Hughes gets life in prison in love triangle murder

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS!!! What is wrong you people!! she took someone's life!!! she should have gotten the death chair!!!!! Where is the justice in he pregnant woman that isn't here anymore??? so she gets life while that woman gets death??? his should have taken place in Alabama where she would have gotten death.....ugh, she doesn't deserve to live!!

No death penalty. I certainly don't agree with it. This is what the parents of the murdered woman wanted so with them not testifying in the penalty phase, I think that was a factor for the jury.

I'm glad that she didn't get the death penalty, I DO NOT believe on it,
but if she is such a wonderful person why she didn't testify, why she did have an affair with a n engaged man and his fiance' was pregnant, why she ask for a gun? To many questions but not to many answers.
I wish also that Ashley Banfield stop giggling during her morning show!!!

I agree with the guilty verdict. I also agree with the sentence. Life in prison will give Carla Hughes plenty of time to reflect on her crimes. God bless the Banks family.

unanimous decision for live in prison that tells you that these juror's are confused. Ms. Hughes should NEVER have been convicted of this crime. If you really believe she took these lives you would sentenced her to death.This case needs LOTS of MEDIA attention and Mr. Pittman must now stand trial and Ms. Hughes must appeal. As an outsider knowing NOTHING about this case it was clear there was resonable doubt that she did this. LOOKS like a POOR JURY SELECTION.....GOD bless Mr. Wells for taking this case..

Did they recover the knife that was used in the stabbing?

The attorney's decision to keep her from the stand may have saved her life.

I am so glad that she did not recieve the death penalty. I do truly believe that she committed the crime but with Pittman involvement. Why she decided not to turn on him, I will never know. He should be sitting in jail, and if it was me, we would both be in there. He was a dog and I hope that this is a lesson to all women. Mothers also need to take this case, show their daughters and tell them, trouble is easy to get in and hard to get out of, BECAUSE PITTMAN WAS NOT WORTH IT. No man or woman is. Carla had a special needs child, now her Mother is left to care for that child. This is unbel
believeable!!!!!!!!!! RIP Avis and baby! GOD is with you

I was praying that they would give here life........

I would prefer for the verdict to have been not guilty, but if she had to have gotten something life in prison is better than death. At least she would get a chance to see her son grow but the sad part she will be behind bars..... I am praying for both familes hopefully she will have a chance to appeal this

This is such a sad story. but i am glad that they spared her life because I really dont believe that she killed Avis Banks. There are too many questions that are unanswered which in turn creates reasonable doubt. I really believe that the jury made a terrible mistake in their guilty verdict.

It costs the state more money to put someone to death because of the appeals .As bad as the crime was I have a gut feeling maybe it was not her.
I am not a dp person,except in the case of Ted Bundy and those kind of people.

Thank you Jesus for sparing Carla's life!

Good! I hope she opens the eyes of other stupid women like her that feel the need to hurt a woman over a man. May she spend the rest of her days with that stern look she had in court. She really thought she was going to get off innocent. For once the Justice system worked. I wish they could go back and retry other cases extremely similar to this one. She sickens me and all females like her. If you can't have who you want, go on and get over it. You don't kill someone over it. Maybe down the line you'll get who you need and not want.

The Banks family will be in my prayers.

Maybe they can have closure now. If Keyon had something to do with this, it'll come out. Misfortunes will always be over his head until justice is served for him IF he orchestrated this idea. However, the actions fell on Carla's stupidity.

No man should ever be able to convince one lover to kill another. He didn't want to be married but he was cohabitating or playing house. Just go on. Even though Avis may have been emotionally hurt for a while, she would have gotten over it and she possibly would have still had her life and her baby.

I was NOT moved by Carla Hughes' crocodile tears at all. Keyon's either. Isn't it funny how quickly he got married after Avis' death but he was living w/Avis and didn't marry her. Hmmmm.

The wrong person was convicted . That dog name Pittman should be put to death because he is guilty.

I personally feel that she does not deserve to live! It does not matter if she had the help of Keyon, she chose to keep silent therefore she must take the wrap alone. She will just be another tax payer's expense.

The problem I have is that she didn't take the stand to defend herself on where she was, and why she gave the gun back empty to her cousin. I hear she doesn't look like a killer. Well, what does a killer look like? Ted Bundy didn't look like a killer, and he was. . There was questions that she knew she had to answer on that stand. Not taken the stand is why I feel the jurors made the right decision.

I am not convinced that Hughes committed this horrible murder of a mother and unborn child. I was torn between the death penalty and life imprisonment because if she received the death penalty, she would automatically have received an appeal. Now, with the life sentence, I truly hope that her lawyers have something they can appeal so they can get another trial – AND, hire someone to put intense pressure on Kenyon Pittman, who I believe, had a hand in this brutal slaying. He may not have actual blood on his hands, but maybe someone he hired does.

I have been following this trial since the beginning and my heart goes out to both families. No one really wins in this case; hopefully Carla will find peace and ask for forgiveness, if indeed she committed the horrible act she was found guity for. Personally, I do not feel that the prosecution proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, but in defense of the prosecution, I did not get a chance to hear the jury instructions, so I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Both Mr. & Mrs. Banks and Mr. & Mrs. Hughes have loss a daughter. I am sure all who followed this case, can surely feel their pain.

I am relieved that this woman got life instead of the death penalty. No disrespect to the Jurors or to the Banks family and friends, but I have questions on whether she did this or not. Watching this trial everyday I cannot imagine this beautiful, educated woman could do such a horrible thing to Ms. Banks. I am having a very hard time with this. If she did do this I am sure that the man in the middle caused her to snap!!!! No matter how educated you are or how privileged you are when it comes to the heart anyone snaps. The evidence was overwhelming, the gun and the knife and the blood on her shoes. Did they even check her car for trace evidence of blood on the gas and break pedals. When I watched the trial of that man who killed the daughter of that detective in Florida the evidence was there, I had no doubt he did this to her and I had no remorse for him receiving the death penalty. But I am having a hard time believing Ms. Hughes did this. If anything she will do great things for other prisoners with her gift of teaching. I still do not feel good about her going to prison. Ms. Hughes lawyer did an awesome job in defending her! My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.

iam very upset with ms hughes she is a person here on earth to teach the kids and do something like this she thought she would get away with it because everybody thought she was a angle but in her heart and mind she was a devil she had a good life ahead of her she was smart enough to get a goodman one day why kill this nice lady and her unborn child she hurtmy heart as amother with life she need to think about what she did to these nice people and the boyfriend is no angel very sad case my prayer go out to her young son with no mother and the bank family .

This case is just sad among other murder trials I have watched over the years because nobody wins. When are people going to realize that you can't just kill someone and then expect to live happily ever after. I'm hearing comments on this case and alot of them, people feel that the boyfriend should have faced criminal charges. Even though he is a dirty dog, he did not kill that lady and her baby. The only thing he is guilty of is his infedelity and that is not a crime however it is a sin. Even if he asked her to do this, she had a choice and unfortunatley, it was the wrong one. Ms. Hughs seems to be pretty sharp I mean hell she was a school teacher so she knew right from wrong. Now she will never be a free woman again and for what, for nothing. My heart go's out to the Banks family and the Hughes family.

Thank God!!!! I hope she now will tell her story, even possibly write a book so other young women can learn from her mistakes. No Silver tounged man is worth your life or the life of others. I would like to hear from Mr. Pittman now. I really hope there is another case with him at the defense table.

Though Ms. Hughes has been convicted of this horrendous crime and has justly been sent for life to prison, Ms. Bank's boyfriend is responsible indirectly for this happening in the first place. Since we all live in a glass house I will not be judgemental of his less than faithful choices. Where he stands responsible for this murder is the choice he made to remain in the relationship when he saw she was obsessive; he made choices with his genitals rather than his senses and ultimately cost his fiance and baby their lives. His tears on the witness stand may have been out of guilt as much as they were from grief.

where is the physical evidence?

I'm glad to see the jurors did have some mercy on Carla. Eventhough I still believe the trail should have ended in a hung juror.

I do believe in mercy, however Carla did not have mercy on Avis and her unborn child. In fact she planned the killings days before with no apparent second thought of mercy. I think Carla's tears are cause she will have to pay consequences for her actions not because she is sorry for Avis's death. I wll pray earnestly for both families in this terrible situation.

What does two life sentences mean? I know that three life sentences is equivalent to 60 years from what I saw in the Edgar Ray Killen trial in 2005. I mean, how many years is two life sentences by Mississippi standards?

Life in prison was the only verdict I could imagine - from the first day of the trial, I was convinced this was NOT a death penalty case. She is not the kind of defendant and this was not the type of crime that juries believe should result in execution. I honestly don't think the prosecution thought so either.

But if for no other reason, if the jury had been inclined toward death, just seeing the testimony of first the mother and then the father would have turned things around for them.

I am so glad she did not get the death penalty, I am still not convienced she did this, there is just to much reasonable doubt! What i cannot believe is everyone Keyon Pittman left in his wake, Avis Banks and her unborn child , Carla Hughes and her family and the 'basketball mom' who's affair with him came out. While Avis is the only true victim in this tragady, it does not seem fair that he can just move on with his life with all the destruction he caused, I just hope karma is not kind to him!!!

I feel that this case need further investigation. I feel that Ms. Hughes is not guilty and that keon should have been investigated.

i think that the jury was wrong and i think that she is not guilty because they didnt have no proof all they is that she went borrow that gun and knife from her couisin but that boy knew that and he is the killer i been knowing carla hughs and that aint her she is loving girl and i think that found her guilty because she didnt take the stand and i think that they shouldnt give her the death penalty only god can judge and they aint god so carla you keep your head up baby god is holding you

Was gunpowder residue actually found on Keyon Pittman's hands? If so, doesn't this create a reasonable doubt? Neither he nor Carla Hughes were at the school at the time that this heinous crime was committed against Avis Banks and her unborn child. I am a devout Agnostic and was so moved by the 10/14/09 testimony of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes that I said the Lord's Prayer for their family, just in case. Cynthia Sommer's verdict was overturned on appeal so there is still hope for Ms. Hughes. Best wishes to the Hughes family and loved ones.

I think this is a sad situation. In the end nobody really wins. Both families are now without a loved one. My heart goes out to both of these girls families.

I think it is much better for Carla Hughes to have to live the rest of her life behind bars
what she did is unforgivable, and the family of Mrs. Banks do not only have to live with the loss of her for the rest of there lives but also the loss of her baby who was never given the chance to even open his/her eyes and see the world.
I know that crimes of passion make people crazy at the time...But honestly lady what were you thinking shooting and stabbing the poor women who i can only imagen did everything in her power to protect her baby
i hope what those women to to her in prison is 1000 times worse then what she did to Avis Banks and her baby, (I know a bit harsh but hey, so is murder) and i also the lives a very long and misrable life in what ever prison she is rotting in

under the curcumstances they needed to spare her life, because if i ahd been on that jury she would not have been found quilty, because with the evidence to me she is not guilty whatsoever. i hope her appeals will get her a new trial and hopefully released. my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

I'm sure she'll spend the rest of her life in prison thinkin how could she have been so stupid to allow herself to get caught up in this triangle.
Now this guy's wife is dead and your in prison, uhmmm, where is he???...moving one with another woman. I hope other women learn from this , that it does not worth ruin her life over a man!!!!

Bless their hearts for sparing this woman who obviously made a grave error in judgement in trusting this Pittman man. He is responsible for this as much as the convicted and should be tried as well. I don't believe that this is over by a long shot. I hope the authorities find it in their hearts to keep this investigation alive!!!

now that everything has been said in done,i beleive the jury had second thoughts after all. i hope the find the real killer (keyon pittman). i really feel that if he's not taking into custody he will murder again. avis may you and your unborn baby boy rest in peace,as well as bless your family as well.

i'm disappointed. she should hv got death

i think if this young lady did this she is a very sick person. to kill someone for a good for nothing guy. she was not gulity she would tesify and scream it from the roof .

I believe the sentence was the right one, because Carla was obviously complicit, especially considering that she would not even testify on her own behalf, completely to the end of the trial.

Also, I still believe that she is aiding and abedding Keyon Pittman, by staying silent and keeping him out of jail, which is the stupidest thing that I have ever seen.

If it were me, I would be taking him down with me..because I totally feel, based upon the evidence that he was largely involved in the commission of the crime.

I know they have the wrong person she didn't do that they need to hurry up and appeal that so she can be sat free a blind man can't see and can see their was not enough evidence i pray for the hughes family and the banks family but i know their a god sit high and looking down low and justice will be serve and thank god for both her attoney the did a great job god bless.

Well ... maybe she could do some good in prison? After the shock wears off (that she didn't get away with murder), she'll talk. If she gambled by not giving up Keyon in a "conspiracy", thereby implicating herself ... she lost BAD and he goes free. Her appeals will take years, she needs to repent and maybe she'll turn into some kind of "voice" to let other young women know that they absolutely cannot get involved with or fall "crazy-in-love" for ANY man ... especially such a snake as Keyon ... her total and complete undoing. I've been married and divorced ... I've dated ... there are so few good men out there, it's very discouraging ... and I've made a wonderful discovery: I'm better off on my own than to be with the wrong guy. Too bad Carla never knew this.

I am so "THANKFUL" for the jury's decision. I only pray that if Carla did not commit this crime, the real killer will be caught. The doubt I heard during the testimony weighs heavy. I pray that an appeal is in the future so that inconsistancies can be investigated and the real killer brought to justice. God be with Avis' and Carla's families. I know the both are hurting right now. I hope everyone who believes in God will pray for both families that they may find peace in the midst of this storm.

This is just so sad, she took a life therefore she should have to give hers.

If this is a Death Penalty Qualified Jury and they found her guilty of such a violent,grisly, vicious act of killing a woman and unborn child out of jealousy and rage–UNANIMOUSLY- WHY did they NOT sentence her to death?
I'm starting to believe she did it after reading that Pittman has cell phone records placing him at basketball practice at the time of death. Before that, I thought she was 1) framed-women should take a lesson from this that sleep around -or -2)she did it and was just very very stupid. Carla may have been raised with morals but she did NOT practice them, regardless.
For those that believe Pittman got away with murder-trust me, whether he did or not he will be living labeled a "MURDERER" regardless for the rest of his days.
No one won.
Prayers to the families, friends, and deceased of everyone involved.

I believe that she got what she deserved. She is fortunate to still be able to breathe. I felt for poor Avis and did not even know her. There are so many women who were in similar situations as this, but just did not SNAP like Carla did. The whole time I was watching the trial thanking GOD that was not me. A person can be educated and still make the dumbest mistakes. It Happens!

Good job Jurors. Now she will have the rest of her life to see the eyes of Avis as she pleaded for hers and her unborn child's life. She will see her eyes and her screams. Sweet dreams Carla. You can't hide. You can't turn it off. One day you are going to wish you had gotten the death penalty. Prison is a lot different than jail.

