BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Supreme Court on Friday issued a stay blocking the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill, citing concerns over the handling of grand jury proceedings in Orleans Parish.
In a per curiam order, the court said the attorney general “makes a compelling argument concerning the disturbing defects in the grand jury proceedings and in the trial court’s handling of those proceedings.” The court added the indictment “appears to turn the law on its head and flows from what appear to be extraordinary procedural defects and improprieties,” according to a news release from Murrill’s office.
The stay temporarily halts a 16-count felony indictment handed down Thursday by an Orleans Parish grand jury. The charges include eight counts each of public intimidation and malfeasance in office tied to letters Murrill sent to New Orleans officials during a dispute over court restructuring, according to reporting from The Center Square and Louisiana Illuminator.
The case stems from correspondence Murrill sent in May to New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams and members of the City Council after the council moved to appoint an interim clerk and call a special election. Murrill warned the actions could violate state law and carry consequences under Louisiana’s usurper statutes, according to The Center Square.
The Louisiana Supreme Court had previously intervened in the underlying dispute, striking down the council’s resolutions, blocking the election and ordering that the consolidated clerk position be filled in accordance with state law, according to The Center Square.
According to Louisiana Illuminator, the indictment followed escalating political tensions between state Republican leadership and New Orleans’ local government, with the charges alleging Murrill threatened elected officials with removal from office and potential legal action.
Special prosecutor Laurie White said the case centers on whether public officials were intimidated, telling reporters the investigation focuses on ensuring elected leaders are not threatened “by letter or any other way,” according to both outlets.
Murrill criticized the prosecution in a statement released Friday, calling the case a “political witch hunt” and signaling plans to seek dismissal of the charges.
“I will continue to carry out those duties to the best of my ability,” Murrill said. “This matter is not over. I will still need to file the necessary motions to seek a dismissal.”
According to Louisiana Illuminator, the attorney general’s legal filings argued that procedural violations occurred during the grand jury process, including concerns about courtroom access and potential conflicts of interest involving the special prosecutor.
Gov. Jeff Landry also criticized the indictment, calling the proceedings improper and pledging support for Murrill, according to The Center Square.
The Louisiana Supreme Court’s stay pauses further action in the case while legal challenges proceed. An arraignment had been scheduled for next week, according to Louisiana Illuminator.