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BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana's attorney general has ruled out criminal charges against two white Baton Rouge police officers in the fatal shooting of a black man outside a convenience store.
Attorney General Jeff Landry's decision Tuesday comes nearly 11 months after the Justice Department ruled out federal criminal charges in Alton Sterling's July 2016 death.
Landry made the announcement after meeting with family members of Sterling.
Veda Washington-Abusaleh, Sterling's aunt, was in tears after meeting with Landry.
"They said they didn't find anything," she said. "They said it was justifiable, what happened to Alton was justifiable."
Officer Blane Salamoni shot and killed Sterling during a struggle outside a convenience store where the 37-year-old black man was selling homemade CDs. Officer Howie Lake II helped wrestle Sterling to the ground, but Lake didn't fire his gun.
The shooting came amid increased scrutiny of fatal encounters between police and black men. Two cellphone videos of the shooting quickly spread on social media, leading to protests during which nearly 200 people were arrested. The officers' body cameras and a store surveillance camera also recorded the encounter, but those videos have not been released.
Federal authorities opened a civil rights investigation immediately after the shooting and released their findings in May 2017. They said Salamoni yelled that Sterling was reaching for a gun in his pocket before shooting him three times, and then fired three more shots into Sterling's back when he began to sit up and move.
The officers recovered a loaded revolver from Sterling's pocket. As a convicted felon, Sterling could not legally carry a gun. Sterling had pleaded guilty in 2011 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegally carrying a weapon and was arrested in May 2009 after an officer confronted him outside another store where he was selling CDs, court records show.
Federal authorities concluded there wasn't enough evidence to prove Salamoni or Lake willfully deprived Sterling of his civil rights, or that the officers' use of force was objectively unreasonable.
The officers encountered Sterling after responding to a report of a man with a gun outside the Triple S Food Mart. The officers told Sterling to put his hands on the hood of a car and struggled with him when he didn't comply, the Justice Department said. Lake shocked Sterling with a stun gun before the officers wrestled him to the ground, according to federal investigators.
Attorneys for Sterling's relatives have said federal authorities told them that Salamoni pointed a gun at Sterling's head and threatened to kill him before the struggle began. In a summary of its findings, the Justice Department said Salamoni pointed his gun at Sterling's head but didn't mention any verbal threats by the officer.
Salamoni and Lake have remained on paid administrative leave since the July 5, 2016, shooting.
Racial tensions were still simmering in Louisiana's capital when Gavin Long, a 29-year-old black military veteran from Kansas City, Missouri, ambushed police officers near a car wash on July 17, 2016. Long killed three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers and wounded three others before being shot dead.
East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore recused himself from any state criminal investigation into Sterling's death, citing his professional relationship with Salamoni's parents, who have served as police officers in Baton Rouge. Moore's recusal left Landry's office to review evidence and decide whether any state charges were warranted.
In June 2017, lawyers for Sterling's five children filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Baton Rouge, its police department and former police chief, and the two officers involved. Their suit alleges the shooting fit a pattern of racist behavior and excessive force by the Baton Rouge police. It also claims poor training and inadequate police procedures led to Sterling's death.
The mass arrests of protesters after Sterling's death spawned lawsuits that accused police of using excessive force and advancing against peaceful protesters while wearing military gear and gas masks and brandishing assault weapons. In October, a federal judge approved a class-action settlement that awards up to $1,000 in cash to dozens of protesters who claim police violated their civil rights.
Police prepared for another round of protests before the Justice Department announced its decision last year, but the response was far more subdued. After learning neither officer would be charged with federal crimes, dozens of people held a peaceful vigil outside the convenience store where Sterling was shot.

Scholarship Committee Chair Vera Judycki offers Matison LeBlanc of Morgan City High School Beta Club financial assistance from Artists Guild Unlimited for LeBlanc to compete in the Beta Club National Convention art competition in Savannah, Georgia. LeBlanc won first place in an art competition at Louisiana Beta Club State Convention giving her the opportunity to compete nationally.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Blake Dinger, 25, of 330 Neptune St., Bayou Vista, was arrested Friday at 4:28 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine.
