Silence, then tears at Hughes' trial verdict

What a shame this fellow were able to get rid of the three people that were complicating his life. By convincing Ms. Hughes to get rid of Avis and her baby he come's out free to go on with his life. I got to believe he instigated this whole thing, It's a real shame the only person to pay for this is Ms Hughes.

She took two people lives. I feel no pity for her.

Was the husband of the victim in the courtroom when the verdict was read. She is guilty – but so is he.

I hope she doesn't pull a Scott Peterson and continue to declare her innocence. Did this woman ever take a lie detector test? Did she say when the verdicts were read did she say that she didn't do it.

Watching closing arguments yesterday brought tears to my eyes. I was both convinced that Carla Hughes comitted the murder, as well as belief that Mr Pittman had much to do with it, based on things that he said and did following the interrogation. Ms. Hughes deserves the death penalty, and Mr Pittman deserves life in prison. Although he never had possesion of the weapon, does not mean that he didn't participate in conspiring the crime. I doubt that whether she took the stand or not would've helped her.

did anyone notice how the defense attorney looked at Karla, he was looking at her and looking for tears, he's suspious of her too,

If the evidence fits–& I mean without a doubt; DNA–then why don't we take it back to the days of "an eye for an eye" times? Why don't we let the crime fit the punishment & allow the victim or the family of the victim get to pick what the "fit" will be? Didn't our mothers tell us "do unto others as you would want them to do unto you?" If someone was to brutily kill one of my children, I would have no problem sentencing them to death–if I reached them before the police did, I probably would play the role of judge, jury, and exacussionar myself. However, playing devils advocate, who are we to decide who lives and who dies? Why do we think we have to power to determine this? In a way, we are playing God–and I am not a religious person–and some would say that by killing people, we are no better than those that kill.

Personally, my statement before playing devils advocate stands.

I would not vote for the death penalty in this case. There was testimony that she was a peace maker. I think that she should rat out Keyon. She just was a woman who got cohersed by a man and done something she can never take back. As for the prosecuter he may not have had the gun however he is the cause of the trigger being pulled. The death penalty is for cold blooded killers. Her tears show she has feelings.

Was Carla Hughes ever given a lie detecter test ? If so, why was that never brought out? I feel that they boyfriend is guilty. He is the center of everything, most men are ... they feed women lies ...that is where the problems begin in the first place

I feel if I was on a jury and i had to determine whether or not to give the death penilty, if I could, I would ask the family of the victim what they would prefer!!! that is a very hard decision to make! All I could do, is pray that the Good Lord above will give me answer's im asking for! I feel sorry for both familys! Either way its a no-win situation! God Bless each and every one of you!

I think Carla Hughes got what she deserved... life or the death penalty.... its the same ... she won't be put to death for over 20 years anyway... there is a guy on death row in mississippi for 32 years... what death penalty!!!! put them to death in within 2 years... maybe then you would see the death penalty as a deterent... penalty phase is a waste of time... if she gets death penalty we will all meet 25 years from now and she will still be alive!!!!!

What happened to reasonable doubt? Keyon was obviously a dishonest, unfaithful man. IT IS possible he killed her. His alibi is shaky at best. How can this jury be so sure she did it? He had opportunity and motive. This is so unfair.

I was one of the people who tried to find a reason NOT to convict her. The most powerful evidence in my opinion was not the gun, it was the phone records. There was no way to explain why Carla was anywhere near the home. For to have a child of her own, and take the life of another; her mind was already gone.

it would take alot for me to punish a human being to death, all life is improtant to me . but if some one murders an innocent child then yes i would and if they toke many lives yes i would but if they just killed one person i would put them in jail with no parole

The verdict was wrong. I am not going to say she had a co-defendant...Because I truly believe in my heart that she was wrongfully convicted...There are too many holes in the case

One really can't say untill you are in that situation. We all cab judge for our laptop, living room chairs, but to be in the jury chair is an whole other playing field you hold the faith of someone life in your hand.
May God have mercy on any one in that situation.

I'm a native from Greenville, Ms and bt of course I hated to see something like this happen to someone so close, not so much as a friend but just to know that we are both from the same town but I must say that if her mom had just a little bit more influence in Carla's life I wish that she would've influenced her to testify for her life because she was at the worst point being up for death row all in all I feel that she just should have talked. I pray that she asked God for gorgiveness and as far as death penalty I don't agree because thou shalt not kill and eventhough she killed Avis ( in which I feel that Keyon had something to do with it or even pulled the trigger) that killing her is not the answer because we are not suppose to through stone for stone.

She should get death, she took two lives over a man.

My heart goes out to the Banks family. I feel that justice has been served. I agree with her parents, I think a life sentence will be better, because it will give her a lot of time to think about the horrible decision that she chose to make. At least her relatives get to vist her, but the Banks family want have that priviage!!

I am so thankful that justice has been served. Avis was such a sweet and loving person, and I can say this because I worked hand in hand with her on a daily basis. "God is Good."

I feel like this trial is the sign of the times. Maybe so that Carla Hughes is the murderer, but to me they did not proof it beyound a reasonable doubt. I mean there should not be a doubt in my mind about the prosecutions case. I don't understand why didn't they investigate this man, why is it that this girl was tride and convicted alone.

where is the reasonable doubt? did the jury cinsider that? someone else had to be there.

Any time a child/baby is put to death, i would push for the death penalty, believe me if anyone hurt my children, they would be very lucky if they made it to trial, this is as clean as I can put it, God bless the Banks family.

There is a deep gut feeling that Carla did not commit this crime. There is something terribly wrong in this case. I belive that she was set up to fall for keyon's crime. He has been proven to be a smooth operator and the jury proved it

My heart and prayers go out to both families... No one should have to ever go through something like this. I really wished Carla had taken the stand to shed some light on this case, as she can clearly see Mr. Pittman didn't really care about her and what did she stand to gain from hurting Avis? Nothing but her life thrown away over a man. I feel everybody would like to know from Carla own words as to what really happen, although we may never know.

I think she should get life so she can think about what she did to both her family and the Banks family.

I would just like to ask Carla one thing: what made you think you didn't deserve to have a man of your own? She's a smart, attractive, accomplished young woman. Surely, there is at least one decent man in the state of Mississippi...

Jean Casarez is wrong when she indicates that there may be a legitimate civil case where Pitts could be liable for negligence in the death of his fiancee.

Pitts' conduct was not the direct and proximate cause of Hughes' unforseeable, criminal conduct.

There is no need to pile on Pitts who suffered a great loss in this matter.

Although I do believe she's guilty, I can't help but feel sympathy for her. I honestly feel that she was a good person who just snapped. Her guilty verdict was no fault of her attorney his closing argument had me rethinking my guilty verdict. God bless her family. In addition, Carla and Avis look like sisters. Am I the only one who see the similarities?

There was reasonable doubt w/ the gun and knife. Evidence may have been tampered w/ (shoes & garage opener.) Ms. Hughes, should appeal. Keyon, was not disturbed by this crime, and has no solid alibi. He is obviously at least the mastermind.

I find it sad that Carla Hughes has tears FOR HERSELF, but none that I've seen for Avis Banks! I do feel badly for her, but she deserves to face the consequences for her actions. I only hope Keyon Pittman is punished somehow for his role in this tragedy.

The Lord gave this women her life,and he should be the one to take it.

all over a man! what man is worth killing someone let alone an unborn baby. none! she is getting what she deserves. he should also bear guilt for this, he brought this women into the picture to begin with.

You mentioned a cap on the investigation here in Ridgeland, that is not the case we have the resources to investigate this crime further ......This community is all about safety, it is an incredible place to raise a family. If they don't investigate further it will not be because of money, time, or resources. And I really would like to see Keyon Pittman get what is coming to him so I pray that the investigation continues with progress.

It would take something tragic for me to vote for death due to the fact that I'm against the death penalty. There are a lot of innocent people right now sitting in jail when he/she should be with family and friends. Back to the question, it would take someone to kill/hurt a baby and/or an animal since they are helpless. I would have to be 100% positive that he/she is guilty of the crime too.

I totally agree with the verdict, I don't remember when evidence has been so clear even to an amateur like me. I've always been surprised at the accused when they cry when the verdict is read. If one can do some of the heinous things of which they're convicted without flinching.... how can a guilty verdict make them cry?

J Williams
Columbus, Ohio

I agree with the verdict.

Why did she not take the stand? Because she knew that she would have to lie up there and that went against everything she stood for as a teacher. She did the right thing by not testifying.

I am truly interested in why the cousin turned in the gun? What happened? Did they figure out Carla killed Avis and thought the gun would be traced back to Patrick?

I didn't see any tears is Carla's eyes after the verdict. She appears to be cold and self-centered.

Carla Hughes may look like a peaceful person ,but it is not what is on the outside but what is in the heart where the evil learks.Appearances are all most allways decieving but what is on the inside,the real person,will always come out.

Have none of these people who thinks the jury got it wrong ever heard of the movie "Fatal Attraction". This reminds me of that movie. Sharon Stones character was a nice person and look what happened in that movie. This is real life protraying a movie!!!

I do not agree with this verdict because I find it impossible to believe the prosecution's motive. I think the Boyfriend did it and framed the defendant so he could go on with his womanizing ways. WHile it is true that women are harder on women than men are, the should remember that women seldom use violent methods to bring death to anohter. Psychology studies show that men are more violent towards women and he was NOT ready for marriage, children and the domestic scene. In other words, he was not properly housebroken, i.e. all of the affairs and philandering. He had the motive. He did it.

Carla is guilty of allot but murder was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, Its sad indeed that Pittman is not on trial as well. Its shame she will pay with her life and he walks free. To much was brought out that gives reasonable doubt that he was indeed involved.
Avis deserved justice, I am not so sure it happened in that court room.

Why did Carla's lawyers not speak on how upset Carla should have been about the slaying of this innocent women and her unborn child if she was not the murderer. Anyone should feel for Avis because she was totally innocent. It seems as if she is ONLY concerned about herself but this could have been her family member. ??????

I just watched the defense lawyer and he said he can't understand why they didn't see reasonable doublt. I don't see how he could say it. The cousin gave Carla a gun with 5 bullets. The crime scene had the 5 bullets at the crime scene. When the cousin asked Carla where were the bullets she said target practice. What I can't get past is if she had nothing to do with it and as the defense says that Keyon Pittman was the shooter why would she say target practice and not be surprised that no bullets were there. If she had nothing to do with it she shouldn't have known where the bullets were. If Keyon took the gun and killed Avis with 4 bullets and one missed as the scene says then he would have had to take the gun back empty. And Carla wouldn't have known that it was empty. I don't think the defense did a very good job of explaining away the gun issue. You can't on the one hand say that Carla went to target practice that is why the bullets were missing then on the other hand say that the bullets were missing because Keyon killed Avis. You can't have both ways. Which is it????????

I hate it for carla but the defense didnot do a good job first i would have,had proof, and a wittiness that my client was at a shooting range,remeber keyun didnot borrow a gun carla did,and then i would have told the jurors what date keyun return the shoes.

There is no doubt that Carla had a hand in the murder of Ms.Banks but she certainly didn't do this horrific crime by herself. Keyon did the shooting and Carla did the stabbing. It was just more convenient to get rid of a knife than the gun because they would have to explain the

I really have a problem with this verdict. Pittman had access to Carla's apartment at anytime . Could of easily taken the gun and replaced it without Carla knowing,he had a key. He could of replaced the gun when he returned to pick up his groceries .

My belief is Carla was either involved or was manipulated into taking the fall for this murder.The prosecution did not prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt for me and I can't believe this jury didn't have doubt about her guilt.One question I do have is:has she ever had a situation in which she was violent?

I don't believe a jury who was not specifically death qualified would've come back with the same result.When you have a death qualified jury you exclude people from the jury, who in my opinion, would have a different outlook.

I believe Keyon was involved for the following reasons: he had previously worn the same shoes that were found in her closet and had a key to take and return them (also if you murdered someone and were intelligent wouldn't you discard or burn those shoes?I don't believe she would've put them back in her closet unless she was a complete idiot.), he always coached the basketball team and had a game the next day, so why didn't he coach that day and where was he when he dissappeared for that hour (I believe he left the gym, leaving his phone there) murdered his pregnant gf and returned.He also typically took the assistant coach home and a student on the team and didn't that day.He had gun residue on both hands.I find it very disturbing if he was innocent why has he made no contact with the victims family since the funeral?If he loved Avis, who was so brutally murdered, how could he have married one year later?

I think the jury had no decision since she borrowed the gun and the knife and returned the gun empty and she didn't return the knife at all. I think the Defense planted enough doubt. In fact, I think they could have planted more since Pittman's character is very shady. However, the gun and knife really needed to be explained a little better. If the Defense comes up with a better explanation on appeal, they could win.

As far as I'm concerned, I think the jurors made the wrong decision. The evidence that was given by the prosecution, I think, was really not all there. There are too many loop holes and I think Keeyon Pitman had a lot to do with Avis's murder.

First no matter what you lawyers say, if I didn't do it..... I am telling the world, anyone who listens. I did not do this as charged,
Understanding the law and its intent, if I am not guilty, I saying so.

I think a jury finally got it right;the evidence involving her borrowing the gun and then returning it empty right after the murders;plus the blood splatter on her shoes was just too much for the defense to overcome. I do however don't believe in the death penalty;only God can take a life and it is not applied evenly or even correctly( especially in Texas).

Even though she was found guilty she did not over act. I begining to think she needs some help.

