1. Harry Connick Sr. obituary
2. New Orleans district attorney Harry Connick Sr..
Harry Connick Sr., the former district attorney of New Orleans who served for three decades, has passed away at the age of 97. He died peacefully at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by his wife, Londa, and his children Suzanna and Harry Connick Jr. The cause of death has not been provided.
Connick Sr. made a name for himself in the political landscape of New Orleans when he defeated incumbent prosecutor Jim Garrison in the 1973 election. He went on to win reelection four times and gained support from both white and African American communities as the city’s political power base shifted. Connick retired undefeated in 2003, but his career was marred by allegations that his office withheld evidence that could have helped defendants.
The issue of evidence withholding came to the forefront in 2011 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a lawsuit filed by John Thompson, who was exonerated after spending 14 years on death row. The court overturned a $14 million award for Thompson, stating that the district attorney’s office should not be punished for not specifically training prosecutors on their obligation to share evidence that could prove a defendant’s innocence. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg strongly criticized Connick’s attitude towards the matter in her dissenting opinion.
The issue resurfaced in 2014 when Reginald Adams, who had been imprisoned for 34 years, had his murder conviction overturned. Evidence presented by the Innocence Project New Orleans revealed that critical information had been withheld by detectives and prosecutors in the case. Adams later received a $1.25 million court settlement. Connick chose not to comment on these cases, but in a 2012 interview, he defended his legacy, stating that his reputation should not be based solely on a few cases.
Jason Williams, the current district attorney of New Orleans, expressed condolences to Connick’s family. Connick, a Navy veteran who served in World War II, played a significant role in nurturing his son, Harry Connick Jr., into becoming a jazz piano prodigy. He arranged for his son to perform with renowned musicians, furthering his musical talent.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Connick moved to New Orleans at a young age. In the 1970s, he challenged Jim Garrison, who had gained international attention for his unsuccessful prosecution in connection with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Connick won the election by a narrow margin and embarked on a career marked by crackdowns on prostitution and the closure of adult bookshops.
Despite facing his own legal troubles, Connick was acquitted of racketeering charges in 1990 and won reelection that same year. He leaves behind a complex legacy, with supporters praising his achievements and critics questioning his office’s handling of evidence.
In conclusion, New Orleans mourns the loss of Harry Connick Sr., a prominent figure in the city’s political history. His death marks the end of an era, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time..
1. Harry Connick Sr., longtime New Orleans district attorney, dies at 97
2. Longtime New Orleans district attorney, Harry Connick Sr., passes away at 97.
