Charges upgraded in connection to death

Charges have formally been upgraded for four men allegedly involved in the robbery and beating of Rickey Picard Jr. in early April.
A Grand Jury issued an true bill Monday to indict John Hebert III for first degree murder. The same jury also issued indictments of principal to first degree murder charges on Francis Briggs, Preston Toussaint and Colt Turner.
Police also arrested an unnamed juvenile in connection to the incident. Assistant District Attorney J.N. Prather said the juvenile’s case is currently being handled through juvenile court.
Abbeville police arrested each of the aforementioned men in April after surveillance video captured multiple suspects attacking Picard near Franks Alley. Hebert initially faced charges of second degree robbery and attempted first degree murder. Police charged Briggs, Toussaint and Turner each with second degree robbery at the time.
Picard died on May 9 as a result of injuries sustained during the incident in early April.
The Abbeville Police Department then contacted District Attorney Keith Stutes’ office in reference to upgrading the charges on all the suspects involved.
Video captured the incident that led to Picard’s death. The video shows Picard talking to the multiple individuals before a fight ensues. Picard fell to the ground and the men began kicking and hitting him.
One of the individuals, who police had reason to believe was Hebert, jumped in the air and landed feet first on Picard’s chest and stomach. The man did this twice as Picard lay unconscious.
After being transported to Lafayette General from Abbeville General on April 7, Abbeville Police spoke with Picard, leading to the arrests.