The conviction requires beyond a reasonable doubt. I would give the death penalty only if I were convinced beyond any doubt.

Finally, some emotion from Carla...undoubtably for herself. She sat through the whole trial with a bored, evil smirk on her face. She did everything but yawn and a full eye-roll. Some emotional testimony from her might have helped.

What planet is her lawyer from if he thinks there is no evidence except for what Carla's lover said. He must have missed the part about the gun and knife.

Has Carla been in jail since 2006? I just started watching trial last week.

I feel that the boyfriend Mr Banks should have played a bigger role in this trail. No one know the promises that he may have made to Ms Huges concerning them being together. He was to me very evasive and sometimes rude on the stand.
Don't get me wrong if Ms Hughs did the crime she should get what she gets. I just feel that she may have been mentally strong but emotional fragile and he played on that and her attorney show have called him on it. Instead he tried the case as if his client played no part in the crime and the evidence showed that she did.
I feel sorry for all the people affected by this sinceless crime.

i am really sorry that carla hughes is going through a very hard time in her life. I think she is not guitly and should not give up my heart for u stay strong

I don't think Ms Hughes' mother is helping spare her life. Why was Carla always being "jumped on" (as her mother put it) during her early, middle and high school years? Sounds like Carla may have always felt she was better than every one else.

I don't understand why the hell she didn't testify!!! I beleive she has pieces to the confusing puzzle. By not testifing that means you are hiding something.

I do not agree with the verdict. With all the evidence, I just cannot make the connection that Carla pulled the trigger.

I do feel justice was served, but i'm really surprise the jury came to the decision. The defense attourney was very good. The prosecution I felt was weak at best. What I think happened is although the jury looked at the evidence they did have, those 7 women on the jury did know and probably experienced the afterthought of what women do with men who cheat. What they might have done if they could've possibly got away with it.Sex is a very powerful tool, led sometimes by a lot of pentup emotion for some. What I'm having a problem with now is the mother on the stand now talking about how Carla loves the Lord, and what kind of person she is spiritually, but all that flew right out the window when she sought out a soon to be married man for sexual liasons. How does that work. When its the prosecutors turn will he address this issue? He's weak, I doubt it.

Based on her education and background, You would think she could find another way tohave delt with this issue.

I think the jury made a mistake. They had the wrong one on trial, Keyon Pittman should be the one on trail for this murder. Mississippi is so for behind when it comes to modern techniology that they should have brought in the forensic team. I have been following this case and with everything that I have heard I don't think that she is capable of doing such crime. I think that she should appeal this verdict so that they could really find out who murder this woman and her unborn child, and when they do it will be the boy friend Keyon Pittman.

I am sadden!!!! I believed that she was not guilty.. By the sheer information that the state issued against her... Only cause of the Love Mess she was in.. Carla have to live or die cause of someone else mess in life. I could only say that we will have to pray for her!!!! Cause only God can save her... She has got catch up in the man can do or say whatever world and still not have to truely face his mistakes.. Of what he caused by him being a want to be playa! SHE IS TRUELY A VICTOM OF HER OWN NIGHTMARE!!! LADIES LET CARLA BE A LESSON TO US ALL...

I can tell you one thing if I'm accused of murder and I didn't do it I would have been on the stand without studdering telling my truth!!! I'd now be going crazy being convicted of MURDER something I didn't do!!! I would litterally be screaming !!! Hughes looks and acts to me like a person who knows she got caught !! Not an innocent women wrongly convicted of MURDER!!!! Thanks!

I don't believe this lady did this. i am listening to her mother on the stand and if you listen to what she said, her cousins use to go after people who picked on her and they would beat them up. Would one of the cousins be the one who said she borrowed the gun and brought it back empty? That cousin pretty much got her convicted. maybe they ought to look at the person. Could be some jealousy there! She has no violent background at all, they do. Good way to get back at someone.

lynda hughes is saying that carla is an anointed child of god, very religious n a christian, but how could she and she killed heinously an innocent young woman n her child, that had her whole life ahead of her! carla is getting her just deserve, she shouldn^t have been messing around with someone elses husband or man, thats the second sin she committed, how could she let a man have that much control over her, it seems that pitman is her god!

The judge should have over turn the virdict in this trial. Any common sense person who was watching this trial could see that no one could place Carla Hughes at the house. But the very interesting part was why did she go and get the gun and the knive. But getting a knive and a gun from someone, does not mean that you use the it. I think that this trial will be before us again. Yes there was no proof of she did it. None what so ever, and I do hope that she gets another trial.

This is truly a sad case. It seems to me she was taken in by the looser boyfriend as he dragged her into his sick scheme.

She would have never be here guilty of murder if she had never met him.

He is and should be held as guilty as she is. He however will face his convicition at his time of death. There is a place for people like him in hell.

He is a cheating, lying, piece of crap and should rot in his own hell.

I think the Jury made the wrong verdict, I think it was the x, I hope the judge can over turn the verdict.

I think The police should have looked at pittman closer. He had gunshot residue on his hands. He wore her shoes he had a key to her home.. I dont believe she acted alone... HES GUILTY AS WELL

There is no justice in America. Carla Hughes is an innocent woman. I believe with all my heart and soul after hearing the testimony that she is innocent. Keyon is the killer. He killed his fiancee and unborn child and one year later gets on with his life by marrying someone else and moving to Detroit. May he rot in hell and not live a day of peace because he framed this woman. The jurors in this case did not look at the evidence. There was reasonable doubt. What is the explanation for gun powder on Keyon's hands? Why didn't the police test his clothing? What size shoes does he wear? Did they check the shoes in the closet with Keyon's foot size? This is a terrible miscarriage of justice and it makes me sick to the stomach.

I do not even think she should have got convicted of the crimes,in my opion they did not have enough evidence!I thonk the fiance did it!!

I don"t think this young lady committed this act; however, I do believe that cheating, no good man had something to do with this Avis Banks' death.

This is a travesty of justice. Granted I did not see all the testimony but what the evidence shows is not that this girl did this murder. Look at the guy, the liar, the one who probably had access to her home, and used the gun putting it back after the deed was done. He was just too faked up to be credible,. Crocodile tears must work in this state. Remind me not to ever visit this state. Too many ignorant people there.

This was a crime of passion on Carla Hughes part of the killing of Avis Banks. Carla, felt at the time that Avis was not in her class & culture to be able to have Kenyon over her. This is a tragic in the classic sense. God Bless the Banks family for their lost. God bless the Hughes family for the lost to be for life in prison or death for Carla.
Both families have really suffered at this senseless crime.
Forget Kenyon!!!!!

Giving Carla Hughes the death penalty does nothing, the Bible book of Ecclesiastes 9: 5,6 likens death as sleep, the dead are concious of nothing at all. so what good does it do to take her life! Please reconsider!

Who is Carla protecting? She did not kill Avis Banks. I only pray that her lawyer appeals and brings the real killer to Justice.

i am listening to the Mother of Carla tell us how great her daughter has always been! I would probably do the same thing if it were my child.A Mother can find no wrong in her child.BUT-this woman may not be as great as she"seems to be in the presence of her Mom" We all are different around our parents! We want to be as good as we can be in their presence!!
This does absolutely NO GOOD. Parents are NOT GOOD JUDGES of their own children!!!They don't really know !

My heart goes out to both sides. I just cannot understand, for the life of me, why the gooberhead, keyon isn't on trial as well. I think, once again a murderer has gone free. He HAD to have something to do with all of this. My only hope is, when this is appealed, Carla will break her silence and tell "ALL".

First of all, I would like to say that no man is worth what Carla Hughes did to Avis Banks and Her unborn child. I felt from the start that Carla Hughes did this unspeakable killing. All for a man that she still does not have and Never will have. Carla's family knew that Carla did this crime,This is why,The uncle and Cousin came forward.Carla's own mother did not trust Carla as far as she testified about calling someone else to go check on her. During Carla Hughes trail Carla never shedded a tear. Carla sit at the table and Had the look of evil in her eye's. She scared me and i was not even their in court. I believe that Keyon Pittman found out what Carla Hughes had done and Tried to cover for her, But could not. She had already stated that something was goin to change and She changed it. She has to have a very dark side . But not so dark that the uncle and cousin did not see it. They knew,Like her mother knew.

I think in this type of case the man who is involved in this love triangle should be responsible for some part of this case and how do you get married after your fiancée gets killed I just don't understand.

Was Carla Hughes given a plea deal? I missed some of the case.

I do believe she did it, but I also feel that she was driven to this by Pittman. He was actively pursuing her and probably made promises to her just to keep her. And now that I here how her wedding to her child's father was broken off at the last minute, I can see how she was determined to prevent this again. Even though it was clearly premeditated I do feel this was a crime of passion. It reminds me of the case in Texas where the wife ran over her husband, after he told her he would break if off with the other woman, and he was lying to both of them. I think Carla killed the wrong person. I think she should get life in prison, so she can teach and maybe help other women and keep them from making the same mistake of letting passion rule their life.

I am sorry for Carla Hughes, but I am even more sorry for the family of Avis Banks.
You would think that if a person has a Master's Degree, that they would have more sense than to do a thing like this? Not only did she shoot and stab this mother(with child) she then pulled her pants down after all of that. It is my opinion, that an evil spirit took over after the initial entrance into Ms. Banks home, and when Ms. Banks came home, this same evil spirit, made her (Carla) feel that she had gone too far to turn back!!!!! this is the most damaging part of the entire thing.....

Just wondering can Ms. Huges admit the truth now and plead moment of insanity??? for mercy from the court

I still think the police should look at the fiance. what bothers me the most about him is, what he did when he found the body. Now most people will call 911 first. Why did he have to go into the house and contaminate the evidence? Who to say he didnt throw the drawers around and messed up the house. Then he goes back to the body then ask a neighbor to call 911. Makes me wonder. The I read that he pleads the 5th amendment. Something to look at.

All i have to say is wow!! It is amazing how your world can go from 1st to worst in a hot minute. this is so sad.

What really disturbs me about this trial is the apparent fact that an intelligent teacher with 3 university degrees would bring a pair of bloody shoes home and put them in her own closet. I am a former teacher with 3 degrees==if I had killed someone, I 'd be looking for a dumpster on the other side of town! Does anyone else suspect a frame by the real killer? I can't imagine that a crime this sloppy can translate into a death penalty case–I don't see guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and I don't see the necessary evidence of cold premeditation. I didn't follow the whole trial–please enlighten me.

I do not know if Carla Hughes is guilty, BUT, I know that there have been many child molesters and the like that have had more circumstancial evidence than this case, and never had to serve a jail sentence. While it may be true that Carla was known to have had possession of the gun, there is no physical evidence (pictures) from the bullistics expert that the gun in question, was the gun that used in the killing. Just his word and that of his superior. That to me spells reasonable doubt! I just cannot see this woman as a killer. There are too many questions that have not been answered relavent to the gun.

Out of all the trials that i have viewed on court tv, not one of them has come this close to causing such a strong emotional reaction from me as this one . I am listening to the character witnesses and trying to connect them with the jury's verdict.. If we are to believe the verdict of the jury, then we have to ask ourselves; "could there have been a moment of temporary insanity?"

I am so glad that looks aren't considered in trials of people. If looks could get everyone off our streets would be full of some nasty criminals. Look at Ted Bundy, he was good looking, intelligent, but also a henous killer of many women....she, Carla, got what she deserves regardless how she LOOKS!

Linda

I dont agree with this verdict,my prayers go out to both familys.and i hope the they dont put this young woman to death

BTK was also a leader in his community, But look at all the horrible crimes he committed, this women is cold and calculated, she took the life of not one but 2 innocent people, 1 that never had a chance to experience life. and why did she take these lives? over a confused guy. i think she should be left to rot in prison, the death penalty would be letting her off sooner.

I typed my response under the wrong headlines, but it is my opinion that Carla Hughes is guilty and she knows this sitting there almost emotionless. It seems she is resolved with the verdict knowing she committed the crime and the punishment fits the crime.

I'm someone is is normally in favor of the death penalty when a crime of this magnitude has been committed, but I feel that Mrs. Hughes has a lot to offer even being behind bars. I strongly feel she can make a difference in a lot of lives for inmates that will be released from prison.

Even though I think she's guilty. I think the evidence was too thin for the death penalty. The main evidence about borrowing the gun and the knife came from (in my humble opinion) her co-conspiritor, pittman. So I could be totally wrong and she could be innocent. That raises enough doubt I would never vote for the death penalty for her in this case.

And yes, I am a strong death penalty advocate, but I think you need real strong evidence.

You can get out of jail after 20 years if your innocent, but you cant escape death.

Back in 1998 when I was 6 months pregnant with my fiance's child, he was fooling around with an elementary school teacher, who was just as educated and beautiful as Ms. Hughes. However, she stalked me, harrassed me by phone and I became fearful of her.

Of course, my fiance denied any romantic involvement with her, but evidence did surface he was lying.

He lead both of us on and his actions provoked her to act this way towards me. Unlike this case, I was aware of this relationship and left the situation am raising my 10 year old daughter myself.

Mr. Pittman is as guilty as Ms. Hughes. He will always have a guilty heart and live with this crime all his life. You will see down the road, he will suffer one way or another.

I pray for Ms. Banks family daily.

Pittman may have murdered Carla too!

If Mr. Banks can forgive for his innocent daughter's (believed) murder. Can Carla's father forgive Pittman for his (believed) guilty silence, letting his innocent daugter die for Pittmans sins or crimes.

