Longtime New Orleans District Attorney Harry Connick Sr. Dies at 97

Connick Sr., father of singer Harry Connick Jr., leaves a legacy marked by a long tenure in office and post-retirement controversies over withheld evidence.

Harry Connick Sr., father of singer Harry Connick Jr. and longtime district attorney of New Orleans, has died at age 97.
He served as the district attorney for the city of New Orleans from 1973-2003, winning reelection four times before retiring undefeated.
During his tenure, Connick Sr. led actions to prevent prostitution and shut down adult book shops in New Orleans, and pushed for the death penalty in first-degree murder cases.
Post retirement, his reputation was challenged over claims that his office had intentionally withheld evidence favoring defendants, with a notable case involving John Thompson who served 14 years in jail for a death he was not responsible for.
Despite the controversies, Connick Sr. defended his legacy stating his reputation is based on more than a few cases and that he had done nothing to go to confession about in his office.