1. Harry Connick Sr. New Orleans DA
2. Longtime DA in New Orleans, Harry Connick Sr..

Harry Connick Sr., Former New Orleans District Attorney, Dies at 97

New Orleans has lost one of its longest-serving district attorneys, as Harry Connick Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Connick, who held the position for three decades, died at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by his loving family, including his wife, Londa, and his children, Suzanna and renowned musician and actor Harry Connick Jr. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Connick made history when he defeated incumbent prosecutor Jim Garrison in the 1973 election. He went on to win reelection four times and earned support from both white and African American communities as the city’s political landscape evolved. He retired undefeated in 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

However, Connick’s tenure was not without controversy. In the years following his retirement, questions arose about whether his office had withheld evidence that could have benefitted defendants. This issue gained national attention in 2011 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against John Thompson, who had spent 14 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. The court overturned a $14 million award for Thompson, stating that Connick’s office should not be held responsible for failing to train prosecutors on their obligation to share exculpatory evidence. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg strongly criticized Connick’s indifference towards this matter.

In 2014, the issue resurfaced when Reginald Adams had his murder conviction overturned after 34 years in prison. The Innocence Project New Orleans presented evidence that critical information had been withheld during Adams’ trial. He later received a $1.25 million settlement.

Defending his Legacy

Connick chose not to comment on these cases, but in a 2012 interview with The Times-Picayune, he defended his record, drawing inspiration from sports analogies. He emphasized that his reputation should be based on his overall accomplishments, rather than a few isolated cases.

Jason Williams, the current district attorney of New Orleans, expressed his condolences to Connick’s family. He acknowledged the significant contributions Connick made during his tenure, spanning from 1973 to 2003, and recognized the sacrifices made by Connick’s family throughout his long and dedicated service.

Born on March 27, 1926, in Mobile, Alabama, Connick moved to New Orleans at the age of two. By the 1970s, he had become an integral part of the city’s political fabric. In 1973, Connick, then a relatively unknown federal prosecutor, challenged the famous three-term district attorney, Jim Garrison. Connick ran as a reformer and won the election by a narrow margin of just over 2,000 votes.

Connick’s legacy extends beyond his legal career. As a Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II, he nurtured his son Harry Connick Jr.’s talent as a jazz piano prodigy. He arranged for his son to perform alongside renowned musicians in New Orleans, including pianist Eubie Blake and drummer Buddy Rich.

The passing of Harry Connick Sr. marks the end of an era in New Orleans. His impact as a district attorney and his dedication to public service will be remembered by the community he served for so many years.