Toby Beasley of Hahnville pled guilty on Tuesday to manslaughter in connection to an arson in St. Rose that killed 88-year-old Ophelia Shepard, who was a double amputee and could not escape the fire. Beasley, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder and aggravated arson.
Beasley was sentenced to 40 years in prison after accepting the manslaughter plea deal, which was offered with the blessing of the Shepard family, according to the St. Charles Parish district attorney’s office.
Authorities say that Beasley kicked in the door of Shepard’s home at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 11 and argued with her two grandchildren, who are 16 and 20 years old. The argument escalated and Beasley poured an accelerant on the floor of the living room and then lit it, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Shepard’s grandchildren were able to escape the home, but were unable to rescue their grandmother.
During Beasley’s sentencing, members of Shepard’s family spoke about the pain they have gone through since their relative’s death and the loss of their home.
Elmera Blanks, Shepard’s daughter who also lived with her, said that she does not understand what led Beasley to commit the crime.
“My life is not the same anymore…(my mother) was the love of my life,” Blanks said. “What did (Beasley) get out of it?…I’m homeless, I don’t have my mother – I don’t have anything anymore.
“I’m so thankful to God that justice has been served.”
Sylvia Dunn, the victim’s niece, said that the family prays for God to forgive Beasley.
“I hope he will repent and take this time to ask God to forgive him,” Dunn said. “I just can’t imagine how someone could commit such a horrendous crime.”
Judge Lauren Lemmon presided over the case and was impressed by the family’s faith.
“The thing that strikes me most about this family is that they are asking God to forgive you,” Lemmon said to Beasley before sentencing him. “It’s tragic what happened – it’s stupid and senseless.”
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