In the latest development regarding the case of a slain therapist, the alleged suspect known as “Mr. Prada” has had his charge upgraded. Prosecutors announced on Tuesday that the charge has been elevated to first-degree murder due to the age of the victim.
As previously reported, police arrested Prada, whose real name is Terryon Thomas, on Wednesday morning. At the time of his arrest, the warrant did not include any charges directly related to the death of 69-year-old Dr. Nick Abraham. Instead, it cited Mr. Prada for aggravated criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to WAFB. However, subsequent investigations revealed evidence indicating that a violent physical altercation had taken place.
“We have a DNA match at the suspect’s apartment for the victim; we do believe that’s possibly where the crime occurred,” stated EBRSO Chief Administrative Deputy Casey R. Hicks. “We have search warrants, we have warrants to gather additional evidence to get more information in this case. So while we have probable cause to go ahead and charge him with that murder, we still have lots of evidence to gather,” Hicks added.
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Dr. Abraham’s body was discovered on Sunday morning, September 29, in Tangipahoa Parish. He was found wrapped in a tarp and left alongside a highway. His car had been reported missing but was later located at a shopping center, where the suspect was seen entering a local store.
Initially, Thomas was charged with second-degree murder. However, under Louisiana law, when “the offender has the specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm upon a victim who is under the age of twelve or sixty-five years of age or older,” a more serious first-degree murder charge is applicable.
This upgraded charge now makes the case eligible for the death penalty upon conviction, should prosecutors ultimately decide to pursue that option.