Judge rejects challenge to death penalty in case of alleged priest murder

COVINGTON, Louisiana (WVUE) – A St. Tammany University judge on Friday (Aug. 16) denied several defense motions in the case of Antonio Tyson, the man accused of killing Father Otis Young and church aide Ruth Prats.

The two were reported missing just hours before authorities found their bodies “burned beyond recognition” behind a Covington business on East Gibson Street on November 28, 2022.

With eight guards watching and Tyson handcuffed, new details of evidence emerged at the hearing, including surveillance video that allegedly shows him entering Prats' home with a large knife on the afternoon of Nov. 27, stealing her car and being found sleeping in the car the next morning.

During a lengthy court session, Judge Ellen Creel dismissed motions to challenge search warrants, restrict evidence and object to the death penalty.

Defense attorney Kerry Cuccia argued that search warrants for Tyson's home and cellphone, as well as the seizure of surveillance video, were not specific enough.

“The affidavits did not provide any evidence that there might be evidence at that location,” Cuccia said.

First Assistant District Attorney Doug Freese argued that the warrants were valid because Covington police had already secured video of Tyson entering Prat's home.

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District Attorney Collin Sims has stated his intention to seek the death penalty against Tyson. Cuccia argued that the death penalty should not be sought due to the potential for error.

Judge Creel sided with the prosecution on nearly all motions and allowed one motion to pass, which will be discussed in more detail later in the trial.

Cuccia expressed disappointment with the verdicts and intends to appeal.

“That's part of the process. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. That's what appeals courts are for,” he said.

Tyson's next hearing is scheduled for October 4.