to pay for, for the rest of his life, where's the love for him. God bless that child.

I've never understood why they don't go after the one who's been unfaithful to them, but instead get angry at their lovers' OTHER lover. Doesn't make sense to me. Maybe the OTHER lover is a victim, too, and doesn't know about the triangle!

It is about time. The guilty should be found guilty just like she was. Please enough bleeding hearts in this country. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. The only unfortunate thing is that it will probably take 20 years if ever to execute her. The victim will be dead the same length of time and more.

I am confused. The defense provided reasonable doubt, alot of reasonable doubt. So I am so confused as to why the jury would find her guilty. I wonder since they sent out the note asking about her taking a stand, if that had something to do with it, even though they are not supposed to count that against her. If her attorney can put it in my head, as well as others that Pittman killed his fiance, then they shouldn't have convicted her. I seriously doubt that she did it. I think she might have had some part in it, but didn't commit the crime. I mean, Pittman had GSR on him. She didn't. And he admitted to using her shoes, the kind the prosecution was looking for. I am stunned by this.

I must say that Defense Attorney Johnny Wall Jr, gave a great closing argument.. He went through everything that the prosecuting attorneys presented in this case against defendant to show the jury that it just was not liable evidence. I truly feel something is missing in this case. My thought a prayer go to both families and I pray that the death penalty is dropped. Two lives have been l taken, taking away another life will not bring the other two back. More evidence is needed in this case.

I was always leaning towards a guilty verdict. Had Hughes got on the witness stand, she could have cleared up a lot of questions. Perhaps, there were no explaining because "She is Guilty!!!"

I think that this entire case was a sad one. Two innocent people lost their lives and I feel that Carla may have had a hand in this . I think Mr. Pittman ultimately walked away from this with blood and gun powder residue on his hands.

She got the gun and knife for bad intentions and someone was kill with them. Even if she didn't actually stab or shoot the victim, she had a part in her death by supplying someone with the weapon. Go to jail. Good, Now find the real stabber and shooter.

she deserves the death penalty. 2 innocent people slaughtered in cold blood

Dear CNN
My opionion is that Carla hughes is Guilty as 123. Guilty, Guilty, Guilty.
In the beginning she did not hesitate to go to the polce station and answer questions. Now towards the ends she refuses to answer questions even if the defense attorney argues that she may incriminate herself by taking the witness stand if you are honest about what really happended , then the truth shall eventually set you free. Obviously she has something to hide. Keyon took the stand whether his tears were crocodile OR not and pleaded his innocent, He may be guilty of a lot of things but murdering his fiance isnt one of them. May Avis and her unborn child REST IN PEACE. I BELIEVE JUSTICE HAS PREVAIED.

I feel that the verdict is correct,however I also feel that she didn't commit this crime by herself. There are so many unanswered questions: Who cleaned the gun, Where is the knife, Why did Keyon have gun residue, Why weren't his clothes tested. There was also a text sent by him to Clara after the murder,"I now know why God sent you to me," I would love to know the reason . The Banks family should file a wrongful death suit against Keyon, this situation was caused by him, and it seems he is just free, with no conviction what-so-ever. The lives of these women and there families are changed forever, his should be also.

Being in the Criminal Justice field myself, I thought this case was a heavy one from the start. I do believe that reasonable doubt was in the air, however, it was not convincing enough. OBVIOUS JEALOUSY!! Carla wanted what she couldn't have, but Keyon is not innocent. This was definately a crime of passion, and I do believe he had some part in all of this. Could she be covering for him? Who knows? Anyway you look at it, there is no winning side in this case.

She got the gun and knife for bad intentions and someone was killed with them. Even if she didn’t actually stab or shoot the victim, she had a part in her death by supplying someone with the weapon. Go to jail. Good, Now find the real stabber and shooter

I think that this case was a matter of fact....... Carla had to many evidence against her, and I cannot fathom an intelligent, bright, and articulate young Lady such as Carla sitting in a dealth penalty trial and when she had the chance to plea for her life or convince the juror otherwise,she states to the Judge " It is solely my decision to remain silent"...Hello.. Carla, RUKM?... If you are not guilty of the accusations hat are held against you plead your case and she did not....

Keyon was wrong and what he was doing we see some Governors and even the President that cheated. Most men are dogs and that is a mere fact. so what was cheating on his fiance! Was Avis aware? Did it trouble Avis and Keyon's relationship.... Well we have no record of that I'm sure the investigators checked.

