"Those who knew Weston Verrette called him "Mr. Tony." Hhe was well-liked and police say he was murdered after trying to do a good deed."

Another fecal fleck blackens the eye of every good and decent person experiencing homelessness. If he's guilty, he deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars.... (New Orleans)

Police Arrest Homeless Man for Murder of Jefferson Parish Teacher

Laila Morcos, August 16, 2008 Those who knew Weston Verrette called him "Mr. Tony." Hhe was well-liked and police say he was murdered after trying to do a good deed. "He was a caring and giving person. a lot of personal attention and grooming to his home and yard. spent a lot of times outside grooming and growing flowers and vegetables, says Major Anthony Christiana with the Gretna Police Department. He's talking about 56 year old Weston Verrette who was found inside his Gretna home yesterday afternoon with his throat slashed. Police say 21 year old Louis Church confessed to the murder. It all started Thursday night. Police say Church is homeless and was on the levee near Verette's 2nd Street home. "He was approached by Mr. Verrette and Mr. Verette had offered to allow him to come to his residents, take a shower, give him some clean clothes and allow him a place to sleep for the night," says Deputy Chief Charles Whitmer. Police say the two drank wine and church fell asleep. Whitmer says, "He was sleeping and there was some sexual advances made by the victim, a struggle ensued and he slashed the man's throat." Police say afterwards, Church cleaned up the crime scene, and took Verrette's car, his cell phone, and wallet. It wasn't until yesterday that administrators at John Ehret High School called police because Verrette didn't show up for work. Police went to Verrette's home and found him. Church was arrested last night in Verrette's car near the Westbank Expressway. Whitmer says, "I think he's taken a difficult path since reaching adulthood and has more or less gone out on his own.". Church, who is the stepson of retired Gretna Police Lieutenant Brad Church, was booked on a number of charges, including second degree murder. Verrette, also known as Mr. Tony, taught french at John Ehret. He also owned a travel agency and was getting ready to take a number of people to Europe. "A good samaritan was offering to help someone who was homeless and this is what happened. The public should be considerate of who they invite into their homes." Church has a record. Last month, he was arrested three different times. Charges include carnal knowledge of a juvenile, simple burglary and simple assault. The Jefferson Parish School officials say Mr. Verrette has been with the school system since 2005. His fellow teachers loved him and students say he was very generous with his time if they needed help with school work. A seven member grief counseling team will be at John Ehret High School Monday to meet with teachers and students. The student council is also asking to have a moment of silence to honor Verrette Monday morning.