Even if she gets a new trial and manages to escape he life sentence, she still has to live with what she did. There are cunning Attny's out there that will go to any lengths to get their client freed even when they know they are guilty. Some say that it their job. But Carla was judged by a Jury and found guilty. Unless she can come up with a picture of the jerk actuallly shooting and slashing Avis, she should own up to her horindous act and shut up. Avis is not getting a second chance and neither is her unborn son.

For her Atty to say Carla is his Hero is Bull. A hero is someone that saves lives, someone that lays down their lives for others. That is a hero Mr Atty. You must be desperiate for a hero. Sad.

Now DA go after that jerk. He should be sitting behind bars to. But folks lets be fair. No one twisted Carla's arm and made her do it. He may have been behind it but she did the deed. She was not going to share her lover with another woman and a baby.

i think carla hughes is innocense hope it come out

I still think that keynon had something to do with the murder of avis. I do not see how the jury found her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but since they did, I agree with the sentence.

It really sad to both family that two young ladys lost there lives there is no winer ... my prays go out to both family...

First I want to send my condolences to the Banks family because no deserves that, but I really thought she was innocent. I believed the boyfriend did it and framed her. Maybe the truth will come out one day. I am glad the jury decided to spare her life.

I'm glad that they spared her life. To me she should have not gotten the guilty verdict in the first place. She got the raw end of the deal, she has to pay someone else's wrongful deeds.

I followed this case very closly with all your coverage. I was very shocked when the verdict came back. Is this young lady so in love with this man that she went without talking and listening to her attny. it is almost like she told him in private that she knew that he had used the gun but either was afraid to speak or just blinded by her love for him..

No matter what, we have no right to take life! Good decision!

I think this is probably the right decision. I listened to all the case that has been aired and I really feel that she did the crime. I don't feel the death penalty would have served anyone. I know that the Bible speaks of a life for a life, but is this not what will happen now. Her life as she planned is over. All the families need prayers.

I think that the jury wrongfully convicted Carla Hughes i think that Mr. Pittman is the one who did this horrible crime he should be sitting behind bars for the rest of his life........

I'm sadden by the outcome!!!

iam sick to my stomach God bless this girl and her family.

so sad. i still believe that snake of a chater should have been investigated more.

I pray for Carla Hughes family and Avis Banks family. I hope that Carla receives another trial I don't feel like she received a fair trial. God bless these women and their families. No one know what happens but God. I will no longer comment on this case I will pray for these people for now on. Carla we are praying for you and hoping everything will turn out better for you ; Stand strong and pray. I really hope that the prosecutors will consider trying Keyon Pittman because I strongly believe that he was involved all the way.

Even as I sit here at my computer my heart goes out to both families. I feel like Keyon Pittman set Carla up and I cannot understand why the jurors cannot see that. The only thing I could not make sense of were why her attorney did not let her be heard. There were answers that only she could answer. I pray for both families

I think that this case was travesty of in justice. What is our judicial system coming to. It is obvious to me because I followed this trial from beginning to end and the prosecution did not show the proof that Carla Hughes did in fact commit this crime. So much of the evidence pointed else where. I pray that her attorneys get started on the appeals process as soon as possible because she has been in jail for too long. She was wrongly convicted and my heart aches for Carla and her family(especially her son).

My GOD thank you for sparing her life.....now I hope she seeks and get a new trial and speak up in her next trial.....I hope I can write a book.....I love to write and I have watched the whole eight day trial and sentencing and have just been intrigued with the details are should I say lack of detailed evidence...the proceeds will go to Landon her son.

I believe that if she did not kill Avis Banks. Why didn't she take the stand and yell at the top of her lungs that she didn't do it!! I know she's guilty and here are my three reasons.

(1) She borrowed a gun and knife. If she gave it to her lover, why didnt she take the stand and say so. You mean to tell me that she's taking all the blame? (please) If her lawyer wanted to cast doubt..put her on the stand and explain the need for a gun and knife.

(2) Where was she during the murder?

(3) Why lie in the begining?

This punishment is worse than death. She is only 28 years old. Now she will have to sit and think about her actions.

I am gratefyl she will not get the death sentence however, I don't believe she committed this crime. I pray the appeal process will be put in place as soon as possible and she is set free. God has the last say, not man.
May God have mercy on every life that has been affected. I truly believe Mr. Pittman committed the crime.

thanks for giving her life i just dont believe in the death penalty just because someone take a person life dont mean their life have to be taken

I'm glad Carla received life in prison. She'll have plenty of time to
mentor inmates and administer the gospel while serving her time...
I really feel sorry for her family.

I'm praying that justice will be served....Carla is innocent of this murder charge... The real killer was set free!!

I really don't know how the jury could have given Carla Hughes a guilty verdict. The evidence does not prove she did anything. I pray for her and I hope she will get another trial and be found innocent. And that someone will go after the real murderer.Because I don't believe she did it .There are to many loops holes not answered and that I don't think there were a good investigation done on that cheating boyfriend he could be capable of anything.Not enough evidence I could go on and on about this case. God bless Carla and her family.

She most likely wielded the knife, but I believe Keyon shot the fatal wounds...she should not spend her life behind bars for his disrespect...if she had only taken the stand and told her side....maybe it would be changed; she had exemplary representation...wtf????????

Sweet Lord, he watches; she was wrong, so was he; Judgement will come for the snake that started this and took the lives of women and a child from an innocent woman....

The reverend said it perfect..but I have another....Hosea chapter 5:4...
They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them and they have not known the Lord...

Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us: he hath smitten, and he will bind us up....

I just hope all involved will find peace and love in this tragic situation....

To whom it may concern,

I to, am a christian. Does that make me faultless, NO! My prayers go out to both sides involved. So many beautiful things were said about Carla and no doubt true. But when we involve ourselves with the opposite sex and you have to slip and slide around corners, hide and seek, you can't be as free as a bird to take a relationship to the next level. What happens now is one of the parties begins to want more cause more is want they need, when the other may have been only leading the other on for their OWN gratification and when its realized and their eyes are open, then the GREEN fire breathing DRAGON within begins to develop in you that you may or may not be aware is there. People only KNOW about you what you allow them to KNOW about you. Do we really know anyone but ourselves? What may push me to the edge may not push you. Lives have been taken and destroyed and they are the TRUE victims. Not Carla, not Keyon.

I couldn't believe the jury could not see All the reasonable doubt. It is more than obvious their decision was based on her not taking the stand. Their question concerning the prosecution calling her as a witness demonstrated they needed more from the prosecution. Mark my words Keyon will be involved in something very similar again

She deserves the capital punisment. Our money should not be spent on people like this.

I honestly believe that Carla Hughes is innocent. I've been following this case since day 1, i really believe the real murderer got away scotch free, i wish i was one of the jurors this would've been a mistrial or hung jury i would've voted NOT GUILTY. Are these people crazy or what, everything points to that lying cheating boyfriend KEYON PITTMAN. Maybe the women on the jury had a thing for him as well. God Bless America.

I have been watching the trial, what I don't understand is why was Keytone Pittman not questioned about the half hour he left the Gym, the dogs that got only got the scent of Keytone Pittman and Avis Banks, they both lived in the house, they did not get a foreign scent which would have been Carla Hughes had she been in the house, the gun powder residue that was on Keytone Pittman and not Carla Hughes, I know the gun and shoes was an important piece, is it possible the Keytone Pittman could have taken them,as it stated Carla Hughes Apartment had been broken into.

MY name isTerry Williams and i just want to say my heart goes out to avis banks family and to carla's son who wll never get the chance to have the bond that a child to have with their mother. I dont know carla hughes but just by watchng this case and observing her expression and emotion i know in my heart she killed this women and her prescious unborn baby. I personally dont believe in the death penalty and I thank GOD that they didnt give her the death penalty for the sake of her son. she will now have many many many years to think about what she did and all the people she hurt " OVER A MAN". GOD BLESS YOU MR. & MRS. BANKS & BABY HUGHES.

If it were me, I'd have taken the death penalty to more than 50 years in a jail cell. What kind of "life" is THAT? Why would anyone PREFER life in prison to a death sentence?

thank god that this jury did not take her life. this give Carla a chance to help herself an prove she did,nt do this .she has surpporter out here and that are not going to stand still and watch keyon get away with murder he has hurt too many.

They all cried and begged for mercy for Carla. I wonder if Avis cried and begged for mercy for herself and her baby.

this jury made wise and thoughtful decisions in both the guilt and sentence. There was powerful evidence presented indicating quilt. Unfortunately the poor defense was unable to counter any of the prosecutions allegations and the smokescreen of the alternate killer backfired. Ms. Hughes' only chance was to take the stand and tell what happened; by choosing not to do this she personally sealed her fate.

Poor Avis didn't get a "life sentence" ...she got death...by way of the jealous beauty pagent winner....AKA a stone-cold killer as the prosecutor said so well.

This crime has yet to be truthfully told. I am an old Godly saved lady who instructed my daughters to leave married men and men with known other girlfriends, so called fiances alone. Even though, i have never lived that type of life and pray that my daughters' have not even glimpsed such vile life, i have been told that uglyt men that live like that are usually pimp daddies. There is more to the crying and idiotic actions of that man in question. no one has really revealed that this kind of mess is illegal in the first place. he was glad to introduce women to other men. What does that say? I donot know whether hughes was guilty or pitman was guilty. my question is : how can a man love a woman and cheat on her? was he a pimp? does pimps want babies? why did not carla hughes look and act guilty during the interrogation? why did her own cousin notify police of some gun or knife borrowed? what did he have to hide?

This should be a lesson to all of those who disrespect others by "lusting" after or participating in the deception of another.

Carla knew very well that Keyon was not "eligible"...folks testified about how "moral" she was...she (unfortunately) had a child out-of-wedlock and messed around with a man who lived with another women...PLEASE explain to me how she qualifies as "moral" ???? She went to church every Sunday???

And by the way...Carla may have a better life in prison than had she "gotten" Keyon...he is a selfish, arrogant, deceptive cheater...and he would have done the same to Carla...Oh, thats right, he did do that to Carla...and Avis...and Bridget...and.................hmmmm, what a catch. Good in bed does not a mate make !!!

I saw the survey on CNN asking if we thought she was guilty ? It was something almost split 50 50 that she wasnt guilty. I dont know how she could have been found guilty on what the state had.

One question never answered for me: How did the garage door opener get INSIDE the house? There were ony two openers, one for Avis and one for the creep she was with....sooo how did it get left in the house when she was "ambushed" in the garage.....?

Just wondering..

I don't believe a woman & mother of Carla Hughes status would kill another woman with child in that matter. The risk to her son alone would prevent any mother from intentionally breaking the law.

In response to the question: is the death penalty a deterrent to crime.
I think currently No. If we advertised and made more a spectacle of it and had a mostly flawless system absent of predujice and corruption it would work wonders.

I feel that the best decision was reached since there will always be a doubt if there was anyone else involved. this case was a horrible crime that I feel would not have taken place if it were not for the cheating , slimey, man named Keyon, he caused such turmoil in the lives of these women and due to the weakness of charector of Ms Hughes she saw no other way to have her man !! How sad is that ! You take the life of an innocent woman and an unborn child , Just for the likes of someone like Keyon . Maybe down the road some information will come out that will explain WHY !!!

Is the death penalty a deterrent to crime? Yes. An executed murderer will never murder again. A paroled murderer frequently does. When the guilty person doesn't receive justice, it is some innocent person who pays. It is today's prison system that is no deterrent to crime. Our prisons CREATE recidivism.

Thank Jesus....Carla is given the real opportunity to prove her innocence. She deserves another trial...She needs to take the stand and tell her story. She is an amazing woman with a lot to offer. I wholeheartedly believe the chump had a lot more to do with the murder. He was the only one that had something to gain. He is a womanizer that pulled off the perfect crime and set up the one he supposedly loved. He wore her shoes...he shot and killed the mother of his unborn child...He then went back and placed the shoes in the shoebox. Then he went and cradled the woman that he knew was already dead. Then the chump stood across the street and watched everything unfold. Remember most criminals always return back to the scene of the crime. A civil suit needs to be filed against him.

I have been seriously thinking about this case. Everyone has their opinion. Here is mine. Carla borrowed the gun and knife for Keyon. Bridgette used his cell phone at the school to give him an aliby. Keyon had Carla's phone while shooting slashing and killing his fiance. How about that investigators?

I think she should have been sentenced to death. If this was a man, he would have been sentenced to death. I know everyone makes mistakes, but when you kill someone and the life of an unborn child, you don't deserve to live. No man or woman is worth killing two people over, especially a sleeze bag!

I'm glad to hear she didn't get death, but still in shock that not one of these 12 jurors felt that there was more than enough reasonable doubt here...simply cannot believe that at 28yrs old, this vital woman's life is essentially OVER. Pitiful.

The death penalty would be a deterrent if it was actually carried out, but because there is such a delay, if it happens at all, it is not taken seriously.

Yes, I do believe that the death penalty is a deterrant to crime. While the death penalty is only applied to the most horrific cases, the ability to administer the death penalty is a deterrant, if for nothing else to project to criminals that society holds them accountable for their actions

I do not believe that Carla is guilty at all. There are too many unanswered questions- about the knife, that the victims pants were down, that pittman"s clothes were not tested with a paafin test, and if he cradled the victim, where was the blood on him. I believe Pittman borrowed the gun from Carla, and she returned it to her cousin after the interview thinking it could implicate her, but I believe she suspected Pittman at that time. He probably disposed of the knife because of the blood on it. The police should have done more investigation into the knife, Ann jBanks was STABBED! Carla is innocent!

Has anyone considered the wisdom of a jury of peers? Wouldn't there be a better chance of a correct verdict if there was a jury of experts such as a couple of lawyers, a forensics expert, a DNA expert, a detective, a member of the clergy and such?

I agree with the death penalty, but in a case like this I don't think the death penalty iswarranted. If Hughes did comit this crime, there is no true evidence that this was premeditated. What if Hughes borrowed the gun & knife for protection and then acted in a moment of rage. As a Juror I wouldn't want to have that on my conscience. To me that doesn't warrant death penalty. Those who go out of their way to commit murders and pre-meditate and plan course of escape and senslessly kill, then I believe death penalty is warranted.

Carla Hughes was found guilty of a horrible crime. The jury has spoken. Does she deserve the death penalty? Yes and No. The act itself was gruesome. NO one would want this to happen to their loved ones, and if it did would be calling for the persons HEAD, but we are reasonable and logical people of the United States. Carla Hughes has a lot to still offer humanity. She is a highly educated educator. She can still be productive inside the walls of prison. What we must remember is when you strip away all our credentials, make-up, and dress, we are all the same. PASSION and LOVE can make us do very crazy stupid things that at times can never be taken back.

Well, i don't think she did it. But, if she did Pittman most likely helped. Hughes shouldv'e testified and told her side of the story. Her lawyer did a good job defending her but left things out. Hopefully, her family appeal and hire D. Sweet. My heart goes out to both families.

Did the prosecution ever weight the fact, that keyon
set carla up?. I dont belive she is guilty . IT look
like a set up to me.