Does the defendant have a child? If so, where was this child the night of the murders and where is he now?

This guilty woman is crying NOW because she is facing death. We didnt see her cry when testimony was given about the woman she shot. Just because she is educated doesnt mean she could not kill. She couldn't get her own man and she is also a tranp.

I strongly believe that she didn't do it. They need to look at, the cousin and the boyfriend.

All this testimony about what a great person Carla Hughes is seems to me to be beside the point. She could be all kinds of wonderful, but the evidence convinced the jury that she BRUTALLY murdered Avis Banks, and that is not wonderful behavior by any means. Neither is carrying on an affair with a man who has another woman pregnant. And what of her child? One gets the impression that this child was of little consequence to her before the murder, and she certainly did not take that child's future into consideration when she set out to do this deed. I am also puzzled by the defense's constant pointing to Keyon. If Carla knew he was involved, she would surely have given him up or at least testified to his part in the crime. Otherwise, how did he know she had a gun that he could take, and then put back? She would have been the only witness to that knowledge on his part.

I feel that there are alot of stones unturned in this case. There are numerous wholes in the proseutions case and the defense should definitley appeal as soon as possible. Did they test her hands and/or clothing for GSR? There was no evidence shown that Carla Hughes fired that .38 caliber gun; and Pittman's secret vacation with Matlock should have made her alibi statement for him null and void. This poor woman, Carla Hughes, has been convicted for a crime she did not committ and now her son is the one who will suffer the most. The jury was biased and unbalance in my opinion, there should have been 6 women and 6 men...not 9 to 2 women to men. Justice will be served, just not at this time...I partially believe in our system and that it has an ounce of truth and fairness left in it. The TRUTH will set her free and Pittman should get himself a good attorney!

i think that she was not at her right mind . and the man that she was going with got a lot do whith this .he was playing the ladys and that put her in a bad place .

I agree with the jury decision. I think she's guilty. If she is not guilty and pitman was involved or indeed the one who shot Avis maybe the death penalty will make her wake up and say I'm not taking the blame for this 2 timing, lying pitiful excuse of a man. If I was found guilty of something of this nature and faced death, when that guilty verdict came in, I wouldn't be shedding crocidile tears, I'd be in the floor kicking and screaming.

Hats off to the Defense! Great closing argument. Ms. Hughes should have taken the witness stand if she did not commit this crime.

I believe carla hughes was wrongly convicted,she just doesn't look ,or act like the type of person to take another person's life,let alone the life of an unborn child.i think they need to look more closely at keyon pittman.i hope johnny walls can get her a new trial.i have watched many trials and have never commented or really gave it a second thought,but in this case i believe the jury made a horrible mistake.

unbelievable!!!!!! I'm saddened for both families. Not only did we lose once but twice. Carla lost her freedom and Avis and her unborn baby lost their lives.

Kymm
CA

I kind of at odds with this verdict. With the evidence that they have I really don't see how the juor could have came back with a guilty verdict.

questions: 1 where are the bloody clothes.
2 Do they have any witnesses that puts her(CarlyHughes) at the scene.
There is some not right with this case and I hope her attorney can win an appeal/new trial because somethings not right. Oh and how is it that Kenyon got married so soon after this crime. Hummmmmmmm. My heart goes out to both family truly this is a great lost.

i do not believe that she killed Ms.Banks. I do think that Mr.Pittman is guilty of the murder . Sometimes things are not as they appear. The evidence that i heared from following this case . Leaves reasonable doubt and unanswered questions and a sloppy investigation .

is not enough evidence he has something to do with this crime he is guilty too all this could have been avoided if he wouldn't have cheat he is a liar and very selfish man

I think she's guilty. If she is not guilty and pitman was involved or indeed the one who shot Avis maybe the death penalty will make her wake up and say I'm not taking the blame for this 2 timing, lying pitiful excuse of a man. If I was found guilty of something of this nature and faced death, when that guilty verdict came in, I wouldn't be shedding crocidile tears, I'd be in the floor kicking and screaming.

I think this Juror was totaly wrong. I woman doesn't kill for extra time. What man borrows women shoes & now he is with a totaly different women, which speaks wolumes to me. I will Pray the truth comes out god bless that family

I really hate it for her but sister needs to start speaking up for herself. I really felt like she should have testified. Kenyon Pittman had a lot to do with it. He played her and led her to wut happen. I don't think she did it all by herself. She had to get in the home. Evidence showed that they could wear the same shoes. Things just not looking right. Carla you really should have told everything.

I don't agree with the verdict. What I can see of all of this case is that Keyon Pittman murdered his fiancee and unborn child, and now is getting away with it. Just look at his face he looks like he is possesed with the devil, the smirk upon his face, the cold eyes.... And one year later he gets married and starts "fresh". I believe he should be the one in jail. As a Christian I don't believe in the death penalty because nobody should have the power in their hands to take somebody elses live away but my Lord Jesus Christ. I do believe that this should be punished. I pray to the Lord so he can take control of the people involved in taking this decision, and to have mercy.

Hi, I have 2 questions? Can Carla Hughes take the stand & claim her innocence AND say to the jury "I understand you have found me guilty but would you pls spare my life so that I may have time to prove my innocence?" And then when the prosecutor questions her that she can't take the 5th?
Re: jury, if Sen Walls finds out that 1 or some of the jurors made their decision based on Carla Hughes not testifying that a mistrial can be announced or the verdict overturned?
Thanks

How long did Keyon Pittman date Avis Banks? Where did they meet?

I have been watching this case/trail and I DO NOT think that Carla Hughes killed Avis Banks. I firmly believe that Kyon Pittman is the one who killed his fiance' Avis Banks. Listening to the evidence...it doesn't match up that Carla did this. Who is not to say that Kyon didn't take the gun that Carla borrowed from her cousin and killed Avis....

The evidence points toward her that's why there's a case, I believe she did it. She cant be innocence no way..

It's hard to picture this lady guilty, however if you look at the evidence and picture your own daughter in Ava's place I think it is picture clear that Clara is guilty. My heart goes out to both families.

I'm listening to her mom bringing religion into this, she still did this nobody controls the mind not even GOD, you control your own mine..

This is such a tragedy! She, I think is a victim of making bad choices This young lady is intelligent, rounded, and well put together. But she chose the wrong man.I know she didn't do it!!!! I think kenyon was involved in this. He had gun residue on his hands???? Did Carla???? She went and got the gun and knife, but she did not do this! I did not hear anything that made her the killer, her shoes he had a pair of them for what? She should have testified on her behalf.This man was proven to be a womanizer, he is the killer.She is being crucified, for something a man did, not that much love could I have for anyone in my life time. Talk Carla, tell the whole story! She knows!

The devil got into her that day, and now look were she is.. but if she's innocence the appeal process is long going...

I believe that Keyon Pittman killed Avis Banks, and he WILL see his day in court. Mr. Pittman confessed that he wore the bloody shoes before and Mr. Pittman also had gun powder on his hands. If anything, I believe strongly that Ms.Hughes tried to cover up for Mr. Pittman. Ms. Hughes supplied the gun and the knife. The blood was on the shoes from when Mr. Pittman "craddled" his dead fiance.

I dont believe this case has been proven with out a reasonable dought , the gun residue on the boyfriend is dought.

My prayers are with both families but I do not feel that Carla Hughes had anything to do with this. Her worse mistake was dealing with a man that was already involved with another woman. Keyon appears to be completely crazy in my view and had every reason to do this. I think justice will eventually prevail. You can't sentence a person to life with so littl evidence and so much reasonable doubt.

I think an injustice has been done. Please let your listeners know where we can write to support this family and let them know we are praying for God to intervene in a miraculous way. I am not convinced this woman, Carla did such a horrible crime.

I have watched In Session cover my sister in Christ trial. I must say God has ways of doing what He wants to do, when He need it to be done, how He knows it will be done. I would like to say to Carla Hughes & the family. Carla, GOD is getting the glory. Keep the faith. God knows. Victory is yours. Now faith! I know u don't totally understand this, watch OUR LORD show HIMSELF on your behalf. I promise you HE-GOD had HIS reason why HE needed u where you are. I love u. I know you were created for this moment as JESUS was. He overcame the world & so let you! I command it to be so NOW in JESUS' name. The BLOOD of our JESUS cover you from beginning to end. Alpha & OMEGA has spoken. In spirit & truth. Forgive.

I have been moved to tears listening to the witnesses pleading for mercy for Ms. Hughes. The evidence certainly can point to her and the jury obviously thinks it did. The character of Keyon Pittman, however, seems a more likely perpetrator rather than Carla Hughes. It upsets me that someone so promising could end up in jail for the rest of her life or be executed. I just hope and pray that some new evidence would surface to prove her innocent. Even though I do not know her, it is so hard to believe that she could have done this. If she did, then it is truly scary to think someone so stalwart, stable & strong could come to such a point of dispair or insanity to go out and kill. It truly proves the cliche, "But for the grace of God, there go I."

Miss Huges, should not be put to death, even though the PHD did testify that she is responsible for her own actions that will definely hurt on the appeal, let her live she will be a help in years to come.

Unbelievable that Carla has been found guilty. Too much reasonable doubt for me. Seems like the Police Dept did not do a thorough investigation. Why was Keyon's clothes not tested, why did the defense not request it to be tested? No physical evidence except a small drop of blood on the shoes that matched the back door? Not enough for me to convict.

I have been watching this trial and I am amazed that they found Carla Hughes guilty. I believe that this time the jury got it all wrong.
I think that Keyon Pittman should of been investigated more thoroughly. He is a womanizer and he probably still is. I watched as Keyon testified and even though he acted upset he showed not one tear. i think that this was an act on his part.

I feel to very sorry for the Banks and Hughes family. Ms. Hughes was found guilty and now has to face the consequences. What would make a women kill over a man. She has to have more going on in her brain that just being jealous. She was only the lover.

I can certainly understand Carla's mom standing up for her; of all the trials i have watched on trutv I have never seen the host placing so much emphasis on how good a person Carla is; on how a third party might be involved. Carla sought the gun and knife and the shoes were found in her posession. The prosecution did place the gun in Carla's hands as she was the one who procurred it and returned it. While having an affair certainly doesn't make you a killer but it certainly shows that Carla is not as pure as she is being portrayed. Please remember that Avis suffered and is dead and her mother will never be able to hold her or her grandchild.

I am sorry to hear that Carla did not testify she should have and I am sorry to hear the verdict. I stand with the family of Mrs. Banks and Mrs. Lynda Hughes. And Mrs. Hughes conmtinue to hold on to Gods on changing hand. Only God can se both families through.

The system is a joke your not innocent until proven guiltey. your guiltey until proven innocent. but you cant get a fair trail when the put you out all over the news . I dont think she got a fair trail

The law of the land says that its against the law to kill. So whether or not she did it two wrongs will not make a right. It also will not solve the crime of Avis Banks..

Now the real truth will come out. If she did not do this alone, she will not go alone. She is facing death. I will never understand IF she was not guilty, why didn't she testify? Tell:
1. what gun range she went to
2. Why she returned the gun four days after saying she needed it for protection and it was empty. AND there was a murder.
3. Why didn't she return the knife. What happened to it?
4. Her cell phone was put at the area of the murder at the time of the murder.

Is she so in love with this man that she will shield him, IF he is involved? I don't think he is or she would have come clean and told what REALY happened. An innocent person will fight tooth and nail to safe themselves. Not just try to put the blame elsewhere. This murder was over kill. IF he wanted to get rid of Avis, all he had to do is walk away. But for Carla, as long as Avis and her baby was alive, she would be in their lives and maybe he would eventually go back to them.
I agree with the verdic. She took two lives. The slashing with the knife was done by a woman. A man will shoot to kill and get out. There was so much rage in this murder.

I am truly tired of hearing about how Carla Hughes was someone's hero. She is now a woman convicted of capital murder. It seems as if people feel as if the victim life wasn't worth as much, just because she wasn't a teacher with a bachelor's degree and Master's degree, They keep saying that Hughes is a person deserving of life...I guess she felt as if she was the person that decided if Mrs. Avis was deserving of life or not. Carla was a "Religious Woman" but she had a child out of wedlock and sleeping around (still not married) with someone else's man. She was found guilty, now she must deal with it. People seem to forget that Ted Bundy was well educated also. Killer's don't have a particular look.

As a sister of a brother who was killed by a drunk driver, I am sick and tired of hearing how wonderful the person who kills is! There are many wonderful people who kill, but then we want to look back over their life and make them look like model citizens. THEY KILLED! The Women she killed can't talk about her wonderful life, or the baby she killed can't ever live to have that wonderful life. She knew this WONDERFUL WOMEN WAS ABOUT TO MARRY HER LOVER, SHE SHOULD OF NEVER STARTED A RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS MAN! Please spare us the details of her life before she murdered, she was found guilty end of conversation! Many Many model citizens become killers, please lets hear about the women she killed, she is loving every minute of the people in her life spilling tears over her, just makes her feel that much better about what she did! Thanks for your time.

As a man who lives in Mississippi and have seen first hand at how pathetic our criminal system is here, I find it sad yet not suprising how a jury could have something so obvious infront of them(reasonable doubt) and still convict Carla. I wouldn't be suprised if the jury had some prejudice of Carle being that this case was so popular even before it went to trial. WHAT A JOKE!!!

If Keyon shot Ms. Banks with the same gun why did Carla return a empty gun stating she went target practicing.

