DA’s Office Secures Conviction for Attempted Manslaughter in Uptown New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) secured the conviction of defendant April Butler for an incident that took place in the 3400 block of South Saratoga Street in Uptown New Orleans. Butler’s conviction on one count of Attempted Manslaughter was obtained by the OPDA trial team led by Deputy Chief of Trials Greg Thompson and Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Meghan Falcon.

“Gun violence is a scourge that continues to plague our country and our city,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Our prosecutors are united in their commitment to do what we can to end this senseless epidemic. I am proud of the hard work of this trial team to present a strong case in court and protect the victims of this crime.”

According to reports from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Butler was apprehended after engaging in a confrontation with the victim, during which she pulled out a firearm and directed the weapon towards them shooting the victim twice. Following the incident, Butler then fled the scene in a vehicle.

The trial took place in Section E of Criminal District Court; Judge Rhonda J. Goode-Douglas presided. The sentencing date is set for August 31, 2023. The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.

Thank you for the hard work of the following OPDA Trial Team Members:

• Deputy Chief of Trials Greg Thompson
• ADA Meghan Falcon
• Trial Assistant Ravyn Hughes
• Victim/Witness Coordinator Jasmine Hillyard
• Victim/Witness Coordinator Janetta Gee
• Victim/Witness Coordinator Kayonna Armstrong
• Victim/Witness Coordinator Javan A. Gaines