Father Pleads Guilty to Murdering Three Children, Prompting Courtroom Brawl
The New Orleans man admitted to killing his children in an arson attack, leading to a violent altercation in the courtroom.
- Joseph Washington pled guilty to three counts of first-degree murder for the arson that killed his three children.
- Following the guilty plea, a violent brawl erupted in the courtroom involving family members of the children.
- Prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty, and Washington is set to serve a life sentence.
- The children's mother had warned police of the threat shortly before the fire occurred.
- Order was restored in the courtroom after several minutes, with multiple participants removed or detained.