I cannot believe that a jury of 12 found Carla Hughes guilty. When I read that last night I was shocked. It is obvious this jury did not follow instructions given to them by the Judge simply by the one question they did ask about Carla taking the stand. I was really expecting a hung jury if not a not guilty. I am praying with everything in me that she is not sentenced to death.

Phyllis

Springfield, Mo

Sad situation all around. My prayers go out to both families, Banks & Hughes.

i would like to know if carla was a non confrontational person why would she barrow a gun and knife from her cousin? and if it was because she was scared how did that fear so savere to get a gun go away in so little time? what was the change that made her give the gun back after just a week?

I don't believe Carla Hughes had the heart to even consider committing a crime of this nature. I believe that there wasn't sufficient evidence or even convincing evidence to convict Ms. Hughes. I believe this man was selling Ms. Hughes a pipe-dream and he set her up! I pray that her conviction will be overturned in time and that the Lord will expose the truth that all will know truth in this matter.

This is a so unaffair, I can't understand how the jury based decision of GUILTY. May God have mercy on her soul . I Pray they do not give her the death penalty.

I am a white male who has 3 children of my own, and have not been able to get away from watching this case. I have watched many you have had, but no knowing this women, its ovious she is not guilty, why doesn't someone look deeper iinto pittman. Gods blessing with her hang ng in there there the truth will come, maybe we need johns help from most wanted. I would not want that womens life in my hands

I feel Ms. Hughes, is very well represented by Her defense team; However, Justice has once again failed. The burden of proof presented by the Prosecution raised more questions, rather than proving she; being Ms. Hughes, is guilty of the crimes in which she is charged. I think Mr. Walls is an outstanding attorney, but maybe he should have included visual props as part of his defense. I suggest, if an appeal is granted; the defense team employ a carpenter to construct the exact door, damaged during the murder; then, have Carla kick with all Her strength. If it opens, maybe she's guilty, if it doesn't, you must acquit.

Her shoe prints at the crime scene,unanswered questions about the gun and bullets.all that adds to guit!

The testimony by others fhough, beggings for her life. though sincere, No one can best ask foir their life. She is obviously hiding something

the reason that they are lacking in evedance IS because she is well educated and able to know what she was doing. SHE WAS SMART.

I am a retired public school teacher with 35 years under my belt. I've watched this entire trial and I think that the jury just accepted what the prosecutor said as truth and did not look at the evidence. Carla may have had something to do with this, but I think the fiance was the killer or had someone else do it for him. I think she's protecting him!

OMG I am floored, to say the least. Has anyone tried or even thought about a lie detector test? I am so speechless that a jury could decide this when it's a proven fact that Keyon Pittman is nothing but a womanizing, manuplative, liar, who just got away with murder. 9 women on this jury, I can not believe this!!! You ought to feel ashamed of yourselves!! I bet you don't sleep well tonight. L. Kirchner Cleves, OH

It is such a tragic. I don't think she committed this crime alone. I think she had some involvement. There is still a chapter missing. How and why was Pittman not looked at more than he was as a suspect?

i would like to know if there is a chance now that perhaps keyon pitmancan be charge with conspiracy or anyother charge

If Carla Hughes is someone that everyone likes and is educated and articulate and is innocent then you would think she would have testified in the first part of the trial as she would have had nothing to hide..

It's obvious that this woman is being railroaded!! How terrible for everyone involved. I can't believe this is actually happening. The boyfriend did it!!!!!!!

The jury got it right by convicting Karla Hughes. I beleive she is all that her character witnesses say, as well as a highly intelligent, cunning, privileged woman who was accustomed to having what she wanted. She's a murderer who was determined to have what she wanted at any cost. Keyon Pittman is a jerk, who believes he can have any woman he wants. Given that type of arrogance and self-possessed personality, he collects women as a validation of his worth. He would not kill one; he would not destroy one of his trophies He's a lot of things that are not very nice, but not a murderer. He should not evenbe a part of the conversation at this time.

Elizabeth Neal
Wilmington, Delaware

I only wonder what could the difference be in one trial and another when a child is lost, One person gets 30 yeras and this poor woman is facing the death penalty. Someone killed this young woman and her unborn child, but it is very clear that, Carla Hughes did not. Who's eyes are wide shut ? May God have mercy on both families!

I understand this is a capital murder case, but does that mean her sentence is either life imprisonment or death? Can the jury vote for a lighter sentence? I just could not sleep at night voting to convict this woman. There is just TOO much circumstantial evidence.

Susan....Alabama

It is a shame that there are so many idiots in this country. Any person with a bit of common sense could see that the prosecution did not prove their case. What about the shoes? Keyon goes out and buys the exact shoes and then they end up back in her closet with blood stains, seems suspect. Where did they get the hillbilly jurors from?

I cannot believe the verdict in this case. How can they ignore the powder on the boyfriend's hands? How on earth would he ever get powder there if he didn't shoot the gun? It is just too much. I think the prosecution in too many cases is just after the conviction alone!!! I disagree heartily with this verdict.

I feel terrible for Carla, because I think she is innocent. It looks like
she was set up. A woman that has gone all of her life helping people and never having an anger management problem would not just
snap all of a sudden, especially for a two timing boyfriend. She is too good of a person, this is horrible what is happening to her. They need
to be looking for the real killer and set this poor woman free.

I am a mother of two grown children and i don't know if i could be as forgiving as Mr. and Mrs. Banks they are truely beautiful people.

This case seems to have alot of unanswered questions. My prayers go out to both of these families. May they find peace in God.

I dont think that Carla did this and I pray for all that think's she had did something like this I truely think that it was the boyfriend that did this my prayer's go out for all

What is this country coming to? They definately have the wrong person in custody. Keyon had as much, or more opportunity. He had a key to her apartment, he was seeing/filrting with several women, he could wear the same shoe size as Carla, oh and let's talk about hose 'bloody shoes'. Why in the world would an educated, caring person like Carla deliberately place those shoes back in her very OWN CLOSET?????? Come on... I hope and pray that Sen. Walls focuses alot more on Keyon's opportunity and motive next time around. How convenient for him that he was able to get rid of 2 demanding women in one fell swoop! My feeling is this, "The truth is the LIGHT, and the LIGHT MUST shine'....I pray we have a different outcome after the appeal hearing!

I feel as tho, the jury did not have enough evidence, to make does decisions. I think Keyon Pittman is the blame for Avis Banks death because he shouldnt have been cheating, he knew she was pregnant with his child, he knew that he was married, and he knew that it was gonna be some conflict between the women, that he was messing with. Keyon should face some years for cheating on his fiancee and being honest about the whole thing. What should have happened was, every girl that Mr. Pittman was having a relationship with, should have answered some questions and if they killed Avis Banks, confess up to it and not let somebody take the blame for what they did.........

If I am innocent of a crime, I will shout it from the roof top that I am innocent. I think she is guilty. But why not testify on your own behalf in the sentencing phase, and try to save your own life, unless you are guilty. A crime of passion. There's not enough man in this world for me to kill for. A beautiful black woman, life is just gone forever, because of a sorry excuse of a man. And you can best believe he has already found somebody else .

While I am not 100% convinced that she had nothing to do with the murder, I do have REASONABLE DOUBT and cannot believe the jurors did not have doubt. Now this poor woman's life is over. I only pray that they do not make another mistake by sentancing her to die. I have sympathy for poor Avis, however I do not believe that Carla killed Avis. It makes me question the judicial system that twelve people could actually convict her without any doubt. God have mercy on the real murderer, the jurors, and on poor Carla Hughes. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Perhaps I am the only viewer who feels that Carla Hughes is being epitomized. It seems that she was spoiled to believe that she could have whatever she wants, and that she was above the law. She has made many achievements and I believe she was competitive and saw Banks as her rival and a threat. Who would slash another woman's face other than a competitive premadonna? Hughes comes from a small town, in the Mississippi delta. This is a place where people stick togethere. Her accomplishments are not necessarily valid in that her family has noteriety to help her gain her status. Hughes' mother speaks of God. Of all the things that she has said about our God is true, but he also does not dwell in fornication. Hughes was sleeping with Pittman out of wedlock. In as much as Pittman was not likeable he did not act alone in any of the sin issues surrounding this case.

Its clearly impossible that this woman could do such a thing, nothing about her says killer. This Woman has great credentials, she has no prier charges no type of track record of any sort. No one wakes up one morning an is a killer, killers have some type of history. She has none. Her being found guilty makes no sense an is far from understanding.

I watch many cases I think this is the first one I watched that I actually belive this poor women is wrongfully convicted of something she truely did not do.....My heart goes out to her and her family and my prayers will be with them... I don't understand how they could convict her with no real evidence....Mr Pittman should be highly ashamed for the lives he had destroyed because of his cheating ways...And I hope what went around comes back to bite him in the behind......

i do not belive anything pittman said i think he is the killer
and carla was is puppet

This woman should not get the death penalty she should get a new trial.

I would break her free if I could... I just cant believe she committed the murder... Guilty she was found. But the death penalty should be reserved for career criminals. Even thought her conviction was for a brutal crime, she is not the type of criminal that should face that penalty. Even if I am wrong and she did do it, she is certainly no career criminal and many more deserving criminals get away with much less.

mrs hughes should have fought for her life instead of putting her family thru this I think if she Didnt do it she knows who did If i could Iwould want to know more about the gun and the knife That was Used to comment the crime

frist of all i dont beleave carla did it and i feel so sorry for her and her parents she was a very special woman cuz she was adopted at 6 weeks old that means alot when someone adopts you i do not know how that keyon can show his face anywhere in this world even how can the woman stay married to him that man should be very shame of his self for even marray another woman at the time he did i feel very sorry for the woman hope she has a heart to understand what that so call of a man has done to carla and her family she is a very loving woman to the world for being a teacher and teach other parents kids so how can they say she did such a bad crime yes i do feel for the other woman and unborn child so how can keyon live with himself

WOW!!!!! What has this country come to? There are drunks killing people with cars, and penalties are light. They choose to drink way too much and then drive. Whether hampered or not, due to the alcohol, the penalty should be harsher. U have them out in a very short time and out drinking again.They most likely will commit the same offense. This gal out of emotional stress ( I am not convinced she is guilty), is charged with murder. The state HAS NOT proved their case, I think the jury has found her guilty mainly in light of the unborn baby perhaps. Now they will choose her fate, I pray to God they use more wisdom than what they used to convict her.

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 heard 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 never called Ms. Bank’s parents after the funeral, and the gun power on his hands, and no blood on his shirt. What is this jury doing?

most unfortunate. poor defense in raising potential alternate killer with no proof. the curcumstaintial effidence of the gun, knife, phone records, shoes, etc, all went unaddressed by the defense. her only chance was to take the stand and tell the jury what happened. it may be complicity with keyon; only she and he know the facts. she has convicted herself.

I really feel the jury got it wrong. Many un-answered question exsisted by Carla Hughes but the defense is correct, You have to place her at the crime scene and while placing her if there is another possible explanation of the crime, reasonable doubt states you have to favor the defendant. The police department did a poor job during the investigation. Mr Pittmans clothes should have been tested and questions concerning no blood on her shoes is enough to raise suspicion. His behavior during and after the murder makes me feel he is beyond guilty. I pray the appellate courts grant her another trial. Maybe a different jury will be able to get it right.

What more evidence do people want to convict Carla Hughes guilty?
She borrowed a gun and a knife exacly the weapons used to kill Avis Banks. I think the jurors know exactly what they're doing cause I think she is GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY!

It saddens me to listen to these witnesses for the defendant to paint her as a totally loving, caring person yet a pregnant woman is dead! What about the victim and her unborn child? Sure the witnesses say that she is not what the public paints her to be but what about the victims?? No, the death penalty won't bring the victims back, yet this is a lesson to all who look at appearances and see one thing and it comes out to be another. Now there are two women whose lives are destroyed.

She should have testified to prove her innocence, and let the jury know that she couldnt do this crime.. you have to testify your life is at stake here.. makes you wonder she did it..

I have no clue why she did not testify. This is the perfect case whereas the defendent should testify if she had nothing to do with it she should of been up there talking explaining pleading how she could of have and perhaps that dam man set her up whereas he had the means motive and time.

After carefully watching the trial and listening to both the prosecuting and defense attorneys. I still feel that everything reflects on Mr. Pittman, why because even though this young lady received a knife and gun from her relative who's to say that Mr. Pittman didn't know about the weapons as well. He had more reasons to get rid of Ms. Banks because of the responsibilty that he was facing and if the jury would have listened to why he had a neighbor to call 911 and all this other crap he was trying to present to the court such as him marrying someone less than a year after she died. That doesn't say very much about him and all these other females he was involved with.

I also feel that if Ms. Hughes didn't do it or even had any knowledge about the situation she should have spoken up.
My heart goes out to both families.
In closing I think that they should have a retrial on the entire case.

Now the penalty phase is beginning and the mother is painting Carla as a saint. Well folks we don't start a monster. What Carla was like before this horrible act has nothing to do with what she did. She didn't look at Avis's life and see that her parents loved her to. Avis never got to have a jury of her peers to give her mercey for her life. No one but Carla and Avis knows the horrific fear Avis had the last few minutes of her life. The moment Avis realized her life and the life of her child was over. I pray that Carla will see the look in this poor womans face until the day she dies. I hope they do spare her life. This way she will be behind bars for the rest of her life and have to see Avis's terrified eyes looking right at her killer. Possibly begging for her and her child's life.

i believe that Atty. Walls is a terrible attorney,,,he should have put her on the stand–at least in this penalty phase...which she has just stated that she would not be doing, I'm convinced that she does not want to be cross examined. An innoc...ent and stellar citizen, as she has been portrayed to be, would fight for her life–and say in no uncertain terms that she was innocent. Again,I believe that justice has been served.Read More

I'm a mother, i was pregnant too, remember how i feel when i was waiting for my son to come into this world. I don't understand how someone like the defendant could have done something like this. I would vote for death penalty.

