Man Convicted In Negligent Homicide In Girlfriend’s Death

OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) — A St. Landry Parish jury has convicted Kurt Dwayne Miller of negligent homicide in the 2009 death of his girlfriend Laura Coates.

The jury's verdict was issued Friday.

The Advocate reports the 36-year-old Miller had been indicted on second-degree murder in Coates' death, which his defense attorney, Roy Richard, blamed on a drug overdose but which the prosecution said was a fatal beating.

District Judge Gerard Caswell set an April 9 sentencing date for Miller and said he will allow Miller to remain free on bond and continue ankle bracelet monitoring until sentencing.

Miller faces a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Prosecutors say the numerous bruises on Coates' body at the time of her death indicate she was beaten severely.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com