NEW ORLEANS — Thursday, May 7, 2026, an Orleans Parish jury found Carl Wilson guilty as charged in the 2023 murder of Cassie Piquet, returning guilty verdicts for Second-Degree Murder, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The verdict marks a significant moment of accountability in a case rooted in domestic violence and closes a painful chapter for a family that has spent more than two years fighting for justice.

On November 7, 2023, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 8600 block of Castle Court in New Orleans East. Upon arrival, they discovered Cassie Piquet suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including a gunshot wound to the back of her head.

Evidence presented during trial showed Wilson was the last person seen leaving with Piquet moments before her murder. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and cell phone analysis helped establish Wilson as the person responsible for her death. Investigators also presented evidence showing attempts to obstruct the investigation following the homicide.

The prosecution was led by Orleans Parish Homicide Unit Assistant District Attorneys Corbin Bates and Tomas Kerr.

“Cassie’s family has carried unimaginable grief since the day her life was stolen,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams. “But through every court date, every difficult moment, and every painful reminder of what was taken from them, they continued to fight for her. This verdict represents accountability for a life stolen by domestic violence and for a family forever changed.”

Williams also recognized the work of the prosecution team and support staff involved in securing the convictions, including Trial Assistant Alecia Richards, Investigator Basil Trepagnier, Victim Witness Advocate Melissa Lewis, Detective Jamanee Roy, and crime analyst Charles Dionne.

“Corbin Bates has been a relentless champion for the people of this city since the day he joined this office,” Williams said. “He understands that every case represents a human life, a grieving family, and a community looking for accountability. The people of New Orleans are safer because of the work he continues to put in every single day.”

Assistant District Attorney Tomas Kerr also thanked the family for standing beside the prosecution team throughout the case.

“Thank you to Cassie’s family for their strength and resilience through this process, and thank you for putting faith in our team,” Kerr said.

During emotional remarks following the verdict, Cassie Piquet’s sister, Quida Piquet, spoke about the woman her family lost and the determination to ensure her voice was never forgotten.

“Cassie was a nurturing and loving mother who had just become a grandmother only four months before she was shot to death,” Quida Piquet said. “If you knew Cassie, she had a big mouth, and we refused to let her be silenced. She stood up for what she believed in, and since she cannot stand today, we will.”

Quida Piquet also thanked investigators, prosecutors, and victim advocates who stood beside the family throughout the case.

“Mr. Bates and Mr. Kerr handled this case with persistence, dignity, and dedication,” she said. “For one last moment in time inside that courtroom, our family had the opportunity to bring Cassie back to life through our eyes and show the jury who she truly was.”

Assistant District Attorney Corbin Bates said the conviction was the result of hundreds of hours of work by prosecutors, investigators, analysts, law enforcement officers, advocates, and witnesses who remained committed to uncovering the truth.

“There are no words that can fully encompass the level of grief this family has gone through,” Bates said. “But because of the work and dedication of everyone involved in this investigation and prosecution, we were able to prove to a jury that Carl Wilson was responsible for the death of this wonderful woman and valued member of our community.”

One of the most powerful moments during trial came from testimony provided by Cassie Piquet’s son, whose courage helped jurors understand the defendant’s actions in the immediate aftermath of the homicide.

The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office emphasized that the case also highlights the ongoing and devastating impact of domestic violence in communities across New Orleans.

“Family violence inside our homes is real, and too often families are left trying to figure out how to move forward after irreversible violence,” Williams said. “We cannot normalize abuse. We cannot excuse threats, intimidation, controlling behavior, or violence behind closed doors. Those things escalate, and when communities stay silent, people lose their lives.”