A deputy located Dinger at a business in Bayou Vista on the warrant and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Perry Bonvillain, 68, of 1237 Canal Blvd., Thibodaux, was arrested Friday at 3:27 p.m. on the charge of operating a vehicle not covered by security.
A deputy conducting a follow-up investigation into a vehicle crash found that Bonvillain was operating the vehicle without insurance. Bonvillain was released on a summons.
Jasmine Miller, 27, of 208½ Baptiste Road, Baldwin, was arrested Sunday at 9:59 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule I marijuana, use of multiple beam road lighting equipment violation, no proof of insurance and no driver’s license on person.
A deputy patrolling Ashton observed a vehicle with only one working headlight traveling on La. 83 and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy identified the driver as Miller and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car. The deputy found that Miller had no proof of insurance and no driver’s license on her person. The deputy received consent to search the vehicle and located a burnt marijuana cigarette. Miller was released on a summons.
George Harvey III, 36, of 115 Cane Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested Friday at 11:54 p.m. on the charge of battery of a dating partner.
Aketa Francis, 25, of 694 Pacific St., Berwick was arrested Friday at 11:54 p.m. on the charge of battery of a dating partner.
A deputy responded to a disturbance involving a domestic related dispute at a residence in Bayou Vista. The deputy collected evidence that Harvey and Francis committed a battery upon each other during an argument. Both subjects were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Harvey was released on a $2,500 bond. Francis was transferred to another facility for housing.
Roselyn Archangel, 33, of 110 Freetown Road, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 2:57 p.m. on the charge of simple battery.
A deputy investigating a report of a battery at a business on Main Street in Baldwin found evidence that Archangel struck a female victim in the head. Archangel was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Jordell Johnson Jr., 17, 607 Lovette St., Jeanerette, was arrested Saturday at 6:10 p.m. on charges of disturbing the peace fighting and resisting an officer.
A deputy was dispatched to a report of a fight in progress on La. 87 in Franklin. The deputy observed Johnson attempt to hit another male subject. When the deputy began to restrain Johnson to prevent him from striking the subject, Johnson saw the deputy, pulled away from him, and fled on foot. The deputy followed on foot, apprehended Johnson, and subsequently arrested him. Johnson was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was released on a $3,000 recognizance bond.
Taj Stark, 30, of 113 Soho Circle, Lafayette, was arrested Saturday at 11:32 p.m. on the charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
A deputy monitoring traffic on La. 319 observed a vehicle traveling 64 miles per hour in a posted 50 miles per hour zone. The deputy conducted a traffic stop, identified the driver as Stark, and found that he was driving with a suspended license. Stark was released on a summons. Stark was also cited for speeding.
Nicholas Francis, 36, of 113 Fortier Circle, Jeanerette, was arrested Saturday at 11:31 p.m. on a 2015 warrant for charges of criminal trespass, aggravated cruelty to animals, remaining where forbidden and disturbing the peace loud noise.
The warrant was issued as the result of an investigation in 2015 into a report of animal cruelty at a residence in Jeanerette. The deputy found evidence that Francis entered onto private property and cut a dog with a large knife. A deputy dispatched to a complaint Saturday night came into contact with Francis, located the active warrant for his arrest, and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Francis was released on a $4,500 bond.
Brandon Berger, 40, of 421 Charlotte Drive, Patterson, was arrested Sunday at 11:37 p.m. on the charge of monetary instrument abuse.
A deputy investigated a report of a subject attempting to use counterfeit bills to pay for items at a store in Bayou Vista. The subject was identified as Berger. The deputy found that Berger tried to pay for items using fake $20 bills. Berger was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Tyresha Dugar, 27, of 507 Murphy St., Patterson, was arrested Sunday at 11:54 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule I marijuana—second offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A deputy stopped to check on a motorist parked on the road on Friendship Alley in Amelia. The deputy identified the sole occupant of the vehicle as Dugar and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the SUV. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy located a bag of marijuana and a cigar. Dugar was released on a summons.
