Slaying suspect to be released in plea deal

CLINTON — A West Feliciana Parish woman whose testimony helped convict a former friend of second-degree murder last week pleaded guilty Tuesday to a reduced charge of obstruction of justice.

Jonova Walker, who was indicted for second-degree murder in the Dec. 2, 2007, slaying of Andre Turner, 38, of Port Hudson, testified last week against Josie Morgan, 40, also of Port Hudson.

An East Feliciana Parish jury convicted Morgan of second-degree murder Thursday, and she faces a life sentence.

Twentieth Judicial District Judge George H. Ware Jr. sentenced Walker to 10 years in prison, but suspended all of the term except for the time she already has spent in jail, for which she was given credit for serving.

Ware also put Walker on probation for five years.

Walker, 34, formerly of Metz Road, Solitude, will be released from jail.

She indicated that she plans to move out of state.

Turner was beaten and run over by a car in East Baton Rouge Parish, shortly after he and three other people, including Morgan and Walker, robbed a West Feliciana Parish bar owner of her night’s receipts. Turner’s body was dumped in East Feliciana Parish, doused with gasoline and set on fire.