Travis Boys was set to face a murder trial for allegedly killing New Orleans Police Officer Daryle Holloway in 2015. That is, until he cleared the courtroom during jury selection in what the District Attorney called a “voluntary planned disruption.” After returning from a break, Boys smeared his own feces on his face and mouth, in front of the whole court. The next day, Judge Karen Herman ruled that Boys was incompetent to stand trial, at least for the time being.
Boys had apparently gone to the bathroom during a break and returned to court with the excrement in a napkin, before grossing everyone out with the act. Boys had already pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and after Wednesday’s display, Judge Herman ordered a competency hearing the next day.
Boys was accused of shooting Holloway in this police vehicle while being taken to jail, then escaping the car while in handcuffs.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro Jr. was not pleased with the decision, saying , “The city of New Orleans sunk to a new low.”
“I had hoped that this court was too intelligent to allow an accused cop killer to hijack these proceedings, but I was incorrect,” Cannizzaro said. “I fear that today’s decision will only encourage similarly situated defendants to engage in such misconduct in the future.”
Boys may still have to stand trial at some point, but the case remains delayed for now.
