Chris Pena discusses a 1903 legal case of 1903: assassination of a New Orleans district attorney

Christopher G. Pena, author of “Death Over a Diamond Stud, The Assassination of a New Orleans District Attorney,” will discuss the book at 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, March 19), at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

Pena’s book by Pelican Publishing of New Orleans is the true story of the first judicial murder of the 20th century. The murder of the newly elected District Attorney J. Ward Gurley sent shock waves through the city of New Orleans not only because of the brutal and brazen nature of the killing but because the suspect’s name had previously been in the city newspapers. The journey of Lewis Lyons from working family man to the cold-blooded killer of his own attorney is a saga that begins with a miscarriage of justice concerning a stolen diamond stud.

Pena is a historian of Southeast Louisiana Civil War history. In addition to authoring numerous essays and articles on the history of the Pelican State, Peña has published several books exploring various Louisiana historical sites, events and figures. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in both theatre and history from Nicholls State University and a bachelor of science and master of science in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

Louisiana Book News is written by award-winning author Chere Dastugue Coen, who writes Louisiana romances and mysteries under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Her first book in each series is FREE to download as an ebook, including "Emilie," book one of The Cajun Series, "Ticket to Paradise," book one of The Cajun Embassy series and "A Ghost of a Chance," the first Viola Valentine mystery.