By LEONARD GRAY

HAHNVILLE – Two highly publicized homicide cases, each nearing trial, recently reared their heads in district court in Hahnville.

David Lynn Joseph, 22, appeared in court before 29th Judicial District Judge Emile St. Pierre, where his attorney asked for and received a continuance to June 10.

On that date, Joseph’s attorney, Jim Williams of Jefferson, is expected to argue his motion to suppress statements given investigators by his client. Joseph, 22, entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment March 21 before St. Pierre.

The prosecution in the case is expected to be handled by Howat Peters, David Chaisson and Juan Byrd, according to the District Attorney’s office.

Joseph is charged with the Feb. 23 first-degree murder of his girlfriend’s 18-month-old daughter, Derica Wallace, at the couple’s home in New Sarpy.

In an unrelated court action, a plea to reduce the bond on Timothy Prudhomme of LaPlace was denied by Judge Robert Chaisson.

Prudhomme, 16, is one of three suspects charged with the Mardi Gras Day second-degree murder of James Rogers, 17, of LaPlace. The request was to reduce Prudhomme’s $500,000 bond, but the matter was continued, according to a court spokesperson.

On March 14, the St. Charles Parish Grand Jury indicted Prudhomme, along with Brandon Stein, 18, of Reserve; and Calvin Couvillion, 21, of Paradis, on charges of second-degree murder in the Feb. 12 slaying of Rogers, a student at East St. John High School.

Peters Byrd, of District Attorney Harry Morel’s office, is scheduled to handle the prosecution in the case.

Appearing for Couvillion was Luling attorney Manina Dubroca; for Prudhomme, Luling attorney Wendy J. Williams; and for Stein, Destrehan attorney Mark Marino.

The three suspects, accompanied by their attorneys, entered pleas of not guilty on April 3.

Their next court appearance is set June 12 at 9 a.m. for a status conference and to hear motions, according to a spokesperson for the District Attorney’s office.