Baton Rouge, LA: Prosecutors to seek death penalty for man accused of killing girlfriend

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB/AP) -
Prosecutors will reportedly seek the death penalty against a man suspected of shooting his girlfriend to death and wounding her niece.

Devon Livous, 28, of Baton Rouge is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Raolatu Alowonle, 28, and attempted first-degree murder of an 11-year-old girl.

According to reports, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office has filed a formal notice it intends to seek the death penalty in Livous's trial.

District Judge Lou Daniel is overseeing the case and has appointed the Public Defender's Office to represent the suspect.

However, the director of the office said he is short on attorneys certified to handle capital murder cases. He added his office lacks the money to hire an outside attorney.

The shooting happened in broad daylight on July 25. The Baton Rouge Police Department said Alowonle and her niece were walking on the sidewalk along Ryder Drive when the shooting happened.

Detectives said Livous got out of his car and opened fire around 4:45 p.m.

Alowonle was shot in the mid-section, while the teen was hit in the leg. Alowonle was taken to the hospital, where she later died.

Police said their investigation points to a domestic dispute.