Juvenile male, 14, of Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 12:30 p.m. on the charge of criminal trespass.
Juvenile male, 16, of Franklin, was arrested Monday at 1 p.m. on the charge of criminal trespassing.
A detective assigned to the Juvenile Services Section, investigating a complaint of trespassing in Franklin, found evidence that the juveniles crossed a fence onto private property. The juveniles were released to guardians pending juvenile court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing.
Vadim Zakharov, 25, of 105 A Vadim Lane, Duson, was arrested Tuesday at 12:09 a.m. on charges of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, driving left of center and no insurance.
A deputy responded to a call for service regarding a reckless driver on US 90. The deputy located the suspect vehicle in Bayou Vista, observed the driver repeatedly swerving over the centerline, and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy identified the driver as Zakharov and found that he had a suspended license and no insurance on the vehicle. Zakharov was released on a summons.
Ronald Armond Jr., 24, of 248 Murial St., Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Tuesday at 2:05 a.m. on charges of possession of Schedule I marijuana and possession of Schedule II methamphetamine.
Deputies assisting Berwick Police made contact with Armond at a location on Canal Road. While speaking with Armond, a deputy smelled the odor of marijuana on his person. Deputies located a bag of marijuana and a bag of methamphetamine where Armond was seated. Deputies also found evidence that the illegal drugs belonged to Armond. Armond was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Joshua Jones, 30, of Lacy Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 3:18 a.m. on a warrant for Third Ward City Court for failure to appear on charges of improper lane use and no insurance.
Jones was additionally charged on warrants for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of no seat belt, failure to honor written promise, operating a vehicle with an expired motor vehicle inspection and failure to honor written promise. Jones was booked, processed, and held on a $795 bond.
Eric Peltier, 38, of Hanson Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 6:33 p.m. on a warrant for the charge of possession of schedule I controlled dangerous substance ecstasy. Peltier was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

BATON ROUGE — The 6th Annual Louisiana Film Festival announced its main slate, of 50 feature films, as well as a mentorship program and music lineup in Baton Rouge from April 19-22, with a special preview screening of Alex Shebanow’s Fail State at LSU on April 18.
The April 19 opening night features the Louisiana premiere of Ethan Hawke’s Blaze, a biopic of the late singer songwriter Blaze Foley that stars Ben Dickey, Alia Shawkat, Josh Hamilton Sam Rockwell, Charlie Sexton, Wyatt Russell, Steve Zahn and Kris Kristofferson. The film won a Special Jury Prize at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival for Dickey’s performance.
Closing the festival on April 22 will be the Louisiana premiere of Michael Berry’s Stuck, starring Giancarlo Esposito, Amy Madigan, Ashanti, Arden Cho, Omar Chaparro, Gerard Canonico, and Tim Young.
This year features the second edition of the Dan Ireland New Voices/New Visions competition, named after filmmaker and founding LIFF artistic director Dan Ireland, who passed away suddenly in 2016. Renée Zellweger starred in Ireland’s 1996 award-winning The Whole Wide World and attended last year’s fest to present the inaugural award.
“Dan Ireland was indispensible to the creation and success of this festival,” said LIFF Executive Director Chesley Helmsfield. “We are so proud to be able to honor his legacy and vision by presenting this exceptional lineup of films and I look forward to welcoming audiences to this year’s festival.”
This year’s Dan Ireland New Voices/New Visions competition lineup includes:
—And Then I Go (U.S., directed by Vincent Grenshaw);
—Brimstone & Glory (U.S./Mexico, directed by Viktor Jakovleski);
—The Guilty (Denmark, directed by Gustav Möller);
—The Light of the Moon (U.S., directed by Jessica M. Thompson);
—Montparnasse Bienvenue (France, directed by Léonor Serraille);
—Stealing Rodin (Chile, directed by Cristóbal Valenzuela Berríos).
