By LEONARD GRAY

HAHNVILLE – A hearing for motions is set today in the prosecution of three men, involving the second-degree murder of James Rogers, 17, of LaPlace.

That hearing is set in Div. E, starting at 9 a.m., before Judge Robert Chaisson.

Court documents state the hearing is to review motions for discovery, to suppress physical evidence, for production of grand jury transcripts, to sever, to suppress statements, for discovery and inspection for a bill of particulars and to produce arrangements made or extended to state witnesses.

On March 14, the St. Charles Parish Grand Jury indicted Brandon Stein, 18, of Reserve; Calvin Couvillion, 21, of Paradis; and Timothy Prudhomme, 16, of LaPlace, on charges of second-degree murder in the Feb. 12, 2002 slaying of Rogers.

Rogers was reported missing by his father, LaPlace veterinarian Dr. Wayne Rogers, when his son failed to return home that night.

The East St. John High School student left his residence at 8 p.m. to visit a neighbor, driving a white pickup truck. After being reported missing and an intensive search launched in St. Charles and St. John parishes, Rogers’ remains were found. He had been beaten, choked and his body tossed off an Interstate 310 access ramp after a party near Paradis.

Rogers’ truck was later found in Park Place Subdivision in LaPlace with the stereo equipment stripped from it.

Appearing for Couvillion will be Luling attorney Randy Lewis; for Prudhomme is Luling attorney Wendy J. Williams; and for Stein is Destrehan attorney Mark Marino.

Attorneys have been ordered to remain silent on the case, respecting a gag order placed by Chaisson.