I am curious as to what the jury saw or heard that led to their decision, watching on television I must have missed a great deal. I have written eleven questions that went unanswered in the State's case. Based on their failure to answer what I think are critical questions, I would have errored on the side of the defendant. The State has a responsibility to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and I don't feel they met the burden. These young ladies had everything to live for and were demonstrating they would be of great value to society. The only one who came out smelling like a rose is Mr. Pittman who should not have escaped responsibility for putting all of these events into motion.

I hope that Carla come clean.Tell on that no good man and let him serve time too.He gets away messing around with women now with a crime.He got to be the luckest man on earth.Carla if she is as smart as they say,talk he is right now doing what he did to you and Avis

Her mother kept saying she was a good speaker.The defense showed Carla's awards for speaking, why didn't she testify?

This is what happens when you play with someones emotions. People end up hurt or even dead. Keyon should be held accountable for his actions. I think he played a part in this. Carla has to face all that she has done but Keyon gets to enjoy the rest of his life. Shame on him. Three lives are gone and many more destroyed over cheating and lying.

The victim didn't get a choice why should she?

Call me foolish....Wait until she walks!

was there any dna taken from the boyfriend,since he was a part of the triangle?

I agree with the verdict and the sentencing, what I can't agree with is our avoidance of putting Avis Banks' picture on the screen more. Carla Hughes' family will be able to visit and talk to her. No matter how long Ms. Hughes is imprisoned, she will receive visits from her family, including her son. Ms. Banks is dead and so is her baby. Please don't forget them.

I am so glad, but I think they still need to appeal this and go after pittman. god bless carla

Carla might have been a good person but that has nothing to do with her action! A crime of passion is deep and causes a person to do things out the ordinary! I believe she did it because if I was innocent there is nothing in the world that would stop me from speaking out and saying so! Her reactions seem more regretful than innocent and in disbelief!

Mississippi Department of Corrections, here she comes! Perhaps she can do some good there amongst her true peers!!

Even tough Carla Hughes was found guilty, I still have doubt in my mind and feel that if I was on that jury, there is no way this lady could have been found guilty. There is some reason for me to believe that Carla and Keyon (spelling???) both played a part in this murder. I cannot understand for the life of me, if Mr. Pittman had gun powder residue on his hands, how could they not continue to pursue him as a suspect. Just was not found in this case...

I still feel there are to many holes to many unanswered questions
that POINT TO PITTMAN . His actions are to strange to be overlooked
yet they are

If pitman had gun powder residue on him y wasnt he fully investigated i watch first 48 & otha crime tv i dont get it i think she was coverin up 4 him i look foward 2 dis case comin bak

If the defense theory was Keyon picked up the gun and shoes from the defendant's home and later planted them back after the crime, why did they not match that with his testimony that he was indeed there that day to drop off and then later pick up groceries from that same home?

Look everyone is saying that she didn't deserve the death penalty, and that life without parole is more appropriate. I disagree, this womman planned every aspect of this murder, she lied in wait, shot her, stabbed her victim, all while this victim was pregnant. Just the fact that the victim was pregnant, along with how she committed her crime, the violence involved, to me were enough mitigating factors for the death penalty...

I beleve Mr.pittman broke into Carla's house to prompt her to get the gun.Which gave Pittman all he needed to frame Carla. Carla is INNOCENT!

Re: Carla Hughes case, I just saw the two detectives giving and interview, they both stated that they would consider leaving this case open for further points of interest! Can this be used in the appeal and help the defense out. Showing that the police are still not 100% sure that Carla was the killer!! I still don't see how ANYONE could have convicted her, There is so much reasonable doubt!!! I feel Keyon is the one who should be on trial!!! He is the one who should be sitting in prison for LIFE!!!!!

When will we learn that these crimes are of passion and no the death penalty is not a deterant. In the instant that you cross that line in anger there would be nothing to stop you. We are a nation who has left their spiritual roots and because of this we will pay an even greater price.

Every criminal has a first crime so i am not sadden that she has received the sentences that is given to her. The main problem that i have with her is if she's such a person of good character where was it when she was dating Keyon (a man engaged to marry his pergnant girlfriend).The gun used in the crime was given to her at her cousin's residence; therefore, she had to have taken it elsewhere or given it to somebody else.The defense tried to put everything on Keyon but there was no finger prints on the weapon not even by the owners and there was NO footprints found on the scene not even from the shoes with blood on them (i wonder who cleaned up).Last but not least she still hasn't said that Keyon did it.

Very sad. I think they have the wrong killer she may have dirty hands in this because she borrowed the gun for him. When will Keyon trial start.

Considering Pittsman's MO, it is not surprising that he shed few tears at the death of Avis Banks.

I do not believe that the death penalty causes people to not commit murder. I don't think that most people who are about to kill someone are in an emotional state to stop and consider the consequences. Just like Hughes, it's done in a state of frenzy. My son was murdered a year ago last June and his girlfriend and her mother are in jail , as well as the man they hired. We are awaiting our first trial to start Dec. 1st. Even in this premeditated murder for hire situation, as personal as my loss is, I don't think the people were in any state of mind to stop and logically consider the possibility of the death penalty.

Did not get to see trial. Only saw part of yesterday's program...father & minister testimony. What about the gun powder on Keyon Pittman's hands....how was that explaned? Is there anyway I could view his testimony & the procecutors statements?

i watched the trial from start to finish..i don't agree with the jury's verdict of guilt.. you have to find a defendant guilty without a cause of "reasonable doubt".... i'm not a lawyer nor a jury member, but let's be honest reasonable doubt was established clearly by: 1...kyon had a house key to carla's apartment...which means that he had as much access to the pistol as she did, 2: they wore the same size shoe, in which he admitted to borrowing those same shoes...3: she lied about the relationship they shared and he lied throughout his questioning during the investigation and even got caught up on the stand. 4: how many women do you know or even heard about at carla's height n weight who can physically kick in a door.... avis lived in a residential neighbor hood, now you mean to tell me that none of her neighbors were home at that time to hear a door being kicked in and furthermore the gunshots. nobody heard anything and to add the fact that she was found by her cheating lying fiance'.. the worse thing that carla didn't do was testify for herself.....her lawyer should've convinced her to do it....because basically the only thing the jury wanted was to hear from her.

I saw the sentencing and thought about this guy who was the common denominator of this fiasco!! Where in the hell was he? The defendant is going to spend the rest of her natural life in prison and this SOB will take up with another woman and think NOTHING of her. If he was so in love with his fiancee', then why was he not in court. My theory is that he was guilty of stupidity! Did people actually think that he would make his presence known?

I commend thefamilies for maintaining their dignity through all of this.

I am against the United States having a death penalty but the arguments that Carla Hughes should not receive it because of all she has accomplished in life, sickens me. She has been given the tools she needs to accomplish much in life. She was adopted at six weeks of age by professional educators, who gave her a good economic and spiritual up bringing. The mercy should be extended to those who are without the benefits that Carla had. The socially and economically advantaged often accomplishes more and well they should. My husband and I also adopted a child at six weeks old. We were all blessed for that.
Barbara, MN

I think that Carla is very much GUILTY…………. And I also think that they should have imposed the death penalty!!!!!! The reason being is that Carla knew that Avis had an unborn child in her stomach….. Avis did not know that Mr. Pittman was having an affair!!!! Her nor the unborn child did not deserve what Carla did to them and the way she made them both suffer……….. Because of the way she killed Avis and the unborn child, I would have given her the death sentence!!!!!! That is the reason we in America have the death sentence, because of the way a person is murder……. Not that they do not have criminal background!!!!!!
Jessica, SC

I think that Carla is very much GUILTY…………. And I also think that they should have imposed the death penalty!!!!!! The reason being is that Carla knew that Avis had an unborn child in her stomach….. Avis did not know that Mr. Pittman was having an affair!!!! Her nor the unborn child did not deserve what Carla did to them and the way she made them both suffer……….. Because of the way she killed Avis and the unborn child, I would have given her the death sentence!!!!!! That is the reason we in America have the death sentence, because of the way a person is murder……. Not that they do not have criminal background!!!!!!
Jessica, SC

I agree with a few of the already posted comments, that the jury did show mercy but the man who was the culprit of this ugliness does need to be accountable just like the person who yells fire in the crowded theatre

I'm glad to see that she did get life in prision, although I feel that pittman has something to do with this, watching her breakdown I feel that she forced her tears out, although she was upset wit the fact he she would be spending her life in jail. I would had hope that she would had spoke to the family at least she seem to show no remores what so ever during the trail. even when pittman spoke she sat there as if she did not care,
This is a cold hearted woman to take not only the life of a woman but a child that she was bearing. What makes a person go to that level of curelty? I still feel that Pittman should face some kind of punishment, but, the worst punishment this man would have to live with is what has happen to Avis and her unborn child.

Life without parole is the right decision, in my opinion. She is not a menace to society like serial killers, gang bangers, drug dealers, etc.

I believe Carla Hughes is guilty but I do feel sorry for her family. They seem like wonderful people and by all accounts Carla was an outstanding citizen before all of this happened. I feel sorry for the woman that married Keyon. Even if he had nothing to do with the murder, he shares some of the responsibility. I don't believe he is capable of bring true to one woman. I commend Avis' family for the way they handled themselves in court. I do pray they can find some peace now that this case has been finally resolved.

Im very excited that the jury have a heart to keep this young women alive. I believe pittman have an involvement in this horible crime this case should have alot of media attention.. carla should appeal this case and i believe different juror should be in this case......I dont like the verdict especialy 9 women in the jury stand

I am relieved that this woman's life was spared. If truly guilty, this woman had a total absence of sanity at the time of the murder. Love can really mess with the mind. I'm confident she will be a valued inmate to those she comes in contact with in prison. I believe in the death penalty for those only who are certain to continue a life of crime, even though they are incarcerated.

It is hard to believe a woman could know a man for 3 months and then kill for him. Unfortunately Carla loved Keyon more than she loved herself. At best they both deserve to be behind bars because they are equally responsible for Avis' death. I hope this trial is a lesson for all woman who sneak around with other woman's men. Find your own man or enjoy your life alone. If that rat wanted Carla he would have left Avis for her and dealt with the financial obligation to Avis. He obviously only wanted sex from Carla. Why couldn't she see that? Why did Avis have to die over Carla and Keyon's sexual pleasure. That man was in a relationship. Why did Carla feel like she needed to have him? She had no business inviting that man to her home.

no, i don't think that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime, but i do think that if the death penalty was a public event rather then a closed event ..then YES it would be a deterrent.

I pray that Pittman is throughly investigated and brought to justice. I pray that Carla gets back into God,s grace.(crazed love is an insanity in itself). I pray for both families that each had loses of someone they loved.(nobody won.) The only good thing that came out of this case is that her son will be with a god fearing family. M

While I do believe that the death penalty is a deterent to crime, I find it totally unacceptable in this circumstance in that the prosecution did not due thier job, in my opinion, to prove Ms. Hughes innocent of the crime. In the first college level class I took in criminal investigation, this is what the instructor said must be proved to achieve a guilty without a doubt conviction. I feel a good investigator would have come up with some different conclusions.

She didn't do it...it was Keyon.....

Where is the coverage on the victim's family's thoughts on this obvious liberal jury decision? Took two lives, hers spared because she is an outstanding citizen, never done anything like this before? Hello! Guess not, or this woman and her unborn child would still be alive, because Ms.Hughes would already be in jail. I believe justice was not done.

I think she should have been tried as a heat of passion crime.

I am having a hard time with BOTH of the jury's decisions. I see too much reasonable doubt unless I am missing something. Too many unanswered questions for me.

I still belive Pittman was involved! I think they both were there and something didn't go as planned and he dipped (probably got a call from "another" woman!), and Hughes went ahead and carried it out on her own. I feel for the Banks' family, as we too went through something similar last July 4th weekend when we lost a daughter (age 18 yrs old) in a car crash caused by a drunk driver she was riding with (and, yes, he survived it with only a scratch above his eye!) Her killer received 4 yrs. jail time and lost his license for life, but he'll be out in 2012 & his family will welcome him home with open arms. We will never see her again, just as the Banks' family will never see Avis again! I cried for them and I feel sorry for Hughes when she arrives at that prison, to face those who don't take so kindly to murderers!

How can anyone say that she should of been found not guilty..she took not one but the lives of two people..one who was an innocent person in all of this...if Pittman had something to do with it...he should be in jail as well...but if she wants to take the fall for him...then that is her own choice..and she deserved to get what she got and more...her having to look at herself everyday..and after all of that...she still didn't get the man..so was it worth it..

if they get an appeal, will carla take the stand at a new trial and tell all.

The evidence is not totally convincing, I don't think we've heard the last of this case, I think some more evidence will emerge and blow this case out of the water. I will stay tuned.

Call Me a"bleeding heart",but in my opinion if Miss Hughs was a celebrety given the prosicution`s case there is no way that she would have been found guilty. How can they be satisfied with Mr. Pittmans version of the case?

Even though I do not believe Carla did this crime I am glad that the jury did not give her the death penalty. I will continue to pray for her and her family and the all the other families involved. She seams to me to be a very special lady whom has put others before herself. We women have to be very careful with whom we get involved with.

If a person commits a murder then they are ignorant if they don't think they could possibly be punished by the death penalty. Therefore, I don't think it is a deterrent....common sense says it's a given. Not saying I agree or disagree with the death penalty, but "a life for a life" is a common saying and what we have heard in our environment.

I am still sadden about the guilty verdict and I prayed that she wouldn't get the death penalty. I don't know Carla personally but I cried all yesterday morning during the penalty phase especially when her moma and father took the stand. Whew! I just have to keep in my heart and mind that the Lord does not put more on us than we can bear. I just hope during the appeal process maybe Carla can share some of her wealth of education with other inmates that may not have had the benefit of obtaining a college eduction.

Carla tell the TRUTH, it can't hurt you know. Your family will be happy and you will be able to sleep better at night. It can't hurt you now you have a life sentence. Keyon needs his day in court and can get it with your help. Do it for Avis and her unborn child and your child as well.

Most of the commentators seem to have forgotten about the victim. Carla is painted as a saint by those who came to testify on her behalf. But what about Avis? Here was a young lady who had dreams and plans for herself and her unborn child. An innocent party in this whole mess.
Carla was given a life of blessings. Her mom's testimony about her breakup with the father of her child shortly before the wedding spoke volumes to me. She couldn't stand to be rejected again and took action.
The Carla that is depicted in the courtroom doesn't look anything like the Carla who was arrested. Take a look at her mugshot and video of her court appearance then. She was obviously going through some heavy issues!

I don't believe Carla is guilty of Murder. I believe she is an accessory to murder. How can a man who was engaged to a woman carry his child move on so quickly and get married to someone else. I haven't gotten over my ex yet. This doesn't make sense. I also understand how you can lose control very quickly when your emotions are involved. I had to remove myself completely from my ex because of his womanizing ways. There are too many holes in this story.