....... Carla had options and it was at her discretion that she would be in a relationship with a man that had a woman/ fiance. She wanted to be second hahaha...She knew about Avis.

Love overrules but, only the strong one survive and Carla lost......

Tisha A.
Atlanta, GA

I am really shocked! I don't believe they came up with that verdict! I really think that she was guilty of making poor judgement by chosing to see this man. But murder was not her doing it was the man in the middle of the triangle. Now he is free living his life and neither of the ladies have any kind of life!

Very interesting case. It's seems hard for americans to believe that this beautiful, intelligent woman could be guilty of this crime. I watched her facial expression as Mr. Walls talked about Avis Banks. Carla had a different look on her face only at that time and no other time during the case. If her couisin, ( Mr. Nash ) didnt go to the police to report the gun and the knife and if she had gotten rid of the shoes she may have gotten away with murder. Keyon Pittman will suffer for life for causing the two families all of this pain....Great Job Prosecutor!!!!

There is no way imma sit there that calm and not speak for myself if my LIFE is on the line...what kinna woman was that? to just sit there when the prosecution was arguing that i did it i woulld have been in contempt for tellin him how many lliars he was.
real talk if you are really really not guilty how canyou sit there that calm. and her attorney said in his last argument * it is not for her to prove that she did not do it* ha funny it would have been my duty to if it was me...cant no one tell you about me better than i can.

I so agree her and Keyon conspired and of course she could not rat him out because of her admitting to guilt. First I believed she was innocent, I know prosecutors has the burden but I really think if she was truly inocent (facing death), she would have gotten on the stand and faced the prosecutors "You got the wrong person!"

I am not convinced that this verdict was right. It sounds to me that if anyone had the most motive to kill Avis Banks it was her fiance' , Keyon Pittman not Carla Hughes . Avis could have easily found out about his affair with Carla and threatened to leave him . I mean come on people there weren't even any tears coming down his face . Poor Carla . Getting put to death over him is so not worth it .I believe the death penalty is wrong anyway, to me putting someone to death is a crime, even if it is administered by the law . Face it Keyon Pittman is a dog I wouldn't even spit in his direction , let alone lose my life over him. I just hope this isn't one of those cases where the person was found not to have commited the crime years after being put to death.

i truiy believe she was guilty to the point that she did not act alone. maybe ahe thought she was going to get off and did not want to implicate pittman. they conspired together, but who actually did the murder is a mystery.they both should have been tried. the prosecutor really dropped the ball this time. justice was not fully served.

How in this WORLD did this happen? A CLEAR miscarriage of justice. No Way! Makes me sick. She was clearly not guilty.

I watched this verdict from day one. I am a teacher so is both of my daughters who are around the same age as Carla and I was in shock with the verdict as well as the whole trial.....didn't her mom, relatives or peers try to warn her of him (Keyon) the womanizer. She had so much going for her and now possibly she will never be with her son and her family....men come and go.....not your life.....you only get one chance......now it seems to be over for this beautiful, well educated, black, single woman....I hope she gets a retrial because this was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt because there were surely many doubts surrounding this case. I will pray for her and for Avis"s family and her unborn son......WATCH OUT THE NEW MRS. PITTMAN...ONCE A CHEATER ALWAYS A CHEATER!!!!!!!!

how ever I think he is guilty and got away with murder and now carla was the blame for it she might know something about it but she was not the master mind he was and it will hunt him the rest of his life and may Avis and her baby rest in peace and bless Carla and her family because this shouldn,t happen to any one.

if i knew my life was on the line. I would have testified specially if I knew I did not do the crime. If did not do it, i would have been the first one on the witness stand screaming i did not do it.

Defense cannot make up the facts. Gun, knife, bullets from gun in Avis. Avis stabbed. Where is knife? No alibi. Whether she testified is a non-issue. The gave a taped statement. Hats off to defense. Maybe they can save her life.

To those that think she didn't do it, what was she doing borrowing the gun and knife just before the murder and returning it right after?

Keyon Pittman was "responsible" for this murder, but he drove Carla Hughes to carry it out. He led her along that world famous path of promise, promises – you know, promise them anything but give them Arpege (it's an old joke). However, she was dumb enough to buy it and look where she is now. Yes, he's a dog and I was married to someone like him (a girl in every port), but most men are that way and that's not news – what's news is that she was naive enough to fall for him to this extent.

