Man sentenced to 20 years in 2023 homicide; judge also tacks on 10 years for animal cruelty

A Baton Rouge man, Namoni Black, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a 2023 killing, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence. Initially charged with second-degree murder for the death of Eric Johnson, 54, Black's plea led prosecutors to drop several other charges as part of a plea deal.

The case began when Black allegedly entered Johnson's home to confront someone inside and fired a gun, striking Johnson. Black's trial was scheduled for this week, but the plea agreement shifted the proceedings.

In a separate incident from 2022, Black faced accusations of animal cruelty after allegedly beating a pit bull terrier with a large pole and heavy-duty chain. He was convicted of those charges in November of that year.

Judge Louise Hines Myers handed down sentences for both the manslaughter and animal cruelty charges. In addition to his prison term, Black received a 10-year sentence for animal cruelty, much of which was suspended, and will serve three years of probation after completing his prison term.

Black is 34 years old and will face significant repercussions due to his actions, impacting both his life and the community.