I think the jury did an outstanding job. I believe they spared her life for a number of reasons. The fact that she was never in trouble before this, she was a teacher, a person that gave back to others. I think the crime itself was horrible! But, what would sending her to death result in? There are so many that affected by this however, the person in the middle lives to see another day of freedom. I feel for the victum and her unborn child. This has to be an enormus strain on them and I will pray for them. They don;t seem to be vindictive at all. I even seen the father's hug after the verdict. God bless both families.

tyrone

I think it is sad that once again a young lady has been used as the scapegoat while a another man gets off scott free!!! When are girls gonna learn not to get hooked up with controling men or those who are so sneaky like a snake and then bad happens and they are used as the scapegoat!!
My sister did and now she has consequences when she was abused yet the person who did that to her is off living a life and she is under the law because of something he did and she has to pay. GIRLS!!! WAKE UP!!!!!! There are evil men out there!!!!!

I am thankful for the great man I have! There are plenty of good men out there.... don't pick a loser!!!

I am just devastated in the outcome of this trial. I have watched this trail from began to end. At first I really couldn’t tell who committed this murder but after listening to the evidences I am sure it wasn’t Carla Hughes. This is the one of the biggest mistakes our judicial system has ever made. The more I hear the more I can’t control my tears. If I had to put a finger on anyone it would be the boyfriend. This man has not been seen since the day of the funeral. Mr. Pittman hasn't called Ms. Bank’s parents in three years. The last time they heard or saw Mr. Pittman was the day after the funeral. What about the gun power on Mr. Pittman hands, and no blood on his shirt after holding Avis in his arm. What was this jury thinking?

Guilty or not we will never know. What is a fact is that there is ample reasonable doubt and this woman should have never been convicted. The problem is that the victim was pregnant and people want someone to pay for it. I really don't think the cops were after the truth. They just wanted to close the file just like the prosecution. Someone pays for the crime they feel satisfied. Guilt or not is irrelevant to them at this point. I think the jury feels that way to. They can't pin it on him so pin it on her. Justice ha lol!!!

I feel the evidence not presented would have given a not guilty verdict.

This woman is absolutely guilty as is evident by her attorney recommending her not take the stand!! Come on people!! If one is innocent and facing the death penalty, that individual would get on the stand and argue their innocence!!! She had a very wise attorney who knew that once she was questioned by the prosecutor, that any alibi would have folded right in half. Where was the target practice? Where is the knife she borrowed? Why did she only fire five bullets at target practice? I don't care how much education, accolades, volunteering, etc. she has done in the past, this was a crime of passion and she wanted Avis Banks out of the picture. Justice has certainly been served.

I think the system is so unfair. Why is it that no one is commenting on the gun powder on the fiance's hand after the murder. That is reasonable doubt right there. I believe Carla Hughes was invovled but I don't believe she pulled the trigger. Carla should appeal her case and the real killer will be exposed which is the fiance. Carla should have tessified in her own defense. The question is why is she willing to spend the rest of her life in prison and not telling what really happen. It's obvious she still loves that fool and is willing to go down for him.

If Carla was innocent, shouldn't she have taken the stand...What happened to her being at the target range. Shouldn't Senator Walls have proved that she was there??? I think if she felt that she had nothing to hide, she should have taken the stand, to prove her innocence. Anyway with the reasons Senator Walls wanted the judge to drop the charges, something to do with Carla having slave descendants, I would have fired him and gotten another lawyer...

The jury had no doubt to convicted her. When it comes to killing her they are not so sure. This is the American injustice system

Laws were written to protect the integrity of society. Where ever there is a law there by association must be a penalty. Laws were not written to bring the innocent to justice but to punish the evil doer or the law breaker. We have established a system where we provide a jury to determine the guilt or innocent of the person on trial. When the evidence is weighted and a verdict given, that verdict should stand.

Maybe the jury gave her life as opposed to death not because of the family and friends statement, but the fact that they convicted her on circumstantial evidence.

I am just devastated in the outcome of this trial. I have watched this trail from began to end. At first I really couldn’t tell who committed this murder but after listening to the evidences I am sure it wasn’t Carla Hughes. This is the one of the biggest mistakes our judicial system has ever made. The more I hear the more I can’t control my tears. If I had to put a finger on anyone it would be the boyfriend. This man has not been seen since the day after the funeral. He hasn't called Ms. Bank’s parents in three years. The last time they heard or saw Mr. Pittman was the day after the funeral. What about the gun power on Mr. Pittman hands, and no blood on his shirt after holding Avis in his arm. What is this jury doing?

if an appeal is granted, carla needs to take the stand and tell what she knows.

My heart goes out to both families. I think Carla Hughes put herself in a bad situation and now has to be accountable for her decisions. Carla being educated and having a great pass has no bearings on whether or not she made bad choices.

if this case involved two men and a woman...and they found the same evidende...bloody shoe prints in a mans home ect... he would be sentenced to death!!!!!!as should be a female who in a jelous rage should be..

Carla and I went to high school together at T.L. Weston here in Greenville, Ms. I am having so many mixed emotions toward the jurors. I would love to personally give "thanks" to each and every one of them for sparing Carla's life. Then I would like to pull each one of them aside and ask them "what were you thinking, reasonable doubt is written on this all the way". Not guilty should have been the first verdict. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes you are in our prayers.

I don't see how the jury would come back with a guilty verdict, when there are so many unanswered questions...Thanks be to God our Lord and Savior that she is not sentence to death...I'm so touched by this case, my heart and prays goes to Carla, her son and her family also to the banks family...

Unbelievable, where is the justice here,I don't believe this case how could someone be charged with insufficent evidence. This is a clear indication that the system isn't trust worthy. This woman did not commit this crime,she may be quilty of sheltering the person that should be looked at ,Kenyon pittman he is a coward to let this beautiful young lady whom he once loved suffer for his actions. He supossedly moved to Michigan and married another woman this needs to be checked into,sounds really suspect to me .

I am troubled by tru tv's glorification of an evil woman who literally slaughtered her romantic rival, shooting her and cutting her as she and her unborn baby lay dying on a cold garage floor. This is a woman so desperate she would pursue a man in a committed relationship, whose fiance was pregnant. These are not the actions of a Christian woman. She lied to police because she knew her actions were wrong and sinful. She had been aggressive and competitive her whole life and refused to accept that Keyon was going to marry a woman she saw as being not her equal. The evidence proved her guilty. Evidence is what counts.

Her mother reminds me of Cindy Anthony: disregard all evidence, disregard the daughter's sleezy actions. Deny, deny , deny. God will judge them both.

I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that she could be a killer. It does not fit her lifestyle, and I bet the boyfriend did it. He is a liar and able to juggle lots of stories to fit his particular desires. I pray some evidence surfaces that will acquit her!

This case is so difficult to comprehend that a jury would take less than an hour to decide the fate of a woman's life.Miss. the prosecutor Guest got it wrong and did not prosecute Pittman.I could see carla getting a gun for Pittman to remove Avis Banks out of the picture and a man that requires so much infidelity/distrust in relationship has issues.The fake tears did not impress me or many that viewed the performance.The assistant coach is a man that I would not want as a friend and he changed his actual facts after a dialogue with another person and that should have shown to throw his comments out of the case.I think Carla hughes is a victim of her last "NAME" and being a "TEACHER". Mississippi could not allow another Hughes or Teacher get away with circumstanial evidence and the juror apparently had made up their mind,she was guilty.This is sad for justice in Miss. again.

I cannot believe that a jury actually convicted this poor woman. All the way through the trial, I was convinced they would come back with the decision that she was totally innocent of this horrific crime. What a miscarriage of justice. I certainly hope there is a retrial of this case and that the result is freedom for Carla Hughes.

Lets not forget that even King David made a mistake and had to pay dearly for having his love rival killed. The point is... Even good people can err ... but they need to take responsibility for that mistake. I am sorry for her but at the same time ... what about the victims?

I want to say something about the defense. Attorney Walls is the best in the State of Mississippi. If you know your maker you know that God say that it is time for everything. It was time to cry. If I was the Attorney in this case I would have cried to save my client life. Senator Walls knew without a shawdow of a doubt that Carla Hughes is innocent. I have found that most jurors put the burden of proof on the defense. The Juror wanted Carla to bare to burden of proof. What a mistake.

I am tried of hearing about all this religion posing Carla as being a saint when let's face it, Carla had a child out wedlock and was still engaging in dishonest and undesirable company(Mr. Pittman)! All people who go to church and read the bible aren't holier than thou!!!!!!

I can't believe that such a smart woman would be dumb enough to use a weapon that she borrowed from a family member, and leave shoes with the Avis's blood on them. Where were her bloody clothes? Where was the knife? Why was Pittman let go when he had gun powder residue on his hands? Who had the most to gain from Avis's death? perhaps Pittman wanted to get rid of two of his girlfriend at one time. His actions at the time of the murder, and on the stand showed me 2 things. First he did not want to be monogamous. Second he sure didn't care that much about either woman.

When will these stupid women and men learn that nobody is worth killing another human being! Poor Ms. Banks did not even have the chance to leave Pittman. Carla might have been an up standing person with many good qualities, but once she killed this poor woman and her baby she is just another monster killer who deserved death! I can only hope that the other inmates give her a wonderful welcome as a killer and a baby killer! Once a pretty woman, now a very ugly monster! I hope that they put her as far away from her family as they can. May she rot in jail!

I just cant believe that a young in experienced personcould commit this horrible act and not leave one shread of evidence behind,either the cops did a horrible job investigating this crime, i believe the truth will come out, i do not think the prosecutor proved Carla Hughes did this crime, where is the evidence that she was even in this house i believe Mr. Pittman did this crime he had gun shot residue on his hands and clothing i believe he knew she had the gun and knife and set her up so he could pursue all his other women hopefully Carla will break her silence ! only she knows what happened it's time to start talking no man is worth your life in prison.

First, there's approx. 10% of prison inmates that do not belong there. Hebews 13:3.
Secondly, our justice system has eroded like everything else in our USA! Prosecutors are suppose to look for the truth, not just convictions, but convictions further their careers, now check out Psalms 58!
Thirdly, if you lived in NV (Las Vegas is known as "Sin City"), you'd know that evil is alive, well, and spreading like CA wild fires!
Fourthly and most importantly, 2 wrongs do NOT create a right! This teacher/mom/daughter/believer has the oppurtunity to change the lives of those she'll be residing with in prison.
It is a shame that the no good, demon-harlot man that was central in this situation is out walking among us, FREE!

i do not agree with this verdict. there's just too much reasonable doubt. ive been following this trial since day one and the state did not convince me that she did, in fact, killed avis banks. in my opinion, pittman has more of a motive than carla ever did & he figured out a way to get rid of two women at the same time. he had gun shot reside on him and she didnt. he had access to her home before & after the murder. seems to me if carla did kill avis, she would have left the shoes that keyon had borrowed at his house. his invisible tears did help his story for me. sadly, he is not the one on trial. we can only hope that an appeal will bring forth more evidence hopefully against keyon pittman. the wrong person was on trial here.

Everyone is saying poor Carla , Let's not forget Miss Banks and her baby! They were sentenced to death for no crime! And if Miss Hughes was such a God fearing Christian why was she cheating with that Dog of a man Pittman? I know the bible does not condone that behavoir! I really feel sorry for the Banks family and also the Hughes family they have both lost a daughter. But the Hughes can still go see their daughter the Banks can not !

I am so sick of hearing how great this woman is....Please if she was such a great christian woman then why.........................was she going after a man that was engaged to be married and a baby on the way. 2) Why did this great carring woman go off and leave her son at a very young age for someone else to raise. Where was all her friends crying and telling how wonderful she was and how she helped them. Hmmm....just family and old people. Maybe if this so called fine woman had stayed home to raise her son and helped him like she supposely helped others and stayed in the church house instead of Pittmans house she wouldn't be where she is today. She should of been given the same fate she gave sweet Avis. She had no mercy on all the goodness of Avis much less that she had a baby on the way.

If he set her up then why did she tell her cousin a lie abot the "gun range?" Don't get me wrong I truly beleve that Pittman played a part in this murder but if she admits any knowledge (such as getting the knife and the gun) or participated in any way she would still be on trial. I think that her defense lawyers know the whole story and know that her participation would surely land her in jail and they felt that they could try this case and put a reasonable doubt in the jurors minds. So they rolled the dice and she lost. I would have told in the first place especially after he left and married someone else. But I guess if you think you can get away with the part you played in this murder then you do what Carla and her defense did.

What I don't understand is how Carla can sit so half heartedly throughout the trial knowing full well this outcome was quite likely especially if she's not guilty. I probably would have passed out when they found me guilty. Listening to the evidence and watching her demeanor I feel like the jury got it right. The one person who can really implicate Keyon is Carla so why doesn't she. What does she have to lose unless she is guilty. I pray for her and her soul. I know she knows God and He is the only that will extend grace and mercy in this situation. The Banks have forgiven her which is outstanding but she needs to come clean to God and to her son and family and move on with her life. There is still purpose in her life and God is not finished with her yet.

has anyone talked to any of the juriors? Do they still feel the same way? If any of them read these blogs. Which i hope they do. if your decission has changed PLEASE tell the judge or attorneys. You could be the one that changes this justice system. Has anybody thought about carlas child? What about this special needs child. LET ME TELL ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO THINK SHE IS GUILTY! I have a child that is mentally and physically impaired (cerebal palsy) they are so dependent on you. Anyone who has a child like that could never and i mean never committ a crime like this. people in my position and hers will know what i am talking about. Now they have just ruined that childs life. like he doesnt have it bad enough. They get looked at, talked about, picked on. They use to follow us down isles at the store and whisper and gouk at her. They have a very hard life. As a mother or father you become very very protective of that child, because you see and feel the hurt that child feels. there is noway she could of took another mother and childs like.

I find it very disturbing that the jury sent a note questioning why the prosecution didn't call Carla to the stand. To me, this demonstrates that someone on the jury, if not the entire jury, lacks a real understanding of the American justice system. I would hope that this fact alone would be grounds for appeal.

This is entirely seperate from the question of Carla's guilt – the fact that she borrowed a gun & had it in her posession during the period in which bullets from that gun went into Avis Banks' body, and had no plausible way of putting the gun into another person's hands, & cell records put her in the area of Avis's house at the time of the crime, pretty much convinces me.

One other thing – I was so impressed with the graciousness of the Banks family, both in & outside the courtroom. It was so civilized to see her parents say that finding out who did this was enough for them, and that they didn't seem to expect the court to give them a platform to express their frustration or provide them the mythical "closure" that courts can never provide.

Why are we so willing to think that Carla Hughes DIDN'T commit this heinous crime and Keyon Pittman did?
And why is so hard to sentence Carla Hughes to death after being convicted?
If the jury might have had lingering doubts they shouldn't have convicted her.
The crime was very brutal and I personally think that she should have gotten the death penalty.
I don't care that she lived such a good life up until that point she still was convicted of a double murder.
And what about poor Avis?
She didn't deserve this and I think she got totally lost in this case.

There have been lots of professional good-looking persons shown on your network accused/convicted of horrific crimes. I am surprised about all the sympathy for Carla Hughes based on her looks & what she was able to do with her life. What about some sympathy for Avis & her unborn son? There hasn't been much said today for their justice. Sometimes people who have a lot of "book sense" don't have a lot of common sense! As far as Mr. Pittman goes- what goes around comes around–he'll get his.

