Eric Heisig and Nate Monroe / Houma Courier
A 30-year-old Thibodaux man accused of decapitating his 7-year-old disabled son last week was indicted by a Lafourche grand jury Friday morning.
Jeremiah Wright, 414 W. Seventh St., allegedly confessed to investigators shortly after the head of his son, Jori Lirette, was found on the side of the road by a passing driver, investigators said.
Wright was indicted on a first-degree murder charge. If convicted, he faces mandatory life in prison and is eligible for the death penalty.
A re-arraignment date is set for 9 a.m. Monday in District Judge Hugh Larose's courtroom. Wright is still in the Lafourche Parish jail, being held in isolation in lieu of a $5 million bond.
The grand jury meets behind closed doors and hears evidence from prosecutors. An indictment means the grand jury is convinced enough evidence exists to prosecute, but it does not indicate guilt or innocence.
District Attorney Cam Morvant II has said it is too early to make a decision on whether to pursue the death penalty. Wright's attorney, Kerry Cuccia, is the director of the Capital Defense Project of Southeast Louisiana.
Wright told investigators he killed his son in an attempt to hurt his girlfriend, 27-year-old Jesslyn Lirette, police said. The pair had a documented history of domestic issues, including two restraining orders filed against Wright in 2004 and a visit from Thibodaux Police last month stemming from an argument over money.
Jori Lirette had cerebral palsy and was confined to a wheelchair and fed via a tube. Wright has never been convicted of a violent crime, authorities said.
