By Madhuri Dey
Oct. 14 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Carla Hughes was on trial for the murder of Avis Banks, who was five months pregnant at the time of her death. Hughes is believed to have surprised Banks at her Ridgeland home on November 29, 2006 and shot her in the head, buttock and legs and stabbed her in the head and neck.

She was involved in a “sexual adventure” with Banks’ fiance Pittman and wanted to be with him. Both Pittman and Hughes taught in the same school at Jacksonville. Pittman admits to having sex with Carla in the residence he shared with Avis.

She was convicted guilty by Madison County jury today, amidst tears of disbelief from her family and friends and sighs of relief from Banks’ family. She completely broke down, sobbing uncontrollably on hearing the verdict, which found her guilty of capital murder of Avis Banks and her unborn child. Banks’ father commented that justice was finally done to his daughter and the family immediately left to visit Banks’ grave. Carla’s family was not available for comment, but her numerous friends remain rooted in their belief that she could not have committed such a heinous crime. They plan to move to court for an appeal but do not intend to testify. It yet remains to be seen whether Hughes would be sentenced to the chair or given a life imprisonment.

Carla’s lover, Pittman blames himself for the mishap. He feels things would not have taken such a tragic turn if he hadn’t led a promiscuous lifestyle. He admitted to feeling responsible for the fate of both the women.