The winner will receive a $3,000 cash award.
“One of the great joys of programming is the ability to bring a selection of great films from all over the world to an audience that might not otherwise get a chance to see this incredible work in a theater,” said program director Ian Birnie. “This year’s event showcases some of the best recent work from Louisiana filmmakers as well as a sampling of exceptional work from around the world and we’re delighted to bring them to Baton Rouge.”
Southern erspectives is this year’s selection of films from or focusing on the southern United States and the 10 films include narratives and documentaries and three world premieres, including Lauren Durr’s documentary 1000 Year Flood, chronicling the aftermath of the 2016 flood that inundated huge swaths of Louisiana, Teddy Smith’s Urban Country, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Jason London, C. Thomas Howell and Brighton Sharbino, and Jowan Carbin’s drama Cut Off, starring Brad Dourif, William Baldwin, Laura Cayouette. Also featured are Rankin Hickman’s Dark Meridian; Stephen Sepher’s Dead on Arrival, Josh Freund’s Do U Want It?; Jonathan Evans’ On Our Watch, Rancher Farmer Fisherman from director SU.S.n Froemke; Two Trains Runnin’ from Oscar nominee Samuel D. Pollard (4 Little Girls) and Sonny Marler’s Tinker.
In addition to opening and closing nights, this year’s festival also features two other gala presentations: American Animals from director Bart Layton and starring Evan Peters, Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner, Udo Kier and Ann Dowd, and Brett Haley’s Hearts Beat Loud, starring Nick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons, Ted Danson, Blythe Danner and Toni Collette.
Special Presentations include Alex Shebanow’s Fail State (U.S.), Mary and the Witch’s Flower (Japan, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi), Off the Menu (U.S., director Jay Silverman), Outside In (U.S., director Lynn Shelton, starring Edie Falco and Jay Duplass), Pick of the Litter (U.S., director Don Hardy Jr.) and Where is Kyra? (U.S. director Andrew Dosunmu, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kiefer Sutherland).
The Celebrity Spotlight section features six documentaries from some of the most recognized documentary filmmakers working today who have turned their lenses on some legendary personalities in the world of music, the arts and government, including violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, U.S. Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin.
This year’s selection includes: Sammy Davis Jr: I Gotta Be Me (U.S., dir: Samuel D. Pollard); Itzhak (U.S./Israel, director Alison Chernik); Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami (Ireland/UK, director Sophie Fiennes); RBG (U.S., dirs. Julie Cohen, Betsy West), The King (U.S., dir: Eugene Jarecki) and Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story (U.S., director Tiffany Bartok). Six American documentaries comprise The Real Reel, including Kief Davidson and Pedro Kos’ Bending The Arc, Jon Dunham’s Boston, Kevin Hines’ Suicide: The Ripple Effect, Maya Washington’s Through the Banks of the Red Cedar, James Lester’s Getting Naked: A Burlesque Story and Harriet Hirshorn’s Nothing Without Us: The Women Who Will End Aids.
The World Cinema section includes Cédric Klapisch’s Back to Burgundy (France), Ross Whittaker’s Between Land and Sea (Ireland), Xavier Legrand’s Custody (France), Francois Ozon’s Double Lover (France), Fellipe Barbosa’s Gabriel and the Mountain (Brazil), Koki Shigeno’s Ramen Heads (Japan), Bavo Defurne’s Souvenir (Belgium) and Peter Luisi’s Streaker (Switzerland).
LIFF’s non-film offerings include a musical performance from country music star Ben Dickey, who stars as Blaze Foley in Blaze with others to be announced, as well as mentoring sessions for aspiring and established filmmakers, led by Sam Claitor (Maze Runner) and Carol Bidault de L’Isle (Cut Off) among others. A full lineup of parties, musical performances, mentors and other special guests will be announced closer to the festival dates.
Passes and individual tickets for LIFF are on sale online at www.lifilmfest.org for tickets, passes and all other film festival information.