Man who shot and killed Baton Rouge resident in French Quarter sentenced to 40 years

The shooting was one of the first in what would become New Orleans’ bloodiest year in recent memory, though one of very few fatal events that year in the tourist-heavy French Quarter, which saw four murders last year. Even so, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams emphasized the need to “reclaim the French Quarter and every neighborhood in this community away from the people who wish to prey on its citizens and residents,” during a post-sentencing press conference held on Royal Street.

Surrounded by Ricou’s family members and a cast of local stakeholders, including council member Freddie King III, French Quarter businesspeople and law enforcement officers, Williams added: “We want to encourage folks to come and have a good time. But keep in mind that people live here, and we want to protect this community as if it’s any other community in the city.” 

Remembering Ricou

Friends and family members remembered Ricou, a 41-year-old Baton Rouge resident, in the moments before Patton was sentenced Monday. His mother, Leslie Ricou said he was a “happy, joyful” child whose only fear was the thought of the Tooth Fairy “entering his room as he slept.”

As an adult, Ricou was a dedicated uncle, steadfast friend and Louisiana sports fan. “My son, Russell, had the largest heart I have ever known,” Leslie Ricou said.

Patton had originally been charged with second-degree murder. But after a two-day trial, in which a defense attorney argued Patton had fired his weapon in self-defense, a jury returned the lesser conviction of manslaughter, as well as obstruction of justice and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Kimya Holmes sentenced Patton to 40 years in prison on the manslaughter conviction, and 20 years each on the other charges — the maximum sentence for each crime. The sentences will run concurrently, without the benefit of parole, she said.

“I was always told growing up that you don’t bring a gun to a fist fight,” Holmes said before she issued her sentence. “You shattered several lives that day.”