I'm still in shock. There was SO much reasonable doubt in this case. The shoes that the boyfriend wore. No GSR on her, but GSR on the boyfriend; though they had a gun, the police did not bring evidence that it was the same gun that did the killing – what was with that? They basically said, "you have to believe us, we're the cops!" Why didn't they show photos of the spent shells along with the spent shells when they fired from the weapon they "say" was used in the murder. There was actually MORE evidence against the boyfriend than the defendant. I just do not believe these 12 people came up with this verdict. I have read the comments indicating it is racial, but I don't believe that. I am a white female in Mississippi and would have voted Not Guilty! I just believe they do not understand the concept of reasonable doubt. RETRIAL!!!!!!

If Carla gets the death penalty, I have to ask: when the truth comes out that Keyon was involved (and I'd bet my life savings that he was), how are they going to release her if they've killed her? He got quite a sweet deal: he got rid of the fiance (who I believe he was with because of the baby), he got rid of the baby (who was too much responsibility) and he pinned it on a girlfriend who was becoming a problem (off to prison). Now he moves on to a whole new life. Not to mention he was married to yet another woman a year after the woman he "loved" was gunned down in their garage. This doesn't create "reasonable doubt"? Really?

The jurors came back with their decision after looking looking at the facts that were presented to them. It is not easy to be a juror. Obviously, they had information to come to the verdict. God Bless both of these families, the innocence of the children involved (both the unborn baby and Ms. Hughes' son) and the lost life of Ms. Banks.

My prayers are with you!

I really believe he killed that woman. they need to way the evidence,with gun shot residue on his hand it keeps me think ,either he did it or send somebody to do it.or he was close to the person who did shot the gun. That lady cannot broke down that door like that. He set her up with the knife and gun. he walk on the blood and went over to the neihbor to call 911and before he did that he called her and said God know why he sent you. that was his plan to get rid of the child and mother because he found some one else instead of carla and to make it look like carla did it because of jealousy. Why did he get married so soon,if he is so grieving for the lost of his fiance and child. most people who are so dedicated to their child and fiance goes to therapy.Did they find gun residue on carla? I hope she gets an appeal.

Not shocked at all, given her refusal to testify, lying to cops, and then being the ONE (notice the ONE in there) who obtained the murder weapons and return them....come on...she was definitely guilty!

In reply to Jacqueline Wilson: I definitely agree with you here; I'm glad they were intelligent enough to see past the (o she's an outstanding/educated person), see past the circus church sermons the defense tried to pull (which btw never directly dealt with the issues of her involvement), etc!

Pittman was not on trial, she was and it usually is not well when the only thing the defense can come up with is...someone else did it...or the non-charged prosecution witness or person involved with the trial did it.

Reminds me of that San Diego trial where the defense tried to blame the parents when Westerfield was guilty as sin. Sorry, but if you don't won't to find yourself in court you best not go around obtaining guns and knives prior to a murder, lie about such possessions, and then return those weapons afterwards. Not a good way to go around being innocent.

Reggie, this verdict is not a racial issue. If you did not commit a crime would you have taken the stand. I would have explain where i was that evening. She did not have a alibi and the defense never said where she was while this happen. when you life is at stake, why would you put that in the hands of lawyers and a jury if you did not do it or have anything to do with it. The defense never said where she went to target practice. The defense just focused on mr. pittman and did not say or lay out where Carla was at anytime. I watched the whole thing.

now there was doubt in the whole trial. she should have gotten off on those basis.

If Carla gets the death penalty, I have to ask: when the truth comes out that Keyon was involved (and I'd bet my life savings that he was), how are they going to release her if they've killed her? He got quite a sweet deal: he got rid of the fiance (who I believe he was with because of the baby), he got rid of the baby (who was too much responsibility) and he pinned it on a girlfriend who was becoming a problem (off to prison). Now he moves on to a whole new life. Not to mention he was married to yet another woman a year after the woman he "loved" was gunned down in their garage. This doesn't create "reasonable doubt"? Really? He also called women instead of 9-1-1. That's a little more than odd. And where was the blood from touching her. He obviously changed clothes and "shoes".

