Luong lead investigator 'not surprised' by possibility of retrial

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Lead investigator for the Lam Luong trial Darryl Wilson said he’s not surprised by the announcement of the possibility of retrial.

 "It’s nothing you’re hoping for because you don’t want to go back and relive that, not only for myself but the family and the community as a whole. But it’s here, and it’s something that might have to be done. The bottom line is if we have to retry the case the facts are there." Wilson said.

Tragedy on the Bayou

He was notified about the court of appeals’ decision Friday by the attorney general's office. He said sometimes death sentences are overturned but he said a retrial is going to be emotional for all parties.

Wilson said it’s like opening up an old wound again after this community and family had finally started to try to heal.

 “It’s such a tragic case but the bottom line is the evidence is strong. And I feel no matter where we take this case, the verdict will remain the same,” Wilson said.

Luong confessed, was convicted by a jury of throwing his four children off the bridge and was sentenced to the death penalty in 2009.

Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich said the state will appeal the ruling from the court of criminal appeals. If that attempt fails the case would have to be tried again.

“I think it's one or the strongest cases I've worked with and worked on and there again, I have no doubt that if we have to go to the point of retrying this case that we’re going to come back with the same verdict that he is guilty,” said Wilson.

Rich said she and her officer will do “whatever it takes to bring this man to his death and to bring justice for these four babies.”