Ax murder sentenced to life imprisonment

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans man convicted of the brutal murder of his girlfriend has been sentenced to life in prison. Preston Higgs was accused of killing Liz Quackenbush with an ax.

Many adjectives were used in court to describe Liz Quackenbush, including “magical, fearless, beautiful, a woman with a huge heart.”

Authorities say Liz was found killed in her home in the 1200 block of Desire Street in March 2021. Preston Higgs was arrested four months later in Indiana after a nationwide manhunt. He was found guilty and convicted of second-degree murder. During the trial he admitted to killing her with an ax.

Higgs was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or parole. Quackenbush was only 39 years old. She was a chemistry teacher at New Harmony High School.

Before the judge announced her sentence, many read the victim's statements. Quackenbush's friends and family wept as they read her prepared statements, many accepting the tears that continually flow for a woman forcibly taken from them.

A cousin she considered a sister remembered her sleepovers with her grandparents. A friend spoke directly to Higgs and said, “You, Preston, have taken our beloved friend.” Her sister-in-law said she was “undoubtedly the strongest woman” she knew.

Higgs was given the opportunity to read a prepared statement. He said Liz meant the world to him and he valued her, and if he could he would breathe life back into her soul – and he asked the family if they could forgive him one day.

However, the judge said he did not apologize to the family but only made excuses.

Three years ago, Liz Quackenbush was betrayed by a violent crime by someone she once trusted. Her mother was forced to bury her own daughter, a loss that still haunts her entire family. But despite the pain, Liz's loved ones hold on to one truth: It was a blessing to have loved her.

At Thursday's sentencing, Quackenbush's family wore purple, their favorite color. It is also the color that represents Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which happens to be the month of October.