I was suprised because there was not enough evidence to prove she was guility!! The defense team did an awesome job!!! But what got her the guility verdict was that she did not testify and could not prove herself. What i believe she got the gun and the knife for K. Pittman and he done the work. And now he is off the hook, with those no tears he pretend to have. Pittman wanted Avis and the baby out of life h is and he manipualted Carla into the crime. I wish Carla would have been more smarter than to mhave let him took control of her. Pittman took the shoes over to her house to cov er up thinking that they would not search Carla's house. This has to show women that you have to be much smarter and not get involed with man who is in a commiteed relationship. SHE GOT PLAYED

No Way ! No Way ! I have sensed all along there may still be a litttle bias in the direction of racism regardless of the facts that were presented.. Too many white jurors didn't help.
Believe it or not, there is still strong racism among some in those
parts of the south .
Carla' s attorney was one of the best and virtually brilliant with his
delivery... A True " Matlock " approach to facts should have cleared Carla.
I hope she gets an appeal and I hope someone that knows what they are doing comes up with " any kind " of DNA that will prove the situation was most likely a Keyon Pittman assault.
Did Keyon Pittman get away with murder ?
Hope he doesn't trip up and be a part of another Obituary.

one down, one to go ...now go after the low life boy friend

WOW!!!! I am in total shock. I really thought the jury would be smart enough to see there was reasonable doubt. I don't think she is completely innocent; however I do think she has knowledge of what truely happened but they are letting Pittman go and I really think he is the guilty one here!!! lt looks like he wins... no fiancee, no child, no lover , now he can go on being the player he loves being. Hopefully she'll give up all the goods on Pittman now that she has to sit on death row! SAD SAD ENDING!!! Everyone loses except the true killer....Pittman

No man on this Earth is worth all this. Period. She may or may not have done it. She may have participated. Bottom line...2 lives are lost. One is heading to life in prison or death and a devil of a man is free.God will take care of him. Peace be with the deceased and their families.

I really believe that she did commit these horrendous murders and should pay for it with her freedom. However, I must admit that I thought that the jury would find her innocent because Pitman kind of raised a doubt–don't know about "reasonable doubt". In the end, everyone lost because of cheating and deceit. I hope this is tragedy serves as a wakeup call to all of us that nothing good comes out of this type of behavior and "no man/no woman" is worth taking a life.

love, love, love, makes you do foolish things–Carla may have been book smart, but a young and beautiful woman should also have common sense and common principles to help her balance her life and relationships.

As I watched this trial unfold, I saw Ms Hughes "mask" of composure begin to slip. Initially, she looked like the composed, educated, school teacher, by the end, she looked very angry and hostile. She knew that she had been caught and that resume wasn't going to save her. I hope that Avis Banks, her unborn child, and her family will have some measure of peace now that justice is done. Mr. Pittman is certainly morally responsible and God will most assuredly deal with his sorry self. What a creep.

I think that Carla Hughes should've taken the stand in her own defense,but i also think this verdict is ridiculous. i think there was more than enough reasonable doubt for this to have been a mistrial or for that matter even a not guilty verdict!!! This is sad all the way around! Three great lives were ruined...........AND THE DOG STILL RUNS WILD!

God have mercy, but girl learn how to speak for yourself. She should have been the first on the stand without the lawyer. Carl and Lynda my prayers are with you and as far as the Banks family they are with you as well. Such a sad day in America for everyone involved too many lives lost in this mess.

Good verdict. Pitch the bitch. Any psycho who murders a pregnant lady gets no sympathy from me. Cry all you want you complete idiot. Judgment day has come.

The defense did not put her on the stand because they knew that the prosecution would expose her for the low class, lying, murderer that she is. Just because she is educated doesn't mean that she isn"t capable of stalking a creep (Pittman), murderous jealousy, cunning, and out and out rage. The murder was absolute over kill.

I don't think Carla was covering for Keyon at the time of this trial. She may have at the beginning, but let's face it, would she continue to protect him after he got married to some other woman?

This is miscarriage of justice this innocent woman has to take the blame for a shameful man kenyon pittman was the guilty one and he will answer come judgement day Carla we are praying for you and file for appeal right away maybe that jury can get it right

Justice was served today.

I think that she did it because she looks too innocent. Yes, Keyon played a part but only because he was dogging these women. I dont think that he deserves time for just BEING A MAN but this is all because of him!!! I knew that Carla did it when the cousin came forward with the gun...the cousin and his dad knew that she did it too!!!! I feel sorry for her child that has to live without her mom!!

If Carla was such a fine citizen as people said she was then she would have told the truth!!!! The voices of Avis banks and her precious unborn child were crying out for justice and the truth. I think society should forgive Carla, but will she ever forgive herself?

