Judge sentences Ronald Vail to life in prison

AMITE, LA (WAFB) - A man convicted of murder was officially sentenced Wednesday to life in prison.

Ronald Vail, 61, of Hammond will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing Joseph Daigle, 42, of Metairie, in April 2012.

Judge Robert Morrison handed down the sentence. Vail was convicted of second-degree murder on July 24. Officials said the jury deliberated less than three hours before reaching the guilty verdict.

District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said Daigle's longtime girlfriend, who witnessed the murder, testified at the trial. She told the jury she and Daigle were visiting his uncle and Vail was living there at the time.

She said Vail made several rude and vulgar comments toward her over the course of the day and Daigle eventually asked Vail if he wanted to "step outside."

Perrilloux reported Daigle was not armed and Vail shot him in the chest. Daigle reportedly died almost immediately after getting shot.

He added Daigle's family, investigators and the medical examiner also testified during the two-day trial.

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