I beleive that [Carla] did this crime if she was so innocent like every one was saying.She should have tesify on her behalf, but she could not tesify,because she knew she was [guilty] of these crimes.

I would like to hear from a juror are the jury as to why they was asking to hear what carla has to say. And would her speaking had an impact on both of the decision.Because twice they wanted to hear what she had to say.Will you be interviewing any of the jury.

It's Just sad all the way around for everybody, the testimony of the Father broke my heart and you see with that the true meaning of a Parent's unconditional love. Sad Case.

I truely believe Carla Hughes is innocent . I believe if she would have taken the stand and testified in her defense and also the fact she had a good lawyer but he needs a little more fight in him the case was a more personal one and thats what got in his way . I cant wait to see that Keton guy fry he is the guilty one he could have jus left her its not that serious.

I wonder why mr. walls said that the jury would question her father not getting on the stand but to me i think the real question is why didnt karla get on the stand dont you think the jury want to know. the father testifying is would be the least of my worries if i was mr walls.

This may not be important, but looking back at Carla's childhood, why were those children picking on her so much? Maybe they saw something in Carla that her family did not see. She was very spoiled and probably displayed her wicked ways to those children. She was use to having anything she wanted. However, in adult life, what she wanted and could not have, was Keyon Pittman. She wanted what Avis had, Keyon, and she was angry! Angry, and mad that Avis had Keyon. Women are hard and jealous of one another when it comes to a man. Avis was the result of a fatal attraction. Tell it like it is. Fatal Atraction!!!!

Not only do I think Carla Hughes should not have been given the death penalty, I am really disgusted that the prosecutors even sought the death penalty considering that they admit that the case was circumstantial and Avis Banks' family didn't even want death for Carla.

We all love our children and support them unconditionally. But our children are not always right. Carla Hughes lived one life to please her parents and she lived another life to please herself. Lets not forget,not even Carla Hughes is perfect. Thow shalt not kill and she killed Avis Banks.

Having lost to love before, Carla was determined not to lose again. For such a charming, intelligent, young lady with such an awesome upbringing, she allowed the devil to consume her and he did. I"ve been there conjuring up all sorts of ill plans, only I never acted.

Men will never understand how much damage they can silently do when they chose to play, and we women are too often vulnerable.

I pray for deliverance and mercy from God for her. I pray for her parents who shouldn't have to suffer this agony. I also pray for continued healing for the Banks family who have such a lovely spirt. I hope Keyon will one day come to true christian feelings. If this doesn't bring you, nothing will.

why haven't someone spoke up about the male that was the cause of such a terrable crime if he had gun resdue on him he should be on trail as well for murder,if this was to had happened in another state that lady would be in the chair and the boy friend would be there also

i feel very sorry for miss carla i dont believe she done this crime i believe pittman had his hand in this.carla would not have the nerve to shoot then stab this lady . she was set up by pittman he might never get his day in court but he will get it in hell. i pray for the woman he marry when he get tired of her an cheat on her who will he hired to kill her.an pittman does not have any looks about him too make some one kill over him .

Ok, so rather she is innocent or guilty (only Keyon, Carla and God knows the truth) this is a HORRIBLE loss for everyone. An innocent woman was murdered, an unborn child was never given a chance, a lying and cheating man goes on with the rest of his life probably to cheat some more, and a young, beautiful woman spends the rest of her life behind bars leaving a 6 year old Son without his Mom. Who wins? The only person I can see who wins is KEYON! Does anyone know how I can get the mailing address for Carla Hughes? Isn't it public records? I can't find it anywhere, please help.
thanks

Carla hughes should've took the stand...BIG MISTAKE....APPEAL!

Just when I thought the morality of this nation could not sink any lower, I see a TV personality upset that a prosecutor sought the death penalty for a merciless killer. If this nation had more like-minded prosecutors there certainly would be more RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE, fewer overcrowded prisons sucking up taxpayer dollars and true JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS. Ms Banks' family did not stare death in the face. Ms Banks was shown NO MERCY, NO COMPASSION – Ms Hughes should have received the same. People commit crimes because they know there will be no REAL PENALTY.

I don't understand how they could even convict carla, she doesn't even remotely fit the profile of someone that would do this , I personally think that the fianace did this. This just dosen't make any sense, where is he at anyway, I think he did it and made it look like carla did it. The prosecutor,he might just be doing his job but I was wandering if he even remotely thinks that pittman had committed this crime.

12 women & men listened to the evidence and found Carla guilty. Yet there are still people posting here that think she didn't do it.. Wake up and smell the roses.

She did it!

Mr. Pittman didn't do it!

Get it!

If you were on trial for your life and you did not commit the crime, tell me you would not take the stand. It was her decision not to testify, not her lawyers. She didn't want to go on the stand at the sentencing portion either, again her choice. Why because she did it. Forget about if she said something it could be used against her if they got another trial. The odds of getting another trial are infinitesimal, despite what the idiot defense lawyers are saying on the TV show. I don't think she have gotten death. i think she can do more good in prison then she could in a pine box.

I believe Carla is innocent, The only thing i feel she is quilty of is getting involved with that no good man. I want to send carla and her family my prayers.

All the hang up about the prosecutor hoping for the dealth penalty, I'm WITH HIM!!! First of all, this crime did fit the case for the dealth penalty. Was Scott Peterson sentenced to death for murdering his wife and UNBORN CHILD? Yes! Carla Hughes did the same thing... so why wasn't she convincted? Because she was a female? Please, she's lucky she got life because this crime was very deserving of the dealth penalty. She took not only one life, but two... and the second never had the chance to live it. And for all you Holy rollin, Bible quoters... an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You live by the sword, you die by it. Yes we all have to answer to a "higher power" when we are gone, but that still doesn't give us the right to kill here on earth. THOU SHALL NOT KILL!

Why wasn't Kenyon charged as an accessory to this crime? If he had gun powder residue on him, how convienant for him to be coaching a game, @ the time of the crime. Why would he to Avis' house(at that particular time) with all his womenizing he didn' want to be trapped he was the only one that knew any thing about Avis' schedule etc.

I pray tha Carla is exonerated for this crime through the appeals process and justie is served swiftly against the true perpurtrator.

I am getting tired of hearing about poor Carla . What about poor Avis Banks ? There is enough evidence to know that Carla was at least a part of the murders . I am okay with her getting life , maybe she can do some good on the inside . They say there were no tears in the eyes of Mr. Pittman , i didn't see any in Carla's eyes either . Mr. Pittman was a womanizer and i think we all agree on that but we know Carla was messing with a man whom she knew was in a relationship and expecting a child . How many men was Carla seeing ? Face it , if she wasn't a pretty , young , clean cut and educated woman , we would all be screaming for her head on a platter . Seems like Carla is the poor victim in all of this when in fact it is Avis Banks . This case will get enough press and eventually Carla will get another day in court and will be found innocent . What a terrible shame that will be !

Life is more than reasonable. Carla is not getting her way this time... Now she shows emotion?? She created so much burden for both families, and destroyd so many lives. Her own mother and father that went out of their way and gave her everything, Avis's dear family, even Keyon. Wonder if Keyon is worth it now?/ I truley think that she thought Keyon would come running to her after the loss of Avis. The defense did so well to devert the blame to Keyon. Dirty dog as Keyon may be it takes two to tengo and Carla knew about Avis and did not care. Keyon didnt deserve to have his baby killed and that seems to be forgot, it was his baby too. Carla didnt care about the trouble her cousin could be in over the gun, Carla didnt care about her own mom and dad, Avis, the unborn baby or anybody but herself. Now she does have her chance to give back and spend her days praying to God for forgiveness. Avis never got the chance to do anything, even give birth before she died. If being a dirty, greedy, sleezy womanizer was a crime Keyon would get the death penalty himself but its not. Angry as we all may be at Keyon the women surely know he is a dog and still choose to partake with him. I think it was stated he is too much a wimp and probably not smart enough to pull it off even if he wanted to. He is just a player and probably dont have much game beyond that. WHILE THIS IS KEYONS FAULT HE DID NOT COMMIT THE MURDER. Suerly if there was conspiricy it would have surfaced by now. Carla sat there so arrogant and defiant during the trial with nothing to say of herself. Then decides to cry only for herself at the end. I dont know any of these people but I have cried for them all due to the tragedy, so I have a hard time with her coldness. . I said it before and I say it again, unfortunately, Avis was not in Keyons way, she was in Carlas. Sorry but Carla gets what she deserves..

Clara is innocent.

Carla deserved the death penalty as well as all other murderers found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. I feel the only people who believe this murderer, Carla Hughes is innocent of the crime are those mostly young women who are still ignorant enough to believe that Pittman did it. He did cheat on several women including Avis, Carla and others (his words), but she was the only one lying and waiting to kill and finally get this little (pit-dog), Pittman. She is the only one to blame for her foolish evil behavior. She knew without a doubt that Avis existed, lived with Pittman, and was pregnant. Why did't she walk away, why didn't she find a single available man? The fact that she was in the background waiting for Pittman and Avis relationship to end says a lot about her character. Any woman who tries to impress or take a man from his live-in-lover or wife is a blatant fool.
No death penalty, but she will have the rest of her life to reflect on this crime of passion. She can think long and hard on the fact that she should have been focusing on caring for her severely special needs child that she has left for her family to raise. Now the state of Mississippi has to pay for her housing, food, and clothing. Was she really educated and intelligent? I don't think so!

Why was it okay for Scott Peterson to get death penalty but not Ms. Hughes? I am not in favor of the death penalty, but it seems to me there was more incriminating evidence in this trial than in Peterson's. I feel they were both guilty.

There are no winners in this case. I'm happy she did not get the death penalty that is not man's decision. Only God knows what really happened. He makes the final call!

This is to the ones that are convinced that Carla is innocent... Do you honestly think that she would sit in jail for three years (not being with her family) if she was not guilty. All she had to do was to say that Keyon knew where the gun & knife was in her apartment and he had a key to her house. This would atleast have gave her a fighting chance. But she didn't. She never inplicated Keyon, her lawyers did. As for reasonable doubt... Carla got the gun and the knife from her cousin. Carla's cellphone hit the tower by Ms. Banks house at the time of the murder. Carla (not Keyon) returned the murder weapon to her cousin. I do believe that Carla and Keyon BOTH planned this. I think that he was constantly on his phone during the murder at the school so he would not be suspected. I don't think they counted on Carla being questioned about the murder. And... Carla never expected her cousin to turn in the gun and her in to the police.

Carla is guilty. I am glad however that she did not get the DP.

This case stinks, and I think the skunk is Keyon Pitman! I think this guy got away with murder and Carla's paying for it. If your unborn child was murdered by your ex-lover, wouldn't you show up to court for the verdict and sentencing? Granted, some of the evidence didn't look good for Carla, but Mr. Pitman had access to the shoes that had the blood on them. And he admitted that he's worn those shoes before! If Carla's so smart and pre-meditated this murder, would she be stupid enough to keep those shoes? And wasn't it Mr. Pitman who had the gun shot residue on him? I really hope that Ms. Hughes gets justice and that this case is reviewed by the Innocense Project. And this really seems to be a crime of passion, and that Mr. Pitman wanted to get rid of Ms. Banks and the baby, to stay with Carla.

This is so sad I think he framed her from the word go and I think she lied from him and now she feel stucked she need to tell her side murder is worst then a lie we can forgive a lie and even understand a lie if your in love but MURDER no I hope she speaks her peace we all know she lied tell the truth please child save yourself .Keyon Pittman is not worth your life or your childs life he is a dog who framed you and you got caught up in his web we all understand how a dog can be he is not a real man he already got a new woman that he already had before you and Avis and all the other look at his track record.SPEAK YOUR PEACE tell your lawyer he cares about you don't sit in that cell with this burden on your heart you need to let it out SCREAM the truth now please.

Listening to Linda Hughes confirms my belief that her mother raised her to believe that she could do no wrong. This is the same woman who had to get the principal of her school to allow her to leave early to walk her child home from school because kids where bothering her. This woman has been in the dark with this child with a dard side for too long. She shows absolutely no concern or compassion for the Banks loss. She is only concerned about her daughter who is definitely guilty, but alive. She wanted the prosecutor to show a video or film of the crime in action and even then she would have found an excuse. Carla is not a fine young woman, she has an evil spirit and it shows when you look at her dark eyes and her smug mouth. Was Linda praying to God when Carla was dating Pittman, I bet not because if Carla wanted it, it was okay with her. Sad situation.

Whoever thinks she's innocent is just as CRAZY is she is.She wanted a man that she know she could not have,but to kill a mother and her chil is just sick.I wish i was on the jury because i would of voted for DEATH.It doesn't matter what type of person that she use to be,it only takes a person one time to do one bad thing and thats exactly what she did. and the sad part is that her mother Lynda Is in DENIAL.WOW. Alot of parents believe their childeren are innocent because they were great kids,but its always a side to a child that a parent will never know.my heart goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Banks

I have become aware of this case just in the past few days, and I empathize with both familes, however many questions didn't get answered during the trial or I just missed the information. Why didn't Mr. Pittman get charged for having gun powder on his body? I'm sure he had something to do with Ms Banks death. How did Ms. Hughes get into the house and find enough time to vandalize the inside of Ms. Banks home. I'm very torn about this case because for a women who is active in the church, teaches sunday school, has a handicapped child, and loves animals, should know better than to get involved with a taken man or most importantly know better than to kill. It just isn't adding up.

I believe in the death penalty and could sentence someone to die but the only way I could do that is to know for 100% sure that the person was guilty of the crime. I believe this woman was guilty and the thing that convinced me was she borrowed a gun and a knife and Avis was killed with a gun and a knife and the fact that Carla returned the gun
empty and never returned the knife.How does one explain that?'

I respect the Banks family for showing that they could live with
the sentence going either way and for showing compassion to
a woman that truly doesn't deserve it. Not sure I could do that.

This tragic case is the result of a self-centered, cheating, womanizing man, Keyon Pittman . Look at the people his actions hurt.- two women, his own unborn child, and the parents of both women, Carla's child, and many others. I think he should be held responsible for his actions and contribution to the crime. Ladies – look at the men you are in relationship with.

This tragic case is the result of a self-centered, cheating, womanizing man, Keyon Pittman . Look at the people his actions hurt.- two women, his own unborn child, and the parents of both women, Carla's child, and many others. I think he should be held responsible for his actions and contribution to the crime. I don't know how this can be done but surely there is a way.

Carla Hughes should have gotten the DEATH PENALTY!!!!

I am one who believes that Carla Hughes has not gotten a fair trial, and that there is more to Keyon's complicity and involvement than has been acknowledged. I truly hope that her attorneys file for an appeal, because there are too many unexplained aspects to the case. I would hate to have her spend a lifetime in prison on circumstantial evidence, as happens too often in this country. Justice demands that there is a look into Keyon's possible involvement.

