All New Orleans Criminal Court judges recused themselves from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s case.
Murrill’s arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed after Judge Angel Harris recused herself from overseeing the case.
The judges recused citing their cases in connection to Murrill.
Laura Cannizzaro, a former Orleans Parish prosecutor assisting in Murrill’s defense, was seen at the courthouse but declined to provide an interview about the day’s proceedings.
Cannizzaro did issue the following statement thanking all the Criminal Court judges for recusing themselves:
“We appreciate the expedience of the Criminal Court Judges in recusing the entire bench this morning. Their swift action reflects the unusual and troubling nature of this indictment. We look forward to a vigorous defense of Attorney General Liz Murrill.”
For the first time since the indictment came down, Mayor Helena Moreno weighed in on the matter, saying she wants the city, state and federal levels to all work together to accomplish mutual goals.
“How do we start over and find paths to get things done and that’s where my real focus is in at like,” said Moreno.
She added that things playing out in court are “unusual”, citing the handcuffing of reporters at the courthouse the day of the indictment, but that her focus remains on the City of New Orleans.
Murrill was charged last week with 16 felony counts of malfeasance in office and intimidation.
The charges stem from letters she sent in May to several New Orleans leaders who were involved in the clerk of court decision.
The Louisiana Supreme Court granted an emergency stay in the case.
READ MORE:New Orleans judges recuse themselves from Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s case. Here’s why
