By LEONARD GRAY

HAHNVILLE – Attorneys gathered this week in Hahnville to argue a series of motions on behalf of three men charged in the Feb. 12 second-degree murder of James Rogers, 17, of LaPlace.

Judge Robert Chaisson of the 29th Judicial District continued the motions hearing to Jan. 10.

“It’s been difficult to us, as a family, but we want to make sure it’s done right,” Dr. Wayne Rogers, LaPlace veterinarian and the victim’s father, commented after the brief hearing. “We’re being as patient as we possibly can.”

The hearing was to review motions for discovery, to suppress physical evidence, for production of Grand Jury transcripts, to try each defendant separately, 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 slaying of Rogers. Prudhomme has since posted bond.

Couvillion and Stein were present to attend this week’s hearing.

The elder Rogers spoke with pride when asked about his son and the type of person he was.

“We did everything together,” Rogers said. “We were an extremely close family.

“If you want to know about Jim, ask his friends. They know his character.”

His son’s biggest flaw, though, was his goodness which exposed him to the bad intentions of others, Wayne Rogers said.

Jim Rogers was reported missing by his father 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. An intensive search launched in St. Charles and St. John parishes ended with Rogers’ remains found near Interstate 310 around Airline Highway.

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

“It’s every mother’s and every father’s nightmare,” the elder Rogers continued, and he pledged his family will work in the future to educate others about the hazards facing today’s young people. “A lot of good kids out there are vulnerable.”

He advised parents of teen-agers to be extremely aware of what their children are doing and with whom, where they are and when they will return.

The victim’s father said much more information which has not yet been made public will come out at trial.

“Very little of the whole truth has come out,” he said. “People are going to be shocked. It’s a very complex thing.”

At the hearing, Rogers was joined by other family members including the victim’s sister, Lucy.

“Lucy is very strong and a very mature child,” he said.

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

Attorneys have remained silent on the case due to a gag order issued by Chaisson.