This tragic case is the result of a self-centered, cheating, womanizing man, Keyon Pittman . Look at the people his actions hurt.- two women, his own unborn child, and the parents of both women, Carla's child, and many others. I think he should be held responsible for his actions and contribution to the crime. I don't know how this can be done but surely there is a way. I hope Carla can do good in prison – I'm sure she can write books, teach other inmates, etc. God Bless her.

You had a man with gun powder on both hands, absent from a important practice before a basketball game, chasing a married woman who lied about her whereabouts too, who goes away with him for a romantic getaway 7 months after the murder, who is then used to testify in a case against a woman who was framed in a double murder. Keyon knew about the gun, he wore her shoes, he knew she was away from her home and he planted everything in her home to frame her. Maybe the police should further investigate Keyon and Mrs. Matlock .. To many holes .

OMG, how can this be a fair and impartial trial? This atty played on the Bible to get his way. OMG, this Atty sure turned on the water works. Between the water works, the Bible, her awards this poor Avis was left in their dust. They have no compassion for what this poor woman went through. Shame on the Jury. I see with this tactic Carla will will be set free and she will. Using our God in this manner is degrading and slapping him in the face. For this, they will pay in the end. Maybe not here but they have to face him one day. May God have mercey on them because they will finally find out what it is to need mercey. Something that Avis and her precious unborn son didn't have. God gave this precious gift to Avis and the Jerk but it was his gift to them. If he felt this child should go back to him, it was his loving guidence to bring this child back. NOT CARLA'S. My prayer to God is "I am so very sorry that your children have used and abused the love you have for them by using your name in vain. Hold Avis and this precious little Angel in your loving arms. Amen" These people that that used God's name in vain....SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The cries of her father and even the somewhat unorthodox cries of her lawyer have provided the jurors with a safe measure of operating with finding Carla Hughes 'Guilty, but not Responsible', but the question that no one has asked, still remains:

'Who cries for Avis Banks?'

My heart and prayers really goes out to both families. I am amazed at how Mr. Pittman can relocate to another state get involved with another woman romantically within less than a month after the death of his fiance and unborn child. Dating and hanging out, wow, does not sound like a man who was affected by the lost a loved one. How can you move on so quickly with your life in such tragedy? Our judicial system never cease to amaze me!!!

I have never met Ms. Hughes, but whole heartedly I feel after watching this case on CNN that she did not murder this young lady and her unborn child. To the Hughes family, continue to pray and hold on to God's words, the truth will be revealed. God answer prayers. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19. I am praying for you and with you.

I personally thinks she needs to appeal her case......Its more to this crime that investigators fail to research. As for Pitman his day will come that he has to face a jury....can't hide for long. My prayers go out to the Banks family......And for the Hughes family never under estimate the possible...He may not be an on time God but he will not give you to much that you cant bare........FREE CARLA HUGHES SHE IS INNOCENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

life in prison without Parole is still a death sentence. Carla Hughes was smart enough to go to school and get a Master's Degree, but to stupid to stay out of a Toxic relationship. For any women out there that think being involved with a Married man, a man in a long-term relationship, or a situation like that of Ms Hughes if a FOOL only fooling themselves. It never works out no matter what the man says. Do not waste your life have more respect for your self any Woman now and in the future can find herself in the same situation as Ms Hughes Love is one of the strongest, most powerful feeling. No one out there wants to be the next Carla Hughes. Those who do not look @ History are bound to make the same mistakes!!!! When all is said and done Carla Hughes is going to wish for Death

I am starting to believe there was more of a psychological reason why Ms. Hughes murdered Ms. Banks. In the testimony presented during the sentencing phase, it was brought out that Ms. Hughes was left at the altar by her fiance while she was pregnant. Does this sound too familiar? She was so deseparate to have this pig man that she pretended to be pregnant, thinking that it may work with this man, when it did not work with the other finance – but it did not work – so I believe that she flashed back to that episode in her life -when she was abandoned by her man – and could not take another desertion by a man – so she snapped and lashed out at the ones that were in the way of her getting her man – Avis Banks and her precious child.

I believe the sentence was unjust. The victims were subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, and the defendant should be put to death. It doesn't matter how decent Ms. Hughes was at one time, what she did was cruel.

I think the boyfriend had a part in it. Ya'll force was totally turned from him. What makes a woman turn violent if a man is not involved. I'm not excusing her for her actions, but I feel that the man played a role. Your force was just to the woman, but I truely believe that at a later date and time something will surface to make everyone think again concerning that man. He had not remoist for his actions on dating several women at one time and the juror did'ny even see it. I think in the end he will get his.

you know convict carla hughes did do this how can you want a man so bad that another human being life means nothing to you. i am glad she got life so she can think about ms avis banks every day. i like the death pentaly but it take to long to excute it should only take a year, then people will think twice about harming others. love your trials

Can someone tell me WHY Avis's pants were down? Who would pull them down and WHY?
Carla was in a trial for her LIFE. NO ONE is going to take the fall for some cheater like Keyon. I don't think they were in it together. She either did it and kept the evidence on her shoes, returned the MURDER weapon and wherever the knife was left, STUPID--

OR...... he dropped his groceries with Carla, got the gun and knife, went to practice, let some kids borrow his phone, went home and staged a break-in --after coming on to Avis (pants were down) and killed her in the midst. Then he went back to practice, then to Carla's to put back the gun and shoes,got his groceries and got rid of the knife, then went home to play "OMG look at what I didn't do".
This was a really mystifying case. God knows what he is doing though. Everyone lost.

WHY was Avis pants down? Keyon staged the break in after he came on to her in the garage and killed her. Then he returned the gun and shoes when he got his groceries from Carla's house. Some kids were probly using his phone at practice.

My heart and prayers really goes out to both families. I am amazed at how Mr. Pittman can relocate to another state get involved with another woman romantically within less than a month after the death of his fiance and unborn child. Dating and hanging out, wow, does not sound like a man who was affected by the lost of a loved one. How can you move on so quickly with your life in such tragedy? Our judicial system never cease to amaze me!!!

I have never met Ms. Hughes, but whole heartedly I feel after watching this case on CNN that she did not murder this young lady and her unborn child. To the Hughes family, continue to pray and hold on to God’s words, the truth will be revealed. God answer prayers. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19. I am praying for you and with you.

Here is excellent parents did the right and a wonderful job of up bringing a wonderful very intelligent young lady. Here I have a 26 years old whom is total disrectful never finish school, had a baby at 14 years old and have a felony record. I have nothing to be proud of my child. I just feel so hurt for the parents of both parties. I just hate all of that hard work and education = nothing for Ms. Hughes ends all over a dog that barks and mates every where. If makes me feel like she needed to love her self more than a dam man. I feel like she should or wanted to take the stand if she know in her heart she did not do this. No one can prove you wrong if you telling nothing but the truth. I wish she would had took the stand and told her side of the story.If I was on a death and fighting for my life I will be up there if I did not do this. So sad because that man was even all of that. And why did she started crying when the det. visit the school to talk to her.How did she know what he was coming there for it could been something else maybe a child abuse question about a student .I feel mix until she did not take the stand. Parents on both side stand strong . And I know it is hard to think your child will not do this or that. But everyone has 2 sides to them. Just sad she went to this level and how dare you kill a unborn shooting and stabbing someone . After all it was her ideal to get the weapon. And I know young man who gave her the gun and knife regret ever giving to her. And Ms. Hughes deeply wish she never ran into that dog of a man. And deeply reget this is her life gone down to nothing over a dog who got remarried to clean up his dumb image. sad one here

I think That justice was served in the Hughes case. She will have the rest of her life to revisit the scene of the crime and think "was it worth it". Avis and her baby got lost in this whole trial. She was murdered over a 4 month affair. How can someone like Hughes waste her life over a 4 month affair? Most people do not love someone until after at least a year. People keep blogging that Hughes could not have done it. Yes, she did... 1) the gun that belong to her Cousin that was returned to him without the 5 bullets that were found near or in Avis body and the bullets matched up. She was picked up 3 days later for questioning ad GSW would have worn off. 2) CELL Phone pings near the crime scene 3) bloody shoes, she could have thrown them away like she did the bloody clothes 4) the missing knife that she got from her Cousin, remember Avis was stabbed/cut 5) Carla never talked to the cops as reported today, she lawyered up quick. She could not get on the stand because she could not explain my points and I am not a lawyer. Wake up folks, in reality, we all know she did it.. She snapped!!! She wanted what Avis had.. new house, new car, man (dog) and a unborn baby.. what did she have: apartment, 1/3 man and special needs child.

Come on folk, Carla didn't commit this crime, Pittman did. This dude set her up. Remember he had a key to her apartment, he wore her shoes and by the way the same shoes that Carla wore to the crime scene. Don't you people find that a bit strange!!!

I truly beleive carla did this evil murdered,to stab someone is personal, after the first shot did not kill her,I think she was filled with so much jealousy & hate, she torturred that girl. She had a lot of time between the shootings&stabbings to talk to avis. Common sense tells us all clearly she did this. Browering the knif & gun from her cousin proves it. (also no one disputed her cousin). The defense put on character witness. I would not expect them to put on enamies. Carla's mom seem to think every one from 1st grade to her adult life was jealousy & picked on carla. I think carla has never been held accountable & expected to be bailed out of this by her parents also. If she repents & takes responsability for her acts,that will be shown by her not letting her parents spend there hard earned money on another defense. They have worked to hard to spend there retirement strugging. I feel as if avis was made to be invisable as if her life was not important, she seem's to have worked hard,bought a home,nutured a relationship with her own man,not tried to bring harm to another woman out of jealousy. I would of liked to here more about avis character,her picture showed she was beautiful. With carla being in her home seeing her picture iam sure made her more envious.

I have watched the trial almost in its entirety, and I concur with the jury's decision. Carla Hughes is guilty of the murder of a rival that she could not bear to lose to- beautiful Avis Banks, who had Keyon, a new house, and an eagerly anticipated pregnancy. Carla was showered with all manner of luxuries by her parents and reaped successes and accolades as a child, but her adult life brought significant challenges. She was unlucky in love as a college student and became an unwed mother who was left by her child's father. Perhaps all those years of perfection did not prepare Carla for the hard knocks of life, and her subsequent loss to Avis brought out long suppressed anger and rage.

I felt that the evidence against Carla was substantial-the borrowed gun, the blood on her shoes found in a box in her closet, and the cell phone records, in addition to the strong motive. She has been in jail for THREE years, surely enough time for her to implicate Keyon, if indeed he was invoved. Finally, I cannot understand why she would not take the stand to proclaim her innocence that her family and friends loudly profess.

Good people do terrible things–Melanie MaGuire to ring a bell. I feel so bad for both families and cannot say enough about the Banks family–so forgiving and open hearted. They are wonderful people. God bless everyone who has been so tragically affected by this senseless crime. My heart goes out to Carla Hughes little son and her parents.

I am a true believer I that “the choices YOU make shape you life forever.” I do not believe she is totally innocent, nonetheless, I believe her attorney did a good job in inserting Reasonable Doubt. I can tell you that if she were innocent she would have told everything, knowing she was facing death. Keyon do not deserve the skin he is in, however, she knew it was a dirty job before she took it.
She knew him for only 4 months, ONLY four months. He must have been knocking her head off. It seems as if she plays for keeps. She may have been the aggressor. She is not the first affair he had, this was normal for him. She probably surprised him. (I know a guy that beat his women, he met this girl, and within thirty days she stabbed him to death. He met the wrong one) It may have been her idea. I am just thinking about the events taking place on the stand. I watched it every day as if I knew her. I felt her pain; however, I am a realist.
I checked Keyon out. On the stand, he said he did not know the killer of Avis. However, he put it out there that Carla slept with him in the house. Therefore, we would conclude that she knew the layout of the house as well. (Strategic) He would not blame her either.
In saying that she got a GUN and KNIFE, and three days later, somebody dies, and she remains silent. I do no believe she is innocent, even if she did not commit the murder herself. She knew if she implicated him, she would definitely not get off during the appealed. CONSPIRACY to capital murder carries life too.
I also wonder why she did not get on the stand and blame it on him. I know she was hurt after finding out he was married and his all side woman got on the stand. I would have gone in flip mode. I think she felt it was wrong to blame it on him. I do not want to believe he still has a hold on her. Therefore I must conclude that she realize if she blamed Keyon, she will still get life for conspiracy. I hope that is why they that it was best for her to remain silent knowing her life were on the line. They figured that Reasonable DOUBT defense would prevail in a total acquittal.
Three lives are over and he chilling in a new state soliciting for new women to join his harem. WOW!!!

People need to get real about declaring Carla Hughes innocent. It is more than obvious that she did not testify, due to her guilt. This probably also saved her life, when the verdict came down. Even more obvious was all of the evidence which pointed towards Hughes and Pittman conspiring to commit this murder, together. They were both denoted to be in the area of the murder, around the time of the murder..even though they dismissed Pittman's location, due to his alibi. Pittman was having an affair with his alibi witness, which definitely should discredit her credibility. They both had access to the weapons, and he was known to be wearing the shoes used in the crime. Pittman had keys to Carla's house. He visited Carla's house, before, and most likely directly after the murder..supposedly to drop off and pick up groceries, which was so hoakie! Pittman called Carla and another woman, later, from the crime scene. You have to ask yourself..Why would he drop off his groceries at Carla's house?..Wake up people! He did not use his own cell phone to call 911, and asked a neighbor to do it, at the crime scene. He didn't have blood evidence on his clothes, when the cops arrived, which suggests he changed them, before reappearing at the crime scene. He had gun residue on his hands. The door was kicked in with bloody shoes, which would indicate that it was kicked in after the murder, and obviously it had to be a male who kicked it in, because it was a deadbolt. The bloody shoes got returned to Carla's closet, after the crime. I believe this to be an oversight, because she did not return them, herself..obviously he did!..unless she was completely stupid. Then Carla ultimately returned the gun to her cousin, empty..minus the knife. Having used two murder weapons, by the way, should indicate to everyone that two people committed this crime..especially the police! Then adding insult to injury, Pittman marries another woman, in less than a year, after the murder. What were the police thinking with their investigation of Pittman? Pitifully Botched!

She should have gotten The Death Penalty But life without parole I think for her will be hell for the rest of her life. I really do feel for The parents of the murdered woman who not only lost a daughter but also a grandchild Its just a shame the cheating soon to be husband didnt get in any trouble. Had he been faithfull this never would have happened.

I only heard about this story via satellite in my home but perhaps giving her the death penalty was the easy way out. I am incline to believe that many of us stand by the old motto, an eye for an eye, however, that is the easy and cowardly way out. By giving her life, everyday she has to be reminded that she took the life of a woman, a sister, a daughter and a friend and/or wife. That in itself is punishment too. The mere thought that every time she look at herself in the mirror she has to be reminded of why she is there, what she done, how many lives she destroyed and the people she hurt. Not all cases involve the death penalty.

I also am not sure she is guilty. Pittman seems the likely candidate. We see so little of the trial on TV that it is hard to actually know.

