State v. Steele

KNOLL, Judge.

Defendant, David Wess Steele, was initially indicted for second-degree murder. Pursuant to a plea bargain, defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a violation of LSA-R.S. 14:31. The sentencing court imposed a sentence of fifteen (15) years at hard labor. Defendant appeals contending that his sentence is constitutionally excessive. We affirm.

During the afternoon of July 5, 1985, defendant and the victim, Larry Dale Hoover, were boiling crawfish at Buck’s Place, a lounge in Ferriday. Defendant and the victim were drinking beer and tequila. On at least two occasions during this…