NEW ORLEANS – After deliberating just over an hour, a jury found Travis Boys guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal 2015 shooting that killed New Orleans Police Officer Daryle Holloway.
The decision Saturday brought a close to a trial marked with claims by the defense that Boys is mentally unstable.
However, Friday night the prosecution brought two medical experts to the stand who testified at the time of the shooting, Boys was mentally stable.
Jurors also heard telephone recordings revealing a conversation between Boys and his wife as well as Boys and his girlfriend. In the calls, Boys could be heard describing legal procedure, telling his lover that she may be subpoenaed and even saying a long prayer.
“I am grateful this jury saw through the façade of this murderer’s concocted insanity defense and arrived at the only appropriate verdict," Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro said.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Michael Harrison said although the verdict won't bring back the 22-year NOPD veteran, the decision can bring closure to the men and women of the department, as well as Holloway's family.
Since the beginning of trial proceedings, Boys’ lawyers have maintained their client was mentally unfit.
In October 2017 during jury selection, Boys smeared feces over his head, face and mouth and was ruled incompetent to stand trial. However, in November after a competency hearing, that ruling was overturned.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Karen Herman said she reserved the right to declare Boys ready for trial after he was evaluated at the Eastern Louisiana Health System hospital in Jackson.
Officer Holloway was killed as he was transporting Boys to jail in a police SUV after being arrested on allegations that he fired a gun at his wife during a domestic incident.
Boys now faces a mandatory life sentence. His sentencing date is set for May 3.