Ashleigh changes her mind every five minutes as to who is guilty. She is also hostile sounding and condesending toward the defendent. I thought Tru TV was to present the case not be the judge.

Actually the coverage of the trial consists of what you want the public to see which leaves us short on information and knowledge of what really happened which leaves the viewers nearly clueless at the time the trial ends.

I presently feel that even though I like this type of program I find it very lacking and perhaps not truly worth my time. Also for some reason you people feel that we have to hear the same thing over and over and over again. I heard and understood it the first time.

I am not for the death penalty in most cases. jail is fine .One question why is manson in jail for the rest ofhis life? I think his people probably been sent to the green room in san Quentin.
I really think this boy friend of hers framed her in some sort of way.
If they put her to death and she did not do the crime then what?
That is my opinion

Steve, I couldn't have said it better mself.

I can't believe all the people who are saying Keyon did it, or both did it. Don't get me wrong – I think Keyon is scum! BUT, as the prosecutor said, "a cheater does not a murderer make"! I can't believe how many of you fell for the rediculous "alternate defense" (Keyon did it) theory. Do not any of you get it that if Keyon was in on it that Carla would have ratted him out long ago? She ain't THAT FREAKING STUDID SURELY! I too watched the trial from beginning to end, and I'm extremely satisfied with both verdicts. I have no doubt in my mind that Carla did it, and if anybody helped her, it's a friend or family member who's keeping their mouth shut. And for those of you who think there wasn't enough evidence presented to prove Carla's guilt....ARE YOU SURE YOU WATCHED THIS ENTIRE TRIAL?

God bless the ones everyone forgot in this case - Avis and her prescious baby boy, who had no choice in any of this.

I did not get to see the entire trial, so I will reserve judgement on Carla. The one thing that does confuse me: I did not see tears. I saw her mimic crying, but no tears fell from her face the last couple of days, which is all I saw. As far as her accomplishments, she is an intelligent person, apparently gives freely to help others, but, then so did Ted Bundy. He was well on his way to a very successful "John Kennedy-style" political career. All those "policitcal leaders and kingpins" had no idea Ted was a serial killer.
I do wonder why we didn't hear anyone sing the praises of Avis? She is a child of God too, and I didn't hear anyone talk about what she deserved? Those things bother me. Why, if she really has an alibi, wasn't it brought out? Did her attorney fail her? That part of this made no sense at all. Innocent! Alibi! Then speak up and tell us where you were. I'm sorry for all of this pain and suffering. No Mother should ever have to plead for her child's life. How very sad. And Carla did not shed a tear while her Mother sat there and poured out her heart on behalf of Carla. Sad.

It's hard to believe in this justice system of ours. There is no way a jury can deny that resonable doubt was permeated in this case! Sad day for Cara Hughes

Having had a 38yr old daughter to be murder I would not want another mother's child to be wrongfully convicted. When Carla Huges borrowed a knife and a gun from her cousin she sealed her own fate. The jury gave the right verdict. Ms. Huges could have prevented her family and Ms. Banks' family a lot of heartaches by walking away from a man who cared nothing about her nor any of the other women whose hearts he juggled. If she had only remembered the order of which she has been taught, GOD first, family next, and to love others as much as you love yourself, this would never had happen. Now the results, neither she nor Ms. Banks has Pitman. My heart is filled with such saddness for a young son, and both families. No mother gives birth to a child thinking he, or she, will grow up and become a murderer yet it happens in the best of families.

I have followed this case closely and I feel that the victim and her child were forgotten. It was a heinous crime... Hughes should have gotten the death penalty. Avis had the same background, the same kind parents, they both were highly educated women,which gave Hughes intellectual insight,She should have ended the relationship. She has not only ruined her life but the life of both families.Both families have suffered loses.
In the mean while Keyon went on with his life, getting married in the process. ( What a zero)
As a Black woman ( retired teacher) I think we need to be role models for our Black youth.
,

I can only agree with the jury. One would like to believe, if she were truly innocent of these charges, she would have said so. She certainly would have "snitched" on anyone who could have saved her from a life in prisioned. Could she really have taken the rap for another human being. I think not. The only logical conclusion is the jurys, she is guilty as charged. No matter what the lawyers must say to stroke their egos and such, if I were innocent and I did not do the crime, NO ONE could stop me from telling the world, I did not do this. I would answer every question the say way,,, I did not do this. She needs to pick her own legal team for appeals. The one she had fell way short. Although I agree with the jury, with the right legal team she should have been acquitted. Mr Wall, you are no Johnnie Cochran.

Alot of people may think she should had recieved the death penalty. Im truly glad she didn't I don't believe in it. And I feel if she did do this she didn't act alone come on people this man (Pittman) wasn't really crying when he was on the stand no tears was coming out his eyes. I believe he did it or they did it together and it not right she taking on the blame for it.

Did anyone stop to think that if Carla took the stand, she might have saved her life in prison by telling the police what she knew about Pittman if he was involved, and why would she take the fall for this man.

DREAMS ARE LOST!!!

The greatest lost is the unknown. A mother and child will never have a relationship. A father will not be able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. Family and friends will not gather together for a bridal and/or baby shower. When a life is taken so are all of the dreams and aspirations of that life.

Ms. Hughes dreams and aspirations are also lost! She will never be able to teach again. She will never know how it feels to raise a family. She will never live a life of freedom again. The only way she will leave prison is in a pine box.

Both families have lost!

Whether or not she deserves to die is not up to me. I feel her life is already lost! She is a living corpse!!!

i believe she is guilty all the way with the help of mr.pittman.i believed he played a hugh part in this crime as well.

They both did it! And, truth be told, there was a third person that helped Keyon make sure everything pointed to Carla. He probably asked her to borrow the gun and the knife, and silly girl, she did it! And even sillier, she took it back empty, knowing it was used in a crime! Rather she did that of a guilty conscience or not, I would not know, but something sure happened with that gun and knife and Carla knew exactly what it was because she was there. Anyone ever thought that Keyon could have been there also and left his phone with the soccer mom, used Carla's phone to call his own cell to solidify evidence against Carla? CONSPIRACY! Come on ladies, no doggin man is worth killing over! And this man wasn't even worth your time, he's not even that attractive to even you giving him a second look!

Barbara - She had the right legal team. She had 12 people who convicted her because she did not take the stand. There will be another trial and I believe "the basketball mom" and Pittman did this killing. She went to visit him 7months after the murders in Michigan and then he married someone else and she was also married and her dad is a retired police..bet she knows how to shoot a gun and he knew where to get it from. Carla did one thing wrong she trusted Pittman....Mr. Wall was a great attorney and proved the case.I'm not sure what trial those 12 jurors were at..but it was not this one. cant wait to hear them speak out..

I'm glad that they didn't give Carla the death penalty. I don't believe in it! Now with her having life in prison she will have plenty of time to reflect on the crime and realize that it really wasn't worth it. Nobody won in this situation Avis and her unborn child were killed and now Carla has a life in prison sentence. Now Keyon is going on with his life, married and living out of state. This should be a wake up call to young women to leave these married/engaged men alone. Such a sad story !!

i believe carla hughes is innocent aslo the case need to be appeal as soon as possible i think that the girl fiancee had something to do wit the killing. she look to innocent for that crime.

I feel that this is a crime that deserved the death penalty. I mean, shoot down a 5 months pregnant woman in a garage and then stab her in the face and then slash her throat; and the medical examiner stated that the pregnant woman was probably incapacitated after the first shooting that was in her leg; what, kind of monster does this? You come home, drive into your garage; pregnant, probably hungry and tired and some idiot is waiting there to kill you and your baby; for no reason? I agree with the people who say, yes, we have forgotten about the victim(s).

And, to those who say, the case was not proven. Check the ballistic evidence. Check the cell phone tower records where it was determined the location of Carla Hughes during the time of the murder. What happened to the knife Carla Hughes borrowed from her cousin? What happened to the bullets that were in the loaded gun that her cousin had given to her? When she returned that gun, it was empty. No explanation given. None needed?

I feel Mr. Walls did a GREAT job if he in fact KNEW that his client was GUILTY in advance. That's why he advised her not to speak, therefore, the District Attorney could not cross examine her and she would not have commit perjury by saying a false statement that could be later PROVEN to be a LIE!!! I believe Mr. Walls ENTIRE premise was to go forth and say, 'hey, free her; You didn't prove your case. She's guilty, but you have to PROVE it. ", "Let her go!" Let a murderer of such a heinous crime such as this go free because the state didn't "so-called" PROVE its case? What about the victim in this case?

I was very relieved she did not get death. I feel that reasonable doubt was there and justice did not prevail. My heart goes out to both families, they both lost beautiful daughters. However; We are not the ones to judge, God sits up high and look down low .He knows who is guilty and he knows exactly what happen. We can only wonder and guess. I hope the jury can live with themselves with the verdict.

I would like to know was the child that Avis Banks was pregnant with is Pittman's?

i truly thank god that she did not get the death penalty. God is good. Carla purpose on this earth was not fulfill and it will be fulfill through the grace of God. I really dont think she commited this crime. I believe this is the time where carla get to think about her life and get it together with christ. I will write carla and continue to encourage carla hughes to stay strong and put her trust in God. I will be writting her. If you like to you can google her information from mississippi state correctional facility.

You know what the problem was with me? She did not testify. it seems that IF she had nothing to do with Avis' death and IF it was Pittman or a conspiracy involving the both of them why wouldn't she say something wayyyyyyyyy before it got as far as trial and then conviction. I cried so much during this trial and I'm glad that she did not get death because believe me – after a little while in prison, (a real prison; not the County Jail) she WILL tell what really happened; and she WILL tell who did what!

Im not so sure she is guilty....I am suspicious of the piece of crap that was having all the affairs on everybody. and how did the garage door opener get inside the house....I just dont believe she did this.

It's sad that we live in a society that has an eye for an eye mentality . Ms Hughes must and now will pay the price for her actions but the death penalty should not be an option in any case. We need to step back and remove one from their situation and put ourselves there meaning how would we feel if our child committed a crime and received the death penalty. Death is death no matter if it's justified. God is and will forever be the decision maker and Ms. Hughes did not receive the dealth penalty because God is going to use her how he may choose. It's sad that Avis lost her life and it should have never happened but two deaths doesn't solve anything it just justifies another murder. People need not throw stones cause on day their house will soon crumble. I send my condolences to Avis Bakers family from the bottom of my soul but one thing i can not agree with is Ms. Hughes receiving the death penalty.

I truly apologize, I send my condolences to Avis Banks family.

It's unfortunate tv viewers feel qualified to pass judgement on a defendent's guilt or innocence based on a network's spoon fed bits & segments of trial coverage. The jury agreed unanimously to reach this verdict. The same jury sentenced the defendent to life. The judicial system is not perfect, but it is the best in the world.

The Defendant maybe able to argue against deliberation (weigh and balance the consequence) in order to mitigate 1st degree murder down to second degree murder. Thereby allowing him to escape life in prison.

Did anyone notice that Carla Hughe's Lawyer never said that she was 100% innocent of this crime.... He said that there was reasonable doubt to convict. Watch his interview after the trial.

I truly believe Carla to be innocent. I believe the problem of the entire case is the ignoring of Mr. Pittman. I think we have allowed the true killer to walk and live free as newly married man. Is an outrage to me.

I disagree with everyone who says she needs to die. Personally, I think people like this need to be turned over to laboratories for experimentation, after all, if you want to see how something works on people, these monsters are close enough to the real thing.

To the Hughes Family,

This trial had so many loop holes, I don't know if Carla is innocent or guilty but I can tell you this, the spirit of the Lord was present within that court house, you could feel it through the television. Please tell Carla to keep doing what God has choosen her to do (Teaching his word) sometimes as christians we make mistakes, tell her to never loss touch of Gods spirit he will direct her path ,guilty or innocent I truely believe she is a servant of God. Please lets not forget the Banks family, she and her son is now with Our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.
I pray that the whole truth will be told, because that is a heavy burden to carry around.

God please give the Hughes and Banks family Peace in the mist of this storm.

AJ

I'm appalled at two things people are saying with no evidence.

1. Carla couldnt handle loosing this love affair because she was used to getting achievments and horses, etc.
->MY REPLY: She had lost her baby daddy at the alter, that is the ultimate first love lost which seems like it would have hurt much more that co-worker Keyon. She didn't kill or get aggressive over her loosing the man she was to marry and for NO REASON call it at the alter, this would b the one.

2. Ashleigh Banfield still mentioned today the jury did not go for death because she is pretty. Is there any juror interviews or statements? This is the most America being obsessed with looks answer that makes me reflux in the mouth.
->MY REPLY: They didn't kill her because mainly she can give back in a positive way to humanity, teaching in jail. This death would not have been a "no lingering doubts, i can sleep at night" juror decision.

I followed this case from beginning to the end. I personally believe Carla Hughes was not guilty of this crime . Yeah the evidence points to Carla Hughes but who's to say with Pittman sleeping with all these women that one of them didn't commit the crime . Hell as far as we know Pittman or one of his lovers could have killed banks and framed Carla for it since he did have access to her home and personal belongings. I hope Carla has enough since to appeal this decision and hopefully tell her side of the story . I also hope that the Mississippi police use there heads and continue to investigate this terrible murder because somewhere down the line I feel they will see Mr. Pittman had more to do with this crime then he's willing to admit. God Bless the Banks family and Carla Hughes and her family.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard that this channel will no longer broadcast trials after 11/17/09. Is this true? If so, why?

i think if some1 takes a life they should have their life taken so she should have gotten the death penalty asap

I have to ditto what Marilyn J Smith asked. Are you going dark (as programing of trials are concerned) Nov.17th? THere are many of us in the viewing public that would like to know. What is the secret? Why won't you say?

Marriage is a covenant before god he took the oath, he had an affair on his 1st preganat wife now he's married again will he cheat again? I've been following this case from the start both parties had something to do with it they both should have been convicted, this case HAD SOoooo.... MANY LOOP HOLES, he didn't sound to convicing on the stand crackdoll tears.why he didn't call the police in the garage (cell phone in pocket) etc. IN THE END THEY BOTH HAVE TO ANSWER TO THERE CREATER. GOD BLESS, ALL FAMILIES INVOLED

I pray to my God that christian would look a this verdit and see it was wrong, the boy friend had two women one he could use, the other was having his baby which he didn't want. One dead and the other in prision , he leave the state get marry to a new lady .She must watch him day &night.Miss Hughes don't need to be in jail.The man gun powder on both hands slick talking leaving basket ball practice early. The lady that pass ,I am praying for the family. Pittman is the murder. He have many reasons one no childsupport. one way to keep from getting marry.

I agree with the quilty plea. Why Ms Hughes goes to church and read the bible, first why she went out with a man has another woman and preg. Second of all, why she goes to her cousin, get a gun and knive. I love people who goes to church and such reading the bible and preaching to everyone, do this and do that. The first she does kill another human being.

