Attorneys Plan Defense Strategy For Brandon Lavergne

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL) -- Attorneys for Brandon Scott Lavergne are asking for a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to charge him with first degree murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of Mickey Shunick.

One of Lavergne's public defenders, Burleigh Doga of Crowley, filed the paperwork in court Monday.

Doga is also seeking to have his client's bond of $250,000 on the aggravated kidnapping charge reduced. Because the first degree murder charge is a capital offense, no bond has been set for that charge.

The evidence against Lavergne will be heard before a grand jury at the 15th Judicial District Court Wednesday at 3 p.m. Lavergne has not been invited to attend.

District Attorney Mike Harson says they don't usually invite defendants facing charges of first degree murder to the grand jury trial.