This young lady is my opinion is simply not guilty of this crime, Keyon Pittman killed Avis, the powder residue on his hands and clothes is the smoking gun and think that he did it before he showed up at that basketball practice. The other girlfriend that spoke as the person to vouch for him was just one more pond in his wish to frame Carla. Although the meant well in their verdict I am a little worried about the questions from the Jury as to why they did not put Carla on the witness stand. Even if you are not a juror you know that a defendant has no duty to testify or bear-witness against their own interest.

We all really need to pray that Keyon will trip himself up and this young lady will be freed.

I am from Greenville,Ms and as matter of fact I live about four or five blocks from her familiy's home and I know this family well. Its's not a doubt in my mind that Carla did not commit this crime. She is not that kind of person and was never raised like that. As I have been following the trail , I can't see how the evidence is pointing to Carla. Come on America wake up, this guy had keys and access to her apartment; he can also fit her shoes, if he didn't do it he had someone to do this or he and someone else did it together. This is just not fair Carla is innocent. I just can not see how the jury came up with that verdict. I hope there is a re-trail and she is proven innocent. My God bless Carla and her family I'm praying for them.

I don't think she is guilty!! It doesn't make sence to me there is another person involved I know so.. nothing adds up in this case

When you consider the percentage of men who kill their pregnant wives or girfriends, and then you let that man off the hook with gunpowder residue on his hands, it verifies my conclusion that we are not the fairest nor the best legal system in the world. That, and the ease and ability by so many to send someone to their death, causes great alarm. You can't take back a dead person. Diane Sower

I don't think so should be put to death!! I think she means more to people alive! She brings a lot to the table and is a teacher I think she should sit in prision not death she has a baby boy I think she should testfie now.. nothin to lose now

This was a just verdict. Sometimes good people do bad things. This one was over the top. I don't think Keyon played a part in the murder, but he should feel like crap. Two beautiful women and an unborn soul, distroyed over this idiot.

I pray to God that Ms. Carla Hughes do not get the death penalty. My feelings is that the death penalty should not be an option in this case, but some type of action should take place such as life without parole. My heart and sincere prayers do go out to the Avis Family in their lost. Its just a no win situation for all. May the RIGHT decision be made.

Keon could be the murderer, he could have set her up.. let me tell everybody something.. all these reality crime shows, forensics channel, how murders are solved.. Its just educating criminals over the years I've been watching these shows.. very educated on how to get away with a crime..

Penalty phase testimony from family and friends say Carla was an exempliary young woman, top of her class accademically, highly gifted in dance, sports, beauty contests, a winner often sought out due to her talents and a true christian woman actively engaged in her church and therefor could not possibly be guilty of this crime.

Sounds to me like a woman who was accustom to getting what she wanted, always coming out on top and not being denied. He wouldn['t leave Avis and she couldn't tolerate that.

Also since when does having a child out of wedlock and getting romantically involved with an man who is engaged to another woman who is pregnant with his baby qualify as a true christian behavior?

I agree with everyone...I believe that Carla Hughes carried out the murders through instigation by Keyon Pittman. It said that she is facing the death penalty & he walks away scot-free...someone need to look into to him further.

I hope you will read this. I haven't heard anyone with my take on this case, so here goes; I believe Ms. Hughes is protecting Kenyon (sp?).
I think he used her gun, her shoes & killed Avis Banks. He either broke into Hughes' home & got these things or they may have been provided by her, but I don't think she was involved in this murder alone, if, at all! Thanks for at least listening to my opinion.

d.schorr

Nobody forced Carla to have a sex relation with a man who was engaged to another woman. If she got in there, that's her business and her fault. Nobody else"s. Now, face the music. She had an opportunity to tell her side of the story, but she refused by not testifying. If she is innocent, why was she afraid of testiying?

I don't belive they proved it beyond a reason dout,I think that she should have been found guilty

Today while on break one of CNN reporters had a chance to speak with Carla's mother and asked a very valid questions. If the things that the witnesses for the defense is saying about carla is true , How did Carla get in this situation? I feel that she was so use to having everything, then her finance called off the wedding and left her with a needy child, she refused to allow Avis to have the life she should have had...husband and child

not guilty

There is a justice higher than that of man, she will be judged by God. It is not for us to pass judgement on her. As hard as it may seem to do, she must be forgiven, but the horrific act she performed must not go unpunished.

I truly feel this is the wrong verdict, thet need to go after the man behind all this.

why is it either way if your for or aganist the verdict do people come up with stupid reasons .i have heard they didn't get the right person ,kpitman was their first suspect ,they ruled him out ,they looked at him. now people are saying the jury shouldn't of convicted her due to her not taking the stand, they looked at the evidence ,she had the gun and the knife, she returned the gun. she was a woman scorned ,this had happened to her before with her baby daddy whom she was suppose to marry and he dumped her .she would not have it happen to her again.everyone is asking why she didn't take the stand so why is hard to believe the jury would to.i don't believe they will give her death but i think they got it right.i feel for the jury it could not of been easy at all.

Did any one else catch the part that the mother stated in her plea for Carlas life. About her being rejected once before , three years prior by another man
Just seems to me to be one of those Not me this time, someone elses`s time

I am sick about the verdict! I believe this young woman has taken the fall for a "smooth operator" (as Sen. Walls described him). Pittman left a train wreck, dusted himself off, and has started a new life without looking back (I feel so sorry for his new wife).
I am amazed at the trail of devastated lives. His actions suggest "reasonable doubt!" He (Pittman) stated in his testimony that he felt he was responsible for her death, he was right. He did it!
I had several questions about the shoes and gun. If Pittman had a key to her residenc that would suggest "reasonable doubt". He could have replaced the shoes and used the gun. Another issue, where are all the bloody clothes that were worn during the crime. If she disposed of them...why not the shoes. Put them back in the box? Not!
The pants being pulled down was another issue. A woman would be less likely to do that, AND cut her throat. This sound like a Bobby Cutts repeat! I believe Pittman believed Ms. Hughes was gullible enough to pin this on her. She had unfortunately demonstrated that over and over again by staying in a relationship with that loser. It's hard to believe that she would give up her freedom, family and son.
Yes, this should be a lesson for many women, but it won't. Someone else will fall victim to the Pittman's of the world. Someone else's family will go through this again. My heart and prayers go out to both families.

carol hughes you need 2 get a new lawyer, you have a mistrail. get on the stand and say something.

I wonder why everyone calls Pittman the "dog "for his behaviour, but the "dog "has to get these so-called ladies to be with him. even Carla Hughes's mother was aware of her daughter seeing a pregnant woman's fiancee. she must have had trouble with Carla before because she called her own sister to "make sure she does what I told her." Then you hear from her own family how she loves to do all her own planning for many detailed activities of which many take a lot of effort on her part. She likes to get what she works for , not used to coming in second, and will do what it takes to make sure she gets her prize- which in this case happens to be a man that treats her like any other easy accessory to his harem. I don't shr could accept it and in her fury maybe wanted to hurt him or even try to frame him.

She's only crying because she faces either the death penalty or life in prison.
If Keyon instigated it ,why didn't she already throw him under the bus?

Education has nothing to do with SNAPPING! Besides if she didn't act alone she'd be spilling her guts a long time ago!

i have watched this trial from the beginning and there just seems to be so many pieces missing. i could NOT have voted 'guilty' because there was just too much reasonable doubt. a juror can't 'think' she 'probably did it' and vote to convict...it's not supposed to work that way. also, a woman who never did a violent thing in her life, who couldn't even defend herself when growing up, who was quiet and very 'together' is supposed to have kicked in a glass door, shot this woman over and over, even putting the gun to HER HEAD, then when whe was dead, stabbing her in the neck and then pulling her pants down to expose her?????? i just cannot believe this is a crime committed by a woman. this just sounds like a man's crime or some savage drug-crazed attack. not someone like carla hughes.

In all the years that I have followed court TV/In session there has never been a defendant that I wanted more to be find guilty of her crime. And she is deserving of death. No matter what her friends, and family say about her being a peaceful person that would never hurt anyone, the facts in this case say otherwise. Carla Hughes allowed her emotions to take over and it did not matter if she was a Church going women who tried to reach out to the youth, in the end she showed her self to be a person with feelings that she could not control, and just because she has a Master's degree and other education does not make her smart when it comes to LOVE. If that was the case she never would have gotten involved in this situation

A Applaud Ms Banks family in setting a true example of forgiveness under such horrible circumstances. The Banks family lost so much a daughter who seemed to be sweet and loving, and caring let us not forget about the Victim's in this case.. Carla Hughes sits in Court crying not over the VICTIM'S but herself and the loss of her freedom and possible DEATH. This is a COLD BLOODED EVIL WOMEN who's only concern is her self.. She has not and is not going to take responsibility for her actions

I pray for Carla Huges and her family also I pray for Avis Banks's family. I do not beleive Carla is gulity of this crime. I beleive Mr. Keyon Pittman's committed this crime. Carla should have spoken in her defence. Wo can tell your story better than you. Why would she keep the shoes in her closet if she committed the crime. If he had keys to her home he could easily plotted this murder. Why would she have reason to kill Avis. This a total repeat of the Scott Peterson. Carla speak in you defence and let the world you did not kill Avis. Give it all you have. This Mr. Pittman is going free at your expence. I am praying for you.

Prime example of " why smart people do stupid things". Poor thing, she, like a lot of people, dont realize that love and hate are so strong, that together, or appart when not controlled can lead to murder.

A TRUE GOD-Fearing person who wants forgiveness from GOD would petition God for forgiveness and MAN-Up or in this case Women-Up take the stand and Admit before God and the Victim's family, her family and anyone watching that she did this horrible things asked the families for forgiveness and Mercy explain WHY? she did this and why she could not bring herself to Admit it.. Even though her actions will not bring back the VICTIM'S it would show she does have a Conscience and is not a MONSTER. Because if she does believe in God and she did do this crime she will not be able to hide from what awaits her even if she does not get the Death Penalty!!!!!

If there was not reasonable doubt here, there never will be. I don't think the state proved their case. Yes, lots of information, and conjecture, but in a case like this, to convict on what the state had alone, was not enough. I think the prosecution took the easy way out and charged Carla. So did the jury by finding her guilty. I fear for all of us.

Carla please speak out, don't allow Mr. Pittman to run free. He is another Scott Pertson. Where is the proof? Why didn't he have more blood on him. How did he get the gun power on his hands. I am sad for Carla. I hope she will speak out. There are too many loope holes. I will continue to pray for Carla.

My heart goes out 2 both families. Ms.Carla Hughes I still believe in your innocence. Look 2 hills from which cometh your help. I to have been through a lot & I do know that God is one whom makes no mistakes. It's not over until God say's it is over. Prayer changes things, I was diagnosed with a terrible illness a couple of months ago, but I never lost hope nor my faith. I went back to the doctor & they couldn't find anything. God has a divine way of turning things around. Be blessed...!

Here we go again with the upstanding citizen approach. Just like when they interview the neighbours of serial killers and they all say
he was such a nice man. Murderers dont walk around with signs and
I think she got pushed over the edge. The cheater was the main source of this problem but I have seen no evidence to convict him, being a cheater does not make you a murderer.

I have not believed that Carla Hughes was guilty from the beginning nor do i today. I feel there are too many unanswered questions regarding this case.I feel her attorney left out alot of important information that should have been given–like if she took a lie detector, dna,etc. i truly hope this case is solved for the people of mississippi and for michigan(where keyon ) is now and pray that GOD keeps his new wife safe and any other women he may be enticing!

I wonder why everyone calls Pittman the "dog "for his behaviour, but the "dog "has to get these so-called ladies to be with him. even Carla Hughes's mother was aware of her daughter seeing a pregnant woman's fiancee. she must have had trouble with Carla before because she called her own sister to "make sure she does what I told her." Then you hear from her own family how she loves to do all her own planning for many detailed activities of which many take a lot of effort on her part. She likes to get what she works for , not used to coming in second, and will do what it takes to make sure she gets her prize- which in this case happens to be a man that treats her like any other easy accessory to his harem. I don't think she could accept it and in her fury maybe wanted to hurt him or even try to frame him.

It is a sad day when so many women are blaming Keyon. Keyon is only guilty of being a womanizer, and that he was. The itty bit of gun powder on his hands could have transferred to him along with the blood that the defense said he rubbed on his pants, when he came upon Avis and touched her; end of that subject.
Carla is guilty of dealing with Keyon and all of his lies. Carla has been found guilty of the murder based of solid evidence; the shoes and the blood stain on the shoes, the gun and knife that her male relative loaned to her and the exact amount of bullets found in Avis's body and the wall (5), the footprint on the outside door that was kicked in and her motive of envy and jealousy.
Each time I hear Linda Hughes, Carla's mother speak about her, it confirms my belief that her mother overlooked the evil spirit in Carla throughout her life. This behavior did not just occur in a moment of insanity which the defense witness Dr. Lott said. She is not mentally ill or unable to know the difference between right and wrong. That only leaves the murder being a conspired act of evil which she did, and though her mother, close community would believe she was the victim once again.