Jealousy, anger, murder..selfishness,but justice has been served. Too many times have women thought of themselves and made life changing decisions that not only affected themselves but others. Think about the unborn child innocent in his mother's womb, awaiting the day where the world will welcome he/she and they will get a chance to live. Sadly that day will never come. Does love make one so crazy as to where murder is the only way to express it? I'm glad that Hughes received a life sentence. Sometimes I think death is way to easy, she should live every day of her life out with the memories of the lives she's taken and hers which is wasted also. Let this be a lesson to women everywhere who gets caught up in "love triangles" it's not worth it.

This woman should have to recieve the death sentence just like anyone would, but her recieving life in jail is good also. This way she won't get to take the easy way out. She deserves to sit in jail and rot and suffer. She needs to sit in jail everyday and have to be reminded of what she did. Her life needs to be made a living hell because of her selfish and lowdown acts. Another beautiful life won't be because of her.

The punishment of life in prison will always be more of a punishment than death. No matter what the crime. Taking away someone's freedom, forcing them to live a life in which they are caged and must think about what they did, what they are missing out on by being caged, and a life that is absolutely terrible is by far worse than death. Why let her off so easy by killing her? Killing her wouldn't be a punishment. It would be a way for her to avoid being punished. I know, for a fact, prison is worse, I know this. I do not believe in the death penalty. Let the accused and convicted waste away with no "real" life. That is a punishment. I believe the jury was right in what they did. And two wrongs do not make a right. Killing the one who killed does not make anything better.

I think Carla Hughes should have received the death penalty without a doubt. Why is her life spared when Avis Banks and her unborn child cannot. Not fair. Not fair at all. No justice was shown for Ms. Banks or her child. I wish the trial would have taken place in Virginia because I honestly do not believe she would live for too much longer.

An "innocent" person would not refuse to take the stand in their own defense... If I was innocent of a murder charge, you couldn't keep me off the stand!! Hughes is obviously guilty of this horrific crime; guilt was clearly established by motive, opportunity, weapon, physical evidence/DNA, and her decision not to get on the stand. She deserves the sentence she received and she is lucky she did not receive the ultimate...death by lethal injection. Also, let's not forget about the victim...

If Pittman was involved, why didn't Hughes give that information?? She is going to take the full rap by herself; even the chance of being sentenced to death? Just to protect him? I don't think so...

What is happening with the courts. A guard is sleeping during the closing, and a witness is chewing gum. Last time I was in court the women had to wear dresses.

By the time she spends the rest of her life in jail she will wish that sher had received the death penalty

Robert

PLEASE, do not call jurors stupid or otherwise disparage them unless you sat through every minute of trial and participated in the deliberations. Only the jurors have heard all the evidence and had the benefit of discussing and weighing it with a group of OUR peers so that they considered all the evidence, helping to inform each other of missed statements, failed memories, or different perspectives. It is a jury of 12 because 12 people reach a better decision than one can. You denegrate and weaken our system of justice by raging against 12 people who probably worked very hard to reach their decisions. They have the best perspective possible – but it cannot be expected to be a perfect perspective that satisfies all citizens.

In reading many of the preceding responses, I see people wanting to impose their one view over the view of our system. The founders worked very hard to create this system for us. Please do not let a desire to dilute complex, troubling, incomrehensible horrors such as murder into managable and understanble answers preclude us from having respectful conversations and respect for our institutions. If stop respecting the decisions or juries, imperfect though they may be, we will be unable to maintain a civil and constitutional society. We will end-up with an emperor-king. The greatest demoracy before ours ended up with Ceasars.

I think this is just a waste. Put the man in jail. He will suffer more there then in death. All the death penalty is, us killing without being called killers. This makes no since to me at all.
Anyone who kills is mental and im so tired of people using that as a defence. Killers are killers but people in jail hate child killers, so he will suffer.

Why isn't Jack Ford on every day? Seems like there is always someone sitting in for him. I am a big fan of his and enjoy his knowledgable input.

she should have gotten the death penalty. I believe if she were a man would have gottten the death penalty. Society treats women different than man. And even though we are different, when violent crimes occur we should be treated the same. The stats should appeal for the dealth penalty(is that possible)

I can't believe she did this, however, I believe Keyon had nothing to do with this, if so Carla would have talked by now. I think we all want to believe he was invloved because we arent used to women committing crimes like this. Carla killed her out a jealous love rage that the average human being can never imagine. Lets not feel sorry for her. Feeling sorry for her is total disrespect to avis and her unborn child. What I really wanna know is how could carla like that farrett looking man so much. But I went to college in MS and thats how it goes down. Women clown over some of the worst men. I call it backwoods country.

in regards to the case against carla, i still believe she is innocent that she was set up by mr. pittman. he had the keys to carlas apt. and had plenty of time to do the murder of his fiancee and return the empty gun and shoes. how san anyone explain how he had powder residue on his hands and clothes and a a lot of blood on his clothes but none on his shoes. he tried to clean the powder oof his hands but with a lot of blood on his hands and clothes he could not.

Sad we live in a country dependant on a judical system that puts the lives of people in the hands of people who base decisions on what they think probably happened as opposed to what was proven. The most damning piece of evidence was the borrowed gun and knife. Carla had an intimate relationship with Pitman and it is reasonable to assume that he would have known about the knife and gun she borrowed for protection. He had opportunity to use those and the shoes and replace them after the murder to frame her if he wanted. That said someone may take a gun and a knife to kill someone to cover themselves not knowing which one would be best to use untill he or she arrived at the scene or maybe wants to use the knife to be quiet but takes the gun for backup but ask yourselves why anyone would use both unless they wanted to make it seem like Carla did it because, oh hey look she borrowed a gun and knife and a gun and knife were used. Like Mom used to say use your head for something besides a hat rack thats OVERKILL and in my eyes speaks to her innocence , she was framed, noone would use a knife if they were already using a gun. Pray bloggers that if a jury sits in judgement of you they are not prone to fly by the seat of your pants logic that you do. Last to the one that says shes guilty because she didnt testify she shouldnt have had to prosicutors didnt prove anything and I hope you hang yourself cause your not smart enough to testify.

I guess it doesn't really matter what she got as long as its not freedom. Even if they sentenced her to death she would have sat on death row for years before anything happened. They say it cost to much to put someone to death. If they would just hang them it wouldn't cost so much.

Those not in favor of the death penalty are obviously in favor of wasting our tax dollars too. The REAL problem with your viewpoint is that you've never had someone in your family raped, murdered (brutaly I might add) or even sexually assaulted by some messed up individual who only thinks of themselves and not of the person who's rights are being violated as they perform their crime. I would rather spend the 10 dollars on the box of bullets than pay for 70 years of food, cable, AC/Heat, water/sewage and then the cost for the prison upkeep with all the payroll that's involved not to mention the legal fees, yes... we pay for her defense too people as well as all the others enjoying their free meals. Cut and dry, look back at history, find the civilizations with the least crime and you'll find they deal swiftly and in the same mannor with the individuals as they did to their vicitims. "Do unto other's as you would have done unto you"

I'm sorry the justice does'nt fit the crime! But maybe the girls on her block will! We will get away cheaper (tax payers) than having her on death row. All I can say is there are prayers coming from this housrhold in hopes it will help heal. God Bless.

if i was down to my last moments of possibly being put to death for something "i didn't do",i would certainly get up on that witness stand and tell all....she didn't.

If you followed the case .......not enough evidence to even convict?????

I think she did it and I think the death Penalty would have been the easy way out. Now she has to spend the rest of her life in jail thinking about what she did. She knows that she will be there for many years and will end her life in jail. I think it's a better option that the death penalty by far.

i been thinking about this case since the jury found her gulity and sentenced carla to life. something not right and if i could talk to carla directly i would tell her i know it's hard but keep you head up sooner than anybody thinks you 'll be walking out of that mississippi prison you can start making preparations to go home

Amazing that in a country of so called Christians we can hear so many calls for the death of someone, regardless of the reason. As for justice, that whole eye for an eye thing was started what? 3000 years ago? Don't you barbarians think you should have progressed a little since then? On that note, does it not occur to you that the USA is one of the very few countries in the developed world that even has the death penalty? Obviously it does not act as a deterent to crime since the USA has by far the highest murder rate in the developed world. Then of course the fact remains that many innocent people are found guilty of crimes they did not commit. It is a big enough tragedy when innocent people spend years behind bars let alone are put to death. Really folks, the death sentence serves NO purpose. It's a vestige of our uncivilized past.

This women should get the death sentence. As the BIble says "AN EYE FOR AN EYE" OUR system is lazy. I think if you can kill someone then you should die the sameway, I hate the fact that death row has sooooooo m any pepole on it that have not been PUT DOWN, But yet kill a pet or someone elses pet and get a worse sentence.WHAT THE H*LL HAS OUR WORLD COME TO "!!!!!!

Since I wasn't present during the trial I must have faith that the jury did it's job. Just from what I've read I would still have some reasonable doubt that she is guilty. This case is complex and it doesn't make sense that this man is off scott-free while the woman gets life in jail. If the evidence really proved that she was guilty, well, then she's guilty. Still leaves me wondering.......

This woman got the sentence she deserved. Women always act on jealousy, act without thinking. LIFE sounds good to me.

Our system is lazy as said before and yet no one had done anything. If someone kills another person they should be put to death. In the news you hear about the man that spent 14 years of his life in jail for a crime he didn't do. AFTER they put him through that they did the DNA test and found out he didn't do it they let him go! While most might say this is topicality issues I disagree....IT ALL POINTS TO THE SAME THING. Our system is wrong and something needs to get done.

So what happens to the man in this case for cheating on the pregnant women. If it was not for him not being faithful, the dead woman and unborn child could still be here. Maybe he should be prosecuted.

Who cares if they found the knife? The five bullets killed this innocent
victim and her unborn son. The butchery with the knife was pure anger
at the woman who had what she wanted. This is a lot like the manson
murders. How many of you hollier than though anti-death penalty advocates would welcome Charles Manson into your families home?!

I can't believe this! Life in prison for killing another woman with child that took that poor infants life. That was planned and for a teacher what an example for our children. She deserves death!

She should have gotten the death penalty. Where is the justice for the 2 people she killed? I don't want to pay taxes for people to live out their lives in jail when they MURDER people. Put them the death and save everyone the grief and Americans the money.

its sad that this woman choose to ruin her life over a man. now she will spend the rest of her life suffering for her bad judgement. i am a calm person also and always walk away from any fights too, but everyone can be pushed to a bad mistake. i feel sorry for her but 2 people lost their lives and i feel worst for them. it's just a sad case

The justice comes after death. First is death and then judgement.

My condolences goes out both families because their lives have been changed forever. The law is the law. Unfortunate for Ms. Hughes, she must bear the consequences for being found guilty. I feel that life in prison is justified because the fact that Ms. Hughes will spend the rest of her life in prison thinking of the situation she got herself into is punishment enough. By no means there is no justification for adultery or murder, but there is also no justification for revenge.

Death is too easy for people like this.. They should have to live with what they did every day of their lives. The only thing that I hate is that they get to sit on their butts, eat, have outside time, watch tv and who knows what else behind bars. These people should be locked away until they die and never get to see the light of day. Locked away should mean just that no extra activities at all. A cell with no window and their food given thru the bars. Wash, brush your teeth and crap all from the same toilet!!!! They deserve nothing else in life but to suffer... That's just my opinion..

I have to say, I believe they both had something to do with it. I just couldn't understand why if she didn't have anything to do with it, didn't she take that stand and say...Look! I DIDN'T DO IT! I believe that with all the circumstantial evidence her testimony would have helped the jury understand her position. The bad thing about all this to me is that the two ladies have lost thier lives...one dead...one in prison for life...and he's walking around FREE. If I were part of that jury I would be wondering why the fiance was never arrested. I hope that Hughes gets an appeal and I hope that if anything they both end up in jail.

I can't believe she got life instead of the death penalty. I pray for the family that lost their loved one and for the family of this murderer. They must be totally ashamed to know they brought a low life into the world. For those of you who do not believe in the death penalty, everyone has a right to their own opinion but, your tax dollar is paying to feed these low lifes who don't deserve to be here. Everyone knows right from wrong and she was selfish enough to take someone elses life and hurt the remaining family and friends with heartache. Send them all to Texas where justice is served!!!!!

I know what she did was a very horrible and unexcusable thing, but I do not believe in the death penalty. The death penalty is no different than murder. Hughes will now have to suffer and think about what she did every single day for the rest of her life.

I'm glad she didn't get the death penalty. If she did, then she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her life rotting in jail for the crime. At least now she can sit in jail and get letters telling her what a horrible person she is for taking the life of that woman and the baby. I hope she gets spit on everyday for the rest of her life

Those that dont believe in the death penalty should pay to keep them in prison....see how long that lasts i am tired of paying taxes to support criminals.

I am more than happy to pay taxes to improve the livelyhood, roads, and economy for the innocent.

I should have the right to decide they get go many priveleges in prison, they eat better than alot of military units when deployed and schools from what i have seen, and they get free college in prison why dont our children get those benifits that are free.

Only in America

She was found guilty by her peers, and I'm not in sympathy for her at all. I feel very deeply for the family of the slain woman. Very few posts even have mentioned her.

I completely and absolutely agree with the concurrent sentences. Death would be the easy way out...she will now have to spend the rest of her life behind bars. For anyone who has ever spoken to a convict or anyone who has done "time", this is a far worse punishment.

She should have THOUGHT about her poor DISABLED CHILD BEFORE she turned into a PSYCHO!! I have NO symapthy for a Woman of her age–SHAME on her and may she rest in HELL!!

I think that att. Walls did a great job in present and bring doubt to the prosecution case. It just seemed that once she (Ms. Hughes) was accured they would convicted no matter what the evident says. She is guity of stupidty!!!! No way would I not told of Mr. Pittman involvement, he did something

i just want to say god bless avis and her baby!!! one thing i dont understand is the law states if their is reasonable doubt u must say not guilty!! now we know she got the gun from her cousin what is a big stinker but there are other things that causes reasonable doubt. do u think someone who committed murde in a certain pair of shoes would keep them? he wore them also!!!! wheres the knife state never could say its there burden!!! im going to say it like this she probably committedd the murder but there was a whole lot of reasonabl doubt!!!! i would have to have found her not guilty!!!! all i want to know is can u get gun residue on your hand without shootin a gun????

I don't see what the big deal is. LIfe with parole or life without either way it goes; people are left on death row for such a long time, it's using up so much of "tax payer's" money taking care of them, doc, dental for free. When decent people like myself isn't and/or can't get get a medical card. can't afford insurance. If justice can kill them imediately after being sentenced death, then, hey by all means death is fine. 20, 30, 40 yeard on deathrow for what?

Okay, the pepper spray isn't lethal, but it would immobilize someone long enough to do bodily harm. I think the perp is getting off very lightly. No sympathy for her.

Keyon had an idea that Carla was up to no good. He walked in on the act, but he also helped with the coverup. How else the powder burns. Carla has brains, but is not bright. Keyron was brighter, and made sure the shoes were back at her apartment. Don't expect her to sit silentforever. She is computing the next step, recognising that she could remain where she is and where she belongs.