Gary Plauché actions in 1984 shocked the nation when he took deadly revenge on his son’s rapist on live television. Plauché’s case became an important part of popular culture, as it forced the country to confront the issue of vigilante justice and sparked a national debate about the appropriate response to child sexual abuse.
In this blog post, we will explore the background information of the case, the day of the shooting, the trial, and the impact of the case on Louisiana, the nation, and Plauché’s family. Finally, we will reflect on the significance of the case and its enduring legacy in American culture.
Background Information
On March 16, 1984, Jody Plauché, a 10-year-old boy from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was abducted by his baseball coach, Jeff Doucet. Doucet took Jody to California and sexually abused him for two days before law enforcement found them.
On March 16, 1984, while Doucet was being escorted through the Baton Rouge airport by a police officer, Gary Plauché shot Doucet in the back of the head, killing him instantly. The shooting was captured on live television by a news crew who happened to be at the airport. Jody’s father, Gary Plauché, was understandably outraged when he heard about the sexual abuse his son had suffered.
Gary Plauché was immediately taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder. He claimed that he was motivated by a desire to avenge his son and to prevent Doucet from hurting any other children.
The case garnered national attention, with people across the country debating whether Plauché’s actions constituted justice or vigilantism. The case also sparked a national conversation about child sexual abuse and the need for better protection for children.
In the end, Plauché was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years in prison. However, he was released after serving just four years and was able to rebuild his life. The case remains an important part of Louisiana’s legal and cultural history.
The Day Of The Shooting
On March 16, 1984, Gary Plauché waited for Jeff Doucet at the Baton Rouge airport, armed with a handgun. A police officer was escorting Doucet after being extradited from California, where he had taken Jody Plauché after sexually abusing him.
When Doucet emerged from the airport, Gary Plauché approached him and fired a single shot at the back of his head, killing him instantly. The shooting was captured on live television by a news crew who happened to be at the airport.
In the footage, Plauché is seen firing the shot and surrendering to police officers who quickly apprehend him. The video of the shooting and Plauché’s subsequent arrest was broadcast on television news programs across the country and sparked a national debate about vigilantism and justice.
Plauché later stated that he avenged his son and prevented Doucet from hurting other children. He maintained that he would do the same thing again if he had to protect his child.
Gary Plauché’s Trial
Gary Plauché was charged with first-degree murder and faced a potential death penalty. However, his defense team argued that Plauché had acted in the heat of passion and was not in his right mind when he shot Doucet. They argued that Plauché had been driven to the brink by the trauma of learning about his son’s sexual abuse.
The prosecution argued that Plauché had acted with premeditation and had planned to kill Doucet as soon as he heard about his son’s abuse. They argued that Plauché’s actions were illegal and constituted vigilantism.
Ultimately, the jury found Plauché guilty of manslaughter, a lesser charge than the first-degree murder charge he had faced. Plauché was sentenced to seven years, with credit for time served. He was released after serving just four years.
The verdict was controversial, with many arguing that Plauché had been justified in his actions and should not have been punished. However, the jury determined that Plauché’s actions had been illegal and that he should be held accountable for them. The case remains a significant part of Louisiana’s legal history, as it forced the state to grapple with the issue of vigilante justice and the appropriate response to child sexual abuse.
Conclusion
The case of Gary Plauché, who shot and killed his son’s rapist on live television in 1984, remains a significant moment in American legal and cultural history. Plauché’s actions sparked a national conversation about vigilantism and justice and the issue of child sexual abuse.
While some people saw Plauché as a hero who had taken matters into his own hands to protect his child, others saw his actions as illegal and dangerous. Plauché’s trial and conviction forced Louisiana to confront the vigilante justice issue and grapple with the appropriate response to child sexual abuse.
The legacy of the case endures to this day, as it continues to be discussed and debated in legal and cultural circles. It remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of taking justice into one’s own hands and a reminder of the need for strong legal protections for victims of sexual abuse.
Also read: The Controversial Suicide Of R. Budd Dwyer On Live Television