This is so very sad. She took the fall for a cheater. The only one breathing easier today is him.

I think that it was reasonable doubt that should have played a issue in this case. It is too many unanswer questions about Kenyon Pittman. I just don't think Carla Hughes should have been convicted. Because, I don't think she done it. I think this case shold be appealed and the police should start back from scratch with true forensics. I totally beleive they have convicted an innocent person.

What are these people thinking? I never thought for a minute that she was guitly of anything, other than loving the man she thought loved her.

What I saw, the evidence shows that she did it and no one else.
I don't see where the reasonable doubt is????
And why so many people think Keyon was involved??? I don't see it.
The gun...the knife....the shoes.....the lies.....motive......no testimony?
I personally think she is guilty. I could care a less how "pretty" she looks in court, and how educated she is. I've seen time & time again, that does not matter!!
I feel for the Dead woman's family and her unborn child! Her parents will never enjoy their Grandson. Sad situation all around.

i feel like hughes was guilty who goes to the gun range with only 5 rounds she killed that poor woman and her unborn child GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY!!!!

1.) blood wasn't found on the shoe.
2.) why was Carla the only one suspected and not Bridgette also.
3.) Gun residue on Keyon's hands.
4.) First calls when finding his dead fiancee are to a.) Carla, and b.) Bridgette.
5.) "Now I know why God sent you into my life" ???
6.) Keyon admits to wearing shoes.
7.) Keyon partying after death of fiancee.
8.) Bridgette testifies, not to clear her name, but to clear Keyon's..while looking smugly at Carla the whole time.
9.) Carla said to be at home while murder takes place.. Keyon left practice to go get groceries..but was jumpy, Bridgette left practice moments before.
10.) Keyon has key to his own home and key to Carla's house.
11.) Keyon married less than a year after death of his fiancee' and unborn baby.

The jury was wrong in this case... cell phone towers proving people guilty? If Keyon had access to her house and her shoes and her cousins gun and knife.. wouldn't he have access also to the phone? Keep your head up Carla, and Hughes family. Things will come out right in the end. Avis Banks family I am very sorry for your loss, but the killer of you daughter and grand child is still out there and he is sitting pretty in Detroit.

I also believe that Carla's attorney should retire from the legal system. I do not believe that his defense tactics were effective but instead out-date and patronizing. I believe that the Hughes family put too much confidence in "his" status and believed that credentials, education, and stature would prevail. It did not! Additionally, although the verdict is guilty on all counts, I do not believe that the prosecution team did a stellar job and left a lot of gaps that raised questions of doubt. Nevertheless, in the end....I believe justice has been served.

I watched the whole trial. I do think she is guilty along with her cheating boy friend. Watching her sit their with no reaction, no signs of nothing except watching herself get on the camera. She did not even think she would be found guilty. She seemed to like looking straight into the camera when she could tell it was framed right on her face. She got her TV review and the awful after thoughts cannot take away the grief she has caused.....Yes! I think her cheating boy friend was in conspiracy with her. Now he is free, married and going on with his life. She's headed to jail for life or for death row. The part I would like to see is the Laws being changed to prosecute the cheating womanizing men that causes this kind of trauma to American Woman.

WOW! I had mixed feelings about this case on one hand all the evidence points to Carla, i mean the the gun, the shoes, and even motive, but no real forensic evidence linking her to this crime no balistic test on the gun over than it was a .38 and the cousin's admittance that sge borrowed the gun. on the other hand Keyon you could argue had opportunity to set her up and do theover kill on purpose to make it look like acrime of passion he did have gun powder residue on his hands. Clearly reasonable doubt nonetheless.
I feel the lawyer will find so technicality for a mistrial or appeal .

I saw the end of the court program on TV and i thought she would not be convected of the crime.My daughter and Son in law are teachers and i will send them this story and see what they think.I pray the all of the families in this case.

I am more surprised about the comments here than I am the verdict. She borrowed a loaded gun and knife, then after the crime was committed she retturns it empty and cleaned. Her uncle who knows her better than any of us knew it had been used in the murder, that is why he turned it in. Keyon may have been involved in some way, Maybe we will see charges of some kind brought against him, I hope so, he is guilty of being a lot of things, at least of being an accessory. But...ladies and gentlemen, she is no victim here! She knew the man was engaged before and during the relationship and did not care. He played around with women.....this one was going to have her way no matter what it took!