1. Harry Connick Sr. obituary
2. Harry Connick Sr. death.
Harry Connick Sr., Former New Orleans District Attorney, Dies at 97
Harry Connick Sr., the former district attorney of New Orleans who served for three decades, passed away peacefully at the age of 97. He died at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by his wife, Londa, and his children Suzanna and Harry Connick Jr. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Connick made history in 1973 when he defeated incumbent prosecutor Jim Garrison in a closely contested election. He went on to win reelection four times, establishing himself as a respected and influential figure in New Orleans politics. Connick was able to garner support from both white and African American communities, successfully navigating the shifting political landscape of the city.
Despite facing controversies later in his career, Connick remained undefeated in elections and retired in 2003. However, questions were raised about his office’s handling of evidence that could have benefited defendants. These concerns came to the forefront in a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of John Thompson, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 14 years on death row.
Legacy and Controversy
The Supreme Court ruling, which overturned a $14 million award for Thompson, criticized the New Orleans district attorney’s office for its failure to train prosecutors on their obligation to share exculpatory evidence. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg expressed strong dissent, condemning Connick’s attitude towards the issue.
The controversy resurfaced in 2014 when Reginald Adams had his murder conviction overturned after 34 years in prison. Evidence presented by the Innocence Project New Orleans revealed that critical information had been withheld by detectives and prosecutors during Adams’ trial. Adams later received a $1.25 million settlement.
Despite these challenges, Connick defended his legacy in a 2012 interview, emphasizing his overall record and accomplishments. He maintained that while he may not have been perfect, he had nothing to confess regarding his actions in the district attorney’s office.
A Fond Farewell
New Orleans’ current district attorney, Jason Williams, expressed his condolences to the Connick family, acknowledging the significant contribution Connick made to the community during his tenure. Williams highlighted Connick’s status as the longest-serving district attorney in the city’s history.
Beyond his career in law and politics, Connick was a Navy veteran who served in World War II. He also played a crucial role in nurturing his son Harry Connick Jr.’s talent as a jazz musician.
A Life in New Orleans
Born in Mobile, Alabama, on March 27, 1926, Connick moved to New Orleans at a young age. By the 1970s, he had become deeply ingrained in the city’s political fabric.
Connick’s rise to prominence came through his victory over Jim Garrison, a renowned district attorney known for his involvement in the investigation of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Connick ran as a reformer, promising a new approach to the office.
Throughout his career, Connick cracked down on prostitution and enforced morality laws to close adult bookshops in the French Quarter. He also faced criticism for his stance on capital punishment, advocating for the death penalty in most first-degree murder cases.
Despite his own legal troubles, including an indictment on racketeering charges in 1990, Connick was acquitted and successfully won his fourth election that same year.
Fondly Remembered
Connick’s passion for music was evident throughout his life. He regularly performed at nightclubs in the French Quarter, singing timeless classics made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Louis Prima. His music not only entertained audiences but also helped him forge strong relationships with Black musicians and voters.
Connick’s relationships with powerful Black politicians and support from the African American community played a pivotal role in his political survival. In 1996, he defeated a Black challenger with the help of Mayor Marc Morial’s supporters.
Funeral arrangements for Connick are still pending, as friends, family, and the community mourn the loss of a man who dedicated his life to public service.
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– Harry Connick Sr. death at 97
– Father of Harry Connick Jr. passes away at 97.
