COVINGTON—–District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that Joan Hartman, age 56 of Slidell, was found guilty of manslaughter on Friday, January 23rd, 2015. The twelve person St. Tammany Parish Jury deliberated nearly two hours before returning the guilty verdict to 22nd Judicial District Judge Scott Gardner. Assistant District Attorneys Jason Cuccia and Nick Noriea, Jr. were in charge of preparation and presentation of the State’s case in the 4 day trial.
Hartman was arrested in July 2012 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office after an adult female victim was stabbed to death. Hartman and the victim were arguing when Hartman stabbed the victim with a knife. Another person pulled Hartman away and began tending to the victim on the floor. Hartman stabbed the victim again causing her death.
Judge Gardner will sentence Hartman on Friday, January 30th, 2015. Manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment up to 40 years.