While I believe Carla Hughes is atleast partly responsible for this crime, I cannot for the life of me understand why Keyon Pittman isn't on trial for this murder.
Keyon Pittman had Gunshot Residue on his hands, admitted to wearing Carla's shoes from time to time (all part of his plan to frame her in my opinion) and had a key to Carla's place giving him access to her gun.
There was MORE than enough reasonable doubt in this case, why her lawyers didn't impress upon the jurors these facts is beyond me.

I thin it is really sad that three lives have been lost from something like this.

I think she is innocent and she was set up i want to help her and her family thats not rite no evidence pointe to her but the borrow gun but pittman had keys to her apartment.

My sympathy is not for Carla ... it's for Avis and her family. Remember, Avis was a human being and the victim.

So many people spoke up on behalf of Carla, but I still have to ask the question ... Do we really know "everything" about the people we say we know? I think not.

Why was Keyon Pittman allowed to relocate, remarry and just move on with his life? Ever heard of an accomplice? He has more than one motive...he clearly did NOT want to be married- hence the many women he was having affairs with....he was NOT ready to become a father those two motives alone are MAJOR.

This case was handled poorly by police and her attorneys.

My heart goes out to the Hughes and Banks family. I don't think Carla
killed Avis. I think Pittman did it and set Carla up to take the blame.Carla is a lot of things, but I don't think she is a murder. May God be with the Hughes and Banks family.

I believe Carla would have been better off making her own plea to spare her life. This case was too big for her lawyers to handle. Guilty or not Guilty only Carla, Keyon and God knows, However a better defense team probably would have done her more justice.

I'm so confused by this trial and don't really know how I feel about the verdict.

I do know that her mother and father are incredible people and very forgiving.

The attorney for her was fabulous even though the verdict didn't go his way.

I hope she doesn't get the death penalty.

Annabelle

Oh yea, one more thing ...

Why couldn't Jami Floyd stay on tv yesterday so we could see the verdict live? I couldn't believe it - just as the jury came back with a verdict, it was 3:00! Unbelievable!

I still think that Mr.Pittman has something to do with this because there is no way you should have gunpowder residue upon your hands. And then he got marry to someone else real fast. I think that he had a major roll in this case. And maybe he plotted to have her killed that is my conclusion.She needs to speak out at least say something about the case, I do not think she act alone on this. Mr. Pittman cover his own a... in now she is left holding the bags. Speak out plz..

My thoughts and prayers go out the the Banks Family. My sympathy and compassion go out to the Hughes Family this is a tough, sad and very emotional trial. I really dont think that the death penalty should be given because i oppose the death penalty life in jail i can contest to. Now Carla can be able to share her story with young females and males that are in a domestic and jelousy relationship to prevent this to happen to the next person. This is very emotional!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carla only cried when her counsel was talking about HER...selfish, selfish, selfish...I hope she is sentenced to death

The family and friends are going to paint a defendant as a saint to save their lives. What are they going to do, tell the truth? NO ONE IS PERFECT. Everyone has done wrong. Carla is painted as a saint, but she took up an affair with a man that was involved with a woman that was having his child. That is the same as her having an affair with a married man. A SAINT? A CHRISTIAN? I think not. This Jury has to go by what she ended up doing. The horriffic act of brutle murder of a mother and her unborn child. Everything else should be left out. If she was not guilty she should have got up on the stand and shouted it from the top of her lungs. When the guilty verdic came in, did she yell out I DIDN'T DO IT. No.
Everyone is changing their views of her guilt because of the mother and friends saying what a Saint she was as she grew up, how she dedicated her life to helping others, yada yada yada. The cold hard facts are that there are two human beings that will never have the right to have a life. This woman took that right away. I do believe her "lover" is just as guilty. He married while she is fighting for her life and she still remains silent? Why? Because she did it. It is totally insane anyone would take the fall when they can get DEATH.

I personally, do not condone the death penalty, however, there is some doubt here. Why this woman would stand behind this scumb, heartless man, and take the rap for him, is horrible in itself, although, two human beings lost their lives and this is an unforgiveable sin. This woman, Carla Hughes' she refuses to speak on her on behalf (twice), her demeanor is misrepresentative, she showed no emotions throughout the trial, and even during discovery when they were describing the body, she had no reaction nor when her boyfriend K. Pittman was on the stand pretending to cry. She was cold and heartless. Her demeanor does not represent her as a kindhearted, caring person, she looked hard and mean and prison will fit her well. God please forgive her , and I pray for peace and guidance to the Banks family during this process, they will never see their daughter or future grandson. God help women every where. – Constance, Texas

I would believe she was innocent more if she would have taken the stand and explained some things but apparently she can't. I don't believe she should be put to death she has allot to offer in prison she could teach other inmates. What a shame to throw her life away over a man. She is so young! It sounds as if emotions got the best of her and now she will live with that for the rest of her life!

I'll tell you what. If I or anyone that I know ever need a defense attorney
Johnny Walls is who I would call. Again, he did a wonderful job with what he had to work with. If only she hadn't said that she went target practicing and found a way to get rid of that gun like they (Carla and Keyon) got rid of the knife she would probably have been aquitted. I wonder if she did the shooting and he did the stabbing and slashing.
Like, why did they keep the gun but not the knife?

I have never been moved to comment on a criminal trial in the past. The trial of Carla Hughes has upset me greatly. I do believe that there has been a mistrial of justice in the finding of quilt in this case. The prosecutor did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crimes. I question the qualtity and professionalism of the investigation in the first place. I am not convinced a thorough collection of evidence was made. Nor am I convinced that the jury has followed the court's instructions. More that a reasonable doubt has been apparent. No matter what the penalty phase yields I believe there is more than enough reason to appeal this verdict.

Added coment...everyone keeps saying she didn't have gun residue on her hands. How many days was it before they brought her in for questioning? Her clothes were washed, her hands were washed as was her total body. I think that the knife was damaged in the attack and couldn't be returned. She had plenty of time to get rid of the knife.

I could be wrong but I thought I heard that there was gun powder found on the hands of the boyfriend. If this is correct, how could they convict Carla?

I do believe that ms. hughes boyfriend mr. pittman shares the blame in this horrific murder and should be investigated for his part in this crime.

I hate to say it but it is a sad day for all the people involved. So many lives have been devastated by this. But it brings to the front that as humans are we that barbaric to do the same to another person what was done to Ms. Banks and here child? I truly believe that if someone has done wrong that they should be punished, but as civilized humans we should understand that the taking of a life weather by the courts or other means is wrong. And my biggest question is what if they kill Carla and later find out they were wrong who will they kill then????
Maybe all others involved or maybe just say were sorry. We have to be more human to wrongs dont make a right.
May God be with us all.

It's a shame Carla with a perfect record let the scumb bag Keyon cause her to snap.She can do the same thing for women in prison to help them as the things she did before she got in this mess. I bet she still love him.. If she had a high price lawyer she would be looking at Life.All she had to do was wait 6 months she could have had him he didnt keep women long.

In a rush to judgement this verdict was reached. Mr Pittman, should've been looked @ more closely, just don't think she did this.If she did she didn't act alone.Mr Pittman is a player[watch out new wife] Hide the shoes....

Oh and for those who feel she should die think of it this way maybe you are helping her out of her misery, because we dont know what happens we we are gone from this life. Something to think about.

I agree with Maryann...."you can't have it both ways". The defense did not explain the gun away.....

Below is Maryann's comment that I agree with.

I just watched the defense lawyer and he said he can’t understand why they didn’t see reasonable doublt. I don’t see how he could say it. The cousin gave Carla a gun with 5 bullets. The crime scene had the 5 bullets at the crime scene. When the cousin asked Carla where were the bullets she said target practice. What I can’t get past is if she had nothing to do with it and as the defense says that Keyon Pittman was the shooter why would she say target practice and not be surprised that no bullets were there. If she had nothing to do with it she shouldn’t have known where the bullets were. If Keyon took the gun and killed Avis with 4 bullets and one missed as the scene says then he would have had to take the gun back empty. And Carla wouldn’t have known that it was empty. I don’t think the defense did a very good job of explaining away the gun issue. You can’t on the one hand say that Carla went to target practice that is why the bullets were missing then on the other hand say that the bullets were missing because Keyon killed Avis. You can’t have both ways. Which is it????????

Carla is NOT guilty. There are to many questions not answered. 1. Who gave her access to the garage?
2. Her boyfriend had the run of her home?
3. No one in his neighborhood heard gun shots?
4. He had a cell phone he had used all day and I am sure there was a phone in the home. Why did he had to next door to have his neighbor call 911?
He did go into the house to see if something was missing or if he had left something behind.
5. How many women received a proposal from him?
6. I believe, he had been pushed into a corner and he had to get rid of two of the women and he plan to do so.
7. What about the other woman?
I think Avis family should take a good look at this man. Something stinks badly about this man.

I personally do not agree with the outcome of this case. There are too many holes. What about the male havin GSR on this hands where are the experts here if anyone looks up GSR it would tell you the when firing a weapon the powder from the weapon explodes on the palm and the outside of the hand....... Another thing when he went to the police station and had blood all over him wahy would you change your shoes and not your clothes.... His alibi did not completely check out he's a baskeball coach and left his team the night before a game the same night this woman was murdered... another thing ahy didnt he call the police every phone dails 911 for free........ I am prayin for both families this is very sad i hope she gets to appeal this

I watched this trial everyday. I did not know about this case prior to it coming on Trutv. I live in Florida and never recall hearing about it(maybe too busy with work 3 years ago and now I am laid-off). Anyway I cannot see how 12 people who heard what I did in this case came up to a guilty. My opinion is they,prior to becoming jurors, knew about this case and had a decision in their mind. There is no way in watching this case from start to finish you cannot find that Mr. Pittman at least was involved in this killing. He walked into the garage, found the body and not one drop of blood on his shoes he was wearing and gun powder on his hands that tell me he used the key to Carla's apartment, wore her shoes, took the gun(I bet he knew it was there she got it for him from her cousin) and he left practice killed her went back to Carla's had sex. And yes he then found the wife and called Carla and the neighbor called 911. Makes you say they got the WRONG person here.

My heart goes out to both families. But I'm curious did anyone question Pittman? Are the authorities sure he didn't have anything to do with the death of his Fiance? Maybe he change his mind and didn't want to be a daddy or husband.

Who cares who she is. She had the gun that killed. She is guilty. She should fry.
.

My heart definately goes out to the Bank's family. I agree with most that feel Carla had something to do with this crime, but did not actually shot the gun. Watching the whole case there was DEFINATELY reasonable dought. It scares me to death to think that this happens to so many people that are innocent with less of a dought in their cases. I hope she does not get death. God does everything for a reason and if she has the bible teaching skills they claim she does she can help many other women out there and possibly tell her story so other young women can learn from her mistakes.

I believe Carla and Keyon committed this crime. He shot Avis and she stabbed her. The defense relied on reasonable doubt. Her attorney did not ever say she was not involved, he simply said Keyon was involved. It was a dual crime. I wish she would have jumped up out of her seat, declared her guilt, and admitted she had help with the crime. Hard to feel sorry for her for not speaking the truth. She will pay either with her life or for the rest of her life for protecting a bald headed scumbag who earns less than $30,000 a year. She is and she chose a LOSER.

She is gulty and so is her ex Keyon. You cant shoot and stab a person at the sam time. They did it together and she is a fool for not taking the stand and telling the truth.

First and foremost, my heart goes out to both families. They've both lost a daughter. I understand that the Banks family wanted their daughter's death vindicated. However, I do not agree with the verdict. Carla is guilty of something, but it's not murder. Yes, the murder weapon was in her possession but the D.A. could not and did not put her at the scene of the crime. The thing I would ask myself if I were a juror is why didnt Keyon have any of Avis' blood or DNA on him if he just wandered upon the crime scene? She was murdered in the garage. He was entering the house through the garage and found her body. Unless her was expecting her to be in that location, I don't see how he had the sense of mind to stop and not walk into the blood. Even though the defense was not as well prepared as they should've been, I don't see how the jury came to this conclusion. Unfortunately, I expect no less from Madison county Mississippi.

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 have squeeled, and would be taking him down with me..because I totally feel, based upon the evidence, that he was involved in the commission of the crime.

Carla did not shed a tear or change her expression at all when the mutilation of ms.Banks was being discussed. The tears flowed when she was found guilty. The only thing that she can teach her fellow prisoners is to watch who you give your heart too.

I truly believe that Pittman is guilty. he talked her into getting that gun, he took the gun and did what he had to do. he told Carla to tell her cousin that she went target practicing, not thinking that he would be a suspect. she was in love with him so of course she went along with it. when he realize he was the main suspect he had no choice but to throw her under the bus. I mean why wouldn't he? her phone hit the towers after he called her over there to pick up the gun. His didn't because he left his phone at the school since he knew he was going back to practice. why didn't the dogs smell an unknown scent? why did he leave practice and come back? why didn't he cooperate with the police? why was the last time Avis Banks family hear from him was at the funeral up until he testified? why was Pittman at Carla's house the day after Avis was murdered? why did Pittman go to Detroit for a romantic weekend 7 months after Avis death with the "basketball mom"? It's obvious that Pittman murdered Avis Banks and his unborn child....he has moved on and remarried and have kids. his new wife better be careful because she married to a murderer.

i know exactly why keyon pittman murdered his lady. he was working two jobs to help support the woman that was carrying his baby and he was playing around with at least two other women and he no longer wanted to be tied down and so he felt that the could frame crystal.. the first person he called to come was crystal . that was a ploy to have her finger prints or some evidence that she was on the scene that night . o he is a slick snake in the grass.

