long-tailed Harry Connick Sr. dies at 97
Harry Connick Sr. father of Harry Connick Jr..
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 musician/actor Harry Connick Jr. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Connick Sr. made history in 1973 when he defeated incumbent prosecutor Jim Garrison in an election. He went on to win reelection four times and gained support from the African American community as the city’s political landscape shifted. Despite facing allegations that his office withheld evidence that could have helped defendants, Connick remained undefeated and retired in 2003.
However, his legacy was marred by controversy. In a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, it was determined that the New Orleans district attorney’s office should not be punished for not specifically training prosecutors on sharing evidence that could prove a defendant’s innocence. This ruling came after John Thompson was exonerated after spending 14 years on death row. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized Connick’s indifference towards the matter.
The issue resurfaced in 2014 when Reginald Adams, who had been imprisoned for 34 years, had his murder conviction overturned due to withheld critical information by detectives and prosecutors. Adams later received a $1.25 million court settlement.
Throughout these controversies, Connick Sr. declined to comment on the cases. However, in a 2012 interview, he defended his legacy, highlighting his overall record and achievements.
Jason Williams, the current district attorney of New Orleans, expressed condolences to Connick’s family and acknowledged his long tenure and dedication to public service.
Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1926, Connick Sr. moved to New Orleans at a young age. He served in the Navy during World War II and later nurtured his son Harry Connick Jr.’s musical talents, arranging for him to perform with jazz legends in the city.
In 1973, Connick Sr. challenged Jim Garrison, known for his prosecution of a New Orleans businessman in connection with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Connick ran as a reformer and won by a narrow margin.
During his time as district attorney, Connick cracked down on prostitution and closed down adult bookshops in the French Quarter. He also faced criticism for his stance on seeking the death penalty in most first-degree murder cases.
Connick himself experienced legal troubles when he was charged with racketeering and aiding a sports-betting operation in 1990. However, he was acquitted and went on to win his fourth election that same year.
Aside from his political career, Connick Sr. was also a performer and entertained audiences with his singing. He had a repertoire of standards made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Louis Prima. His music not only showcased his talent but also helped him forge connections with Black musicians and voters in a city where African Americans made up a significant portion of the electorate.
Connick Sr. did not seek reelection in 2002 and was succeeded by Eddie Jordan. Funeral arrangements for Connick are currently pending.
In conclusion, Harry Connick Sr., the former district attorney of New Orleans, has passed away at the age of 97. Despite controversies surrounding his office’s handling of evidence, Connick leaves behind a lasting legacy in the city he served for three decades..
– Harry Connick Sr. obituary
– Father of Harry Connick Jr. passes away at 97.