Carla has a wonderful attorney, he was not only thinking about the present but the future as well. he knew if she would have taken the stand it could hurt her in the future as far as the appeal trial. he is a very smart man. Carla is innocent and i will be preying for her and her family. Pittman will pay for this one way or another.

Someone needs to recognize that the police botched the investigation of Keyon Pittman, by misinterpeting crime scene evidence, and not pursuing other evidence against him to the fullest extent. There should be another indictment coming down, for Pittman, if the DA, or the Police had any criminal sense, at all.

I do not agree with the verdict.Keyon Pittman shot that woman or brainwashed Carla into doing it.He most likely was there watching her while she did it(not).Now about those shoes! Carla said she didn't have them on didn't she? What I want to know is why,oh why wasn't Keyon's clothes ever tested? I bet if you test them(if their still around)you will see that Carla did not do that.I just cannot believe that he ran off and got married,I'm wondering if his wife knew?! Well if she didn't she knows now.Keep me informed about how she's doing in prison or send me her address of the prison she'll be in.Thank you and God Bless! I'm kepping her in my prayers!

Come on people; do you really think this woman would have had the strength to kick a door in? This killing was done by Keyon Pittman. He got rid of 2 birds with one stone. Kill one and frame the other for the murder. He decided after he got involved with the basketball mom, that he did not want either one of them, Carla or Avis. I don't think this woman (Carla) would have been so stupid as to put shoes with blood on them, back in her closet.

She should have testified, period point blank! Since she didn't testify then she get what she deserve. He sold her a dream and she still covering for him or either she was directly involved. Oh well she get what she deserve either way for not talking to that jury if she's innocent.

Mr. Pittman should bear some responsibility for Ms. Banks death. If he had been faithful this would not have happened. He wasn't satisfied with what he had. He's done this once, and will do so again. As far as I'm concerned, he was holding the knife, the gun, and his hands are as bloody as Ms. Hughes. What a shame this young woman through her life away for this loser.

I believe Carla Hughes is guilty. She did not take the stand(as is her right) because she knew that the prosecutor would question her about the knife and where did she go to target practice. She also lied to the police during her interview with them and her defense could not risk her being on the stand.If Keyon was involved in this with her, she would have to admit her role in this in order to implicate him. She may have many accomplishments, but she is also a liar and more than willing participant in cheating just like Keyon. She knew what type of man he was but she continued her affair with him. When she told him "somethings going to change" it certainly did. Avis Banks and her innocent baby died. Also, her tears seemed to be only for herself, not Avis,not the unborn baby,not the families and not even for her own child.

I think the verdict was wrong.There are many holes in the prosecutions case. The foot print on the door. What woman is going to try and kick a door down.This sounds more like a man. Then the gun residue on Keyons hands places him at the sceneand shows he fired a gun that day. Refusing to take the coach home that day.All these are Doubts that would have me have had me hanging that jury.

Wesley Gibson
Georgrtown,S.C.

I can't say whether she is guilty or not, but if I'm innocent I would be on the stand singing like a bird.Police need to investigate Keyon some things just don't add up.

At first I thought she did it but after following the case, I'm beginning to think she was set up by Keyon. He was proven to be a lying manipulater with a string of women that he was sleeping with all at the same time. I think he set Hughes up big time and now she has to pay for it. This case was a sad one. I don't trust that Keyon, his testimony was not believable and he was sobbing with no tears and when the attorney described how the witness said that Keyon did not go to his fiancee's body to "cry" until he saw the cops coming, and how Keyon did not call 911 himself even though he had a cell phone, plus how the nieghbors did not hear any gunshots coming from Avis' house, and how the dogs did not smell a foriegn scent at the house, that all points to Keyon. Hughes did borrow the gun and returned it empty but I think Keyon borrowed it from her and told her some story about shooting practice is where the bullits went and she believed him till she found out Avis was dead and by then it was too late. She looked guilty because the gun was in her possession but I'm just not sure that she was the one who actually killed Avis. I think Keyon did it.

If I commited a crime of that nature, I would love to have you non-guilty believers on my jury. If i weren't guilty, no lawyer, bum man would stop me from shouting my innocence from the mountian top. I agree love is strong enough to play with a taken man but not strong enough to play with the death penalt y. Her mother shouts all her accomplishments, community and church help its apparent she wasn't smart enough to help herself. She feared break-in. She could have at least said my house was robbed and the gun taken or even give back a fully chambered gun, maybe then her cousin wouldn't have put her out.there. Of all the education and gifted grades, It seems she didn't pass the man/love class. As smart and educated as she is portrayed, simply put, Carla Hughes is an educated fool.

Is it possible that when she got the gun from her cousin, she let him use it, or he took it out of her house. She went to retrieve it when his fiance was not at home. When they hear the car pull up in the driveway to the mailbox, faked the burguraly, and he actually shot her,
and hughes took a knife out of their home and stabbed her. Huges then took the gun home, and destroyed the knife. Maybe the knife came out of the victims's home. MAYBE SHE CAME HOME EARLIER THAN EXPECTED...........................................................................................

l'm not a lawyer! However, Carla definitly had poor defence!!! There was too much evidence that wasn't looked into deeper. Walls should of showed the jury what kind of women carla is and her background to give the jury a sense of who they were looking at in this trial! The shoes, gunpowder on boyfriend etc. This was a set up done very well by a coniving creep! l feel for Carla, she needs a better smarter lawyer and investigators to find the loop hole to trip up this creep of a boyfriend.l'd sell everything l own and more to hire a team to stay right on his butt all the time to find him guilty! Carla is innocent all the way and we here in Canada are praying for her to be set FREE! Way too much circumstancial evidence aganst her what was this jury thinking? How can they sleep at night knowing they screwed up Royally!!! Please someone step up and fix this mess Carla has been framed for!!!!

If Carla was such a good kind person to sooo many of her friends, then where were her friends and people she worked with to tell what a good friend and co worker she was and that they need to spare her life???
Also I wish the procsecution had mention the pain the unborn baby felt in this brutal killing.

Where is the justice? There were way too many holes in this case for any jury to be able to convict this woman without a reasonable doubt. I'm not saying that she didn't know something about the murder, but it is so obvious that Keyon Pittman was just as capable of committing this murder as she was. The man admitted to wearing the shoes that they found the blood on, he had a key to her apartment. He had access to her apartment and everything in it. He admitted that he had been to Carla's apartment that day and dropped his groceries off and then later went back to pick the groceries up. Am I the only one who's thinking why is this man taking groceries to Carla's apartment that he had gotten for his home that he shared with Avis. Isn't it very possible that he could have got the gun, knife and shoes when he took the groceries there and returned them when he picked the groceries up. Come on people, if that doesn't raise reasonable doubt then nothing will. I admit that her not speaking up did not help her but it doesn't scream I'm guilty!!! There were way too many questions about this man and his actions that weren't answered for them to not have some serious doubt. To the jurors who were obviously in such a big hurry to go home, May God have sympathy on your soul if you have sent an innocent woman to prison for life.

Keyon said that he met Carla after Avis was 1 month pregant so that mean that they only been seeing each other for 4 months how can you fall that deep for someone in such a short time that you would for them Carla knows something maybe she pyscologically damage just maybe she was there and witness or participated in the killing there is so many holes in this case that it's mind bothering the knife ,the clothes she was wearing did it have gsr on them that was never mention was Keyon aware of gun &knife

I think if they were to tell jury about Pittman being asked to leave the funeral of his girlfriend, it would have had a different outcome. By the way "what was the Reason" thanks

There are truly no winners in this situation. It is hurtful how we women can get so caught up in a man. Sometimes, if you are going to play, you have to play like they do ladies, KEEP THE LOVE OUT OF IT!!!!!!!!

I completely agree with the verdict but not the sentence in this case. I believe the defense raised “questions” not reasonable doubt. It is obvious to me the jury spared her life because they felt sorry either for Carla or her family. Too often we hear family members talk about the good person the defendant is, which to me is always irrelevant. Good people don’t do what she did. I believe the fiancé is not completely innocent. I could care less how womanizing he is. These things should have been relevant to Carla. If I partook in a crime of this nature for a man I thought I would end up with in the end, but he allowed me to instead take the fall, and I get to watch him not only let me take the fall but continue to be a womanizer….and Im on trial for death…I would tell everything I knew and this man would be sentenced right along with me. Carla didn’t do any of this. Her defense did not do this. It is bad lawyering to hope that in the “second trial” they will raise doubt by implicating the fiancé. They should have done this in the first trial. This woman was on trial for DEATH for killing an innocent woman and her unborn baby. The fact she didn’t implicate the fiancé to me, just proves she did it alone. Maybe he knew about it but as far as I am concerned, so what. The problem with juries to me is they evoke too much emotion and overlook the facts. The facts state this woman heinously killed an innocent woman. Period. The verdict was just. I feel she should have gotten death for what she did to that woman, that’s awful. And the role the fiancé played in this became irrelevant if Carla allowed no evidence to be made about it. If she didn’t care about what role he played, neither do I and she can spend the rest of her life wishing she can go back and recant.

I feel the people of Mississippi were more than merciful to Carla Hughes. I believe beyond any shadow of a doubt she is guilty of this horrific crime...this most gruesome merciless crime. Believe it or not, the more people talked about how "wonderful" she was the more convinced I became of her guilt, especially the comments made by her mother. Reson being, she painted a picture of someone who was afforded every opportunity, and treated like a princess, thus accustomed to getting what she wanted, when she wanted it. Avis Banks stood in the way of her having what she wanted. Just like passion and anger, envy and jealousy are extremely strong motivators in situations such as this.

In the case of Mr. "Dogman" Pttman, I don't believe the evidence showed he had anything directly to do with the death of Avis and the baby. I do believe, however, he may have discussed Avis with Carla and he may have said something indicating if it weren't for this baby he would break it off with Avis, or something to that affect. Men having affairs generally always run down their companion with the other woman. Carla then magnified those comments in her twisted mind which enabled her to believe if she removed her rival from the picture she could then be the one he was engaged to, and mother of his children. His reactions to me are that of someone who feels a measure of guilt, afterall he is the one who brought this woman into the picture. I don't believe it was something he planned , although he seemed to be relieved of a great deal of unwanted responsibility, and enjoying the freedom he now has.

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!!!!!!

I think Carla could have tried harder to cry, I saw no tears and after a few minutes she was back to normal, no puffy eyes, no streaked makeup. She is a good performer. (Her lawyer also.)

I don't believe in "life in prison". We have too many people serving life in prison for horrible crimes and the tax payers are taking care of them for life.
I think we should go back to capital punishment, maybe just maybe we wouldn't have so much crime in this world if people knew that they will be punished and not just get a slap on the hand.

I am very disappointed in the jury for not giving the" DEATH PENALTY" to Carla Hughes.She deserved it.Yes I feel Kenyon played a part,Why didn't she take the stand and tell what he did in this murder if so? Silence is guilty from her.I would have shouted from the roof top if I was totally innocent. If she spoke she would have to admit to her parents and the world she took part in the murder! She had sex w/kenyon in AVIS'S bedroom people!! She shot a pregnant woman 5 times and stabbed her,the baby in her stomach left to die as well as AVIS.This is sickening to me.I have no sympathy for her at all.I feel she always got what she wanted and could not let AVIS have kenyon.She never expected her cousin to tell about the gun,but he did!!I am sick of hearing" she's so pretty" . Pretty woman kill.She blindsided and ambushed AVIS. The perfect educated girl is Guilty and will pay for this crime.

Pray for this child, and ask God for mercy for all involved. I don't agree with the verdict but Carla he is not your lover anymore you should have taken the stand and everbody would have gotten their due justice.

Praise God! I have been following up with Carla case and I do not believe that she could do something like this . There wasn't any evidence pointing to her not even the gun because Keyon even said that he had a key to her apartment an even worn the same shoes maybe she was afraid to say anything maybe after hearing the way the Avis died she knew that she had that gun and also knew that Keyon had a key to her apartment and maybe he even threaten her if she said anything an also look at the cousin If it was a woman she could have been going with Keyon also because why would they had told about the gun. I would be looking at Keyon also because he seem like he had something to do with it! And if he was Avis fince he should have went over to her family house after the funeral. And maybe Carla came home and didn't even knowest the shoes with the blood on them and she seem like a very smart young lady she would had gotten rid of them. She is not gulity, I know that God is on her side because he allowed her life for a reason an he is not done the turth is yet to come. I'm praying for both family.

About Miss Hughes. Although I think she deserved the death penalty I go along with life in prison, because in prison being an educated person she will be able to help other prisoners in their education, etc. The prison can sure use her for that. She will also have time to contemplate over what she has done, for Our God is not only a God of love, but He also is The righteous judge.

Where was the proof that Carla went to the target range?? Why didn't she get on the stand proving her innocence??? By the way, Senator Walls, would have been fired from the beginning, especially, when he had asked the judge to drop charges because of some slave descendants of Carla. What kind of mess was that??? Where was Carla's tears??? I truly feel for Mr. and Mrs. Hughes and Mr. and Mrs. Banks. When Mr. Hughes broke down on the stand, I truly felt his loss.

I agree Senator Walls, should have kept some type of composure. Isn't he suppose to be holding up his client.

It seems many, many of you have lost sight of the fact that when a child is given everything as it seems Carla Hughes was, they can turn really bad when something they want badly does not go their way. So sorry for her family but do believe she is guilt.

I agree with the verdict and the penalty. You can get caught up in a relationship before you know it. Keyon want his cake and eat it to. I feel sorry for both sides.I Think killing her would not been the answer when she could be more help to inmates inside prison with education and so forth. God be with both family.

Wait a minute! Why all the tears for the killer? What about Avis Banks and her unborn child?

Regretably, Carla Hughes did it. If she hadn't done it, she could have helped police make the case against Keyon. But there wasn't enough of a case for police to charge him.

Appeal!

This case is so disturbing and unbelievable that the police dept. and the DA's office went after Carla Hughes for revenge for the other "HUGHES" teacher that was found not guilty for shooting her husband that was involved in affairs.It seems the Bible belt is not teaching the men of MIss.not to commit adultery or fornication.The pulpits need to really preach on fornication and a lustful spirit even though you attend church weekly,it shows you have flaws in your acceptance of salvation and need to repent.Carla,your defense should have been insanity!!!!What did you see in Pittman?What did Pittman say that would make you borrow your cousin gun?What did Pittman promise you and why on a common sense level know he was a dog even though he did not have a tail.Both of the fathers loved their daughters and stoodby and allowed this low life with an education destroy their lives.Carla case is a miscarriage of JUSTICE AND the FBI and others should investigate this case.Where was the forensic evidence on Carla Hughes and why the neighbors did not hear the gunshots?This is so sad that a jury cameback with a verdict within an hour and that is so wrong to place less than an hour to decide a woman's life.Don't allow Carla Hughes to be a scapegoat for justice for Avis Banks.Pittman should be charged and he was the engine that put this tradgedy in motion and I feel sorry for his wife in Detroit that think she can trust him.This verdict should be overturned!!!>WAKEUP MISS. folks and demand real justice.It should be a law when a person's life is for a death penalty it should take at least two or three days and it seems she could have saved a trial because the verdict was done after the selection of jury.

I so agree with Dawn! If Carla had an alibi then by all means her defense team should have driven that point home. Also, if I were accused of a murder I didn't commit, I would have shouted it to the top of my lungs and when I went hoarse I would have written it on posters. But one thing my mom used to say is that "silence gives consent". I don't think Carla's refusal to take the stand was an indication of her innocence. I think Keyon played her and filled her head with lies, probably telling her that if Avis was out of the picture, he would have been with her. I don't believe for a second that Keyon had GSR on his hands as Senator Walls stated. That alone would have been grounds for his arrest in the murder. As someone well acquainted with the justice process in Madison County, Mississippi, I can tell you that there is no way they would have ever let him get away with firing a gun or being in close proximity to someone who did. The jury got it right all around. I think they should have a portrait of Avis Banks with that beautiful smile of hers painted on the walls and ceiling of Carla Hughes' cell. She still does have a life, though such as it is; Avis' has been stolen away as has that of her unborn son. God will deal with Keyon Pittman. He hasn't known the guilt he will feel later in his life. We all reap what we sow.

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.

I feel so,so sorry for the Banks Family,but I think Carla is getting the shaft! Was there any dna test done? I hope that someday that the truth is revealed and that some high profile lawyer steps up and help's Her! I am not convinced that Carla did it!

I have watched the proceedings in this case for over two weeks. I have not came up with a conclusion about what happened, but I believe that Keyon most definitely help participate in Avis's death one way or the other. They say that a good man is hard to find, then a low-down nasty one is standing on every corner waiting for a victim to come along. Mr. Pittman was using his position as ateacher in the school system to prey on unsuspecting women. Now, I had been a fool for love before, but you have to draw the line somewhere, never do anything wrong that a man or woman asks you to do, because if he are she really cares about you, that person would not disrespect you enough to ask you to do anything that is sinful or wrong. For all you women who are having affairs with married men, or men who are in committed relationships, you need to reevaluate your self worth. I do not want anyones left overs, I am worthy of a man of man own. If a married man, or man ina relationship approaches me in the wrong way I send them packing, because his plans or not the plans that I lord has for me. The lord loves me, and will bless me with an equally yolked partner, when he believes that it is time for me to recieve my blessing. Hidden relationships are wrong, and a woman who goes along with a man's program like Keyon, will find eventually walk in the womans' shoes that he is cheating on for her. Women are not valued in society for their self worth we are valued by men for a sexuality and our sexual abilities, or performance. Things must change as Carla stated and they should have changed by her having enough self respect and enough respect for Avis as a woman and a sister by leaving poor ass, ugly ass, receding hairline Keyon alone. If she would have walked away from the devil and what he wanted her to do, she would not be in the shoe sthat she is in today. May God blessed all that is involved or related to this case, especially Keyon's new wife, If I was her I would get out while I can, because he is toxic, and of the devil, WAKE UP SISTERS, if hes is not positive, or bringing good things in your life, he is not of the lord, he is of Satan.

I really hope and pray Carla get an appeal and her family hire a new defense lawyer, he may be good, but they could not handle this case. it was too much for them. I am wondering if the detective even investigated Pittman! Although a lie dective does not hold up in court, did they even test him to see what they had to work with.Since Carla defense team did such a horrible job representing her, they are part of the reasons why she will rot in jail. She was not proven guilty! I am so distrub about the fact that she will spend the rest of her life in jail. Carla probably pleaded the fifth because it was sugested by her lawyers that she do so. I really hope she get a new trial. Keyon probably had sex with her and asked her if she had acess to any weapon because he needed it for target practice. Since she was so weak for him, she didn't think anything of it. He probably asked her not to mention his name, out of love and trust she did it.

I am sadden bye all of this I went to school with Carla and for those of you who knew her .Knew how spoiled she was. Her mom was my gym teacher and we as human beings want nothing but the best for our kids, but we cant give them everything that they want in life .Because when they are adults and cant get what they want then things like this will happen .Because they are so use to having their way.And to the family of the deceased please find a way to forgive its hard but its God way.So if lynda hughes could take this back she probably would .Carlashould have not been put in the spot light as a child thats all she knew and she is still in the spot light as an adult .what about her child please dont do to him what you did to her.raise him to be normal not always in the spot light.

I simply cannot believe that the boyfriend was not charged also. I believe that Carla and her boyfriend was co-conspirators and she was punished for killing a woman while that slime-ball was allowed to come to Detroit and marry another silly-willy.

I was so very proud of the victim's parents. They were the true Christians in this case. We should all learn from them. Nothing will bring their child and grandchild back. Hate is another form of murder. They showed hearts filled with the love of Christ. I was stunned to hear others say they could not have reacted in the same way. Is this world so lacking of love, compassion and understanding? What would it profit them to hate the Hughes' family?

Ann, certain ministers cannot preach against fornication and such sins when they are engaging in the same sin with their congregants. I personally know of a woman who was going to go to her husband's pastor for counsel regarding an affair her husband was having in his church with a woman who was made leader of several ministries in the church. When she told her husband of her intent, his comments were, " I dare him (the Pastor) to say something to me when we go out with our women together." (The pastor was also engaging in adultery.) We must know that Satan has Pastors and churches also and we must depend on the Holy Spirit to help us to know the difference. We are living in a sin-cursed world where many have no reverential fear/respect of God.

A simi automatic weapon with not accidentally fire twice IF the first is a misfire. It is the force of the explosion that chambers the next round. Upon a misfire, the next round must be chambered by physical effort!

this man LEE, is going to jail for ever. what goes around comes around he hong her now gods going to hing him there no where to run

The due process clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments “[protect] the accused against conviction except upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime with which he is charged." Go read it. To the people that just force-multiplied this tragic event by taking another person's life away and affecting her children irrevocably. To the people that use words like, "I think," or "I feel," or worse, "deserves the death penalty," make me hate being part of the same species. There was not a single shred of hard physical evidence that proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Hughes killed anyone. It does not matter that the crime was horrible. It matters that it can be proven. I am absolutely disgusted that this medieval practice of stage-acting, called a "trial," is used to decide who lives, dies, and how the lives of a mother and her children should be irrevocably altered. I clearly live in the dark ages of 2009. This is beyond sad, it is criminal.

i dont get how Carla can be found guilty of killing Banks' unborn child. It doesnt work that way. Until the baby is actually born. it is still considered a fetus. Kinda hard to kill someone that isnt actually considered a living baby yet isn't it. Im not saying she should have gotten any more lenient of a sentence. Im just saying that the "murder" or the unborn child should be rethought.

Carla Hughes got exactly what she had coming to her and should spend the rest of her life in prison. However I beleive she should be sharing that cell with Keyon. Let this be a lessen to those who like to run the streets. Someone could lose their life because you are choosing to be greedy.

For those who think this wasn't a baby, you need to get real. If that baby had been born at 6 months, it would have been able to live on its' own. By this stage in the pregnancy, it would have been kicking, moving, that is "LIFE". View any sonogram at this stage, and the sex is clearly visible. I've seen them where the "baby" has its' thumb in its' mouth. How dare you deny this was a child or that it was "alive".

Ms. Banks loser of a boyfriend should be in prison, right along side of Carla. But for his actions, his need to be "the man", Avis and "the baby" wouldn't be dead. He killed her, he pulled the trigger, stabbed her, as if he was standing there. Notice, it didn't take him long to find another wife. I hope the rest of his life is spent in misery, hearing his dead baby's cry, and Avis asking him "WHY". Carla got just what she asked for, in my opinion it should have been death, and Keyon sitting in the next cell on death row.

When, oh when, oh when are women going to quit attacking each other over a man???!!!!??!!?!?! Every time I see a wife attack the girlfriend, while the cheating husband stands by, I am disgusted. If Ms. Hughes' intent was a life with Keyon, I have one question for her. "How did that work out for you?!?!?!"

Stabed and shot a pregnant woman ? and the woman had the nerve to cry. she got what she deserved.

If she was innocent she would of took the stand in her own defense. I know I would. You don't know how you would feel about the death penalty until it happens to your family. I know, I been there and the loss
lasts a lifetime for the Banks family. Eye for an Eye. Goodbye Evil Carla.

Thinking of doing something like this is wrong. She shouldn't just be facing the death penalty it should have already been given and carried out to her.

She was so set up by this man because she already emotionally drained and he used that and he got off stock free to go on with life look he has already remarried and gone on with his life.
This whole case has to be retried because it is so wrong that she is convicted for something that she was set up to do I think she didn't take the stand because she realized that she was set up by this horrible man and there was nothing she could do to change what happened.
I don't think she even knew about the other woman until trial just by the look in her face.
Now maybe she will be able to help other prisoners to get their education instead of putting her to death.
Now I think they should arrest that horrible man setting his girlfriend for the kill.

carol, i'm curious why do you think she was set up by the boyfriend? i do think he had something to do with this crime. i also feel in my heart that this woman was not involoved but couldn't understand facts that proved her guilty. however, after reading your comment, it's starting to make sense. i am still finding it hard to beleive that she could actually kill someone. i would love to hear why you think she did do it by being set up by that loser.

She should have gotten the death penalty just because the jury said life the Judge should have the right to over turn and give her DEATH. She is a cold hearted murder and a life for a life and her case X2

i'm soooooooooo proud of this jury.......yay team. it's so great that this jury saw past all her lies and deceit .....this, and the recent verdict of guilty for the mom who slashed her sons throats and tried to (laughably i might add) convince a jury she was insane has restored my faith in juries. many people are so naive and ignorant about these types of cases either because they're in denial or just plain stupid, or both. the end result in these two cases is a fantastic kudos to the prosecuters and juries......wonderful job guys.

Which is more expensive? A college education or stupidity? While Carla Hughes sits in jail for the rest of her life she won't have to ponder that question. Stupidity is by far more costly. It cost Carla her life which as I know it is over. She is dead from this point on. Prison will extract from her any and all emotion she might have left, although I doubt if she's feeling anything right now other than anger. Anger mostly at herself, but I know she is far more angry with others like the man that used her and never really loved her the way she so desperately needed to be loved. It will be hard living in prison and I can't imagine how I would handle it. All I can say is I hope for Carla's sake that there are therapists, counselors, psycotherapist, phycologists, and priests or ministers. She will need them all.

For an educated person she acted stupidly and all over a loser. I have always heard if a woman has "One of those" she can get any man she wants. How tragic for everyone, the man walks free............

how is there gun residue on Keyon's hand?? ANd, they never tested Carla's hands for residue either. Although I do feel very much sympathy for Avia and her baby, as well as the families. Something is very wrong with this, and it usually happens because the investigation was not followed through properly. Yes, Carla was an accessory, but she is not the only persn involved. Hopefully the Supreme Court will review this case and put Keyon in prison. (2. He also did not call 911 when he 'found' his wife dead, 3. he immediatly assumes "they think i did this" when brought in for questioning the night of the murder, 4. nor was he a grieving husband.

I am so tired of hearing that Carla is so innocent and Keyon sat her up.Carla did this crime on her own. She was a spoiled ass brat that was use to getting her way.Her parents placed her high above everyone else and made her think she was more than she really was.We as parents want the best for our kids but sometime we can do more harm than good.It is good to say no at times and to let them know that every thing is not going to go their way.Somewhere along the way Carla lost a sense of her self worth in spite of all that church up bringing.Love is a powerful thing but lust is even worst.If you cant get a man honestly and on your own he should not be worth having.I wouldnt want to committ such an evil act just to have anyone.