Be a survivor. Stand up and face your abuser and show them they no longer have control over you.

     New Iberia, Louisiana:  "Be a survivor.  Stand up and face your abuser and show them they no longer have control over you."  These are the words of Angel Olds (Ms. Olds gave permission to use her name), the victim in a serious domestic violence case tried earlier this year by Assistant District Attorney, Alister Charrier.

     The month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, ended with a substantial sentence of 30 years at hard labor handed down by Judge Gregory Aucoin at a multiple offender sentencing hearing held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

     On February 24, 2017, the defendant, Colby Kinsey, beat Angel Olds and held her captive over a span of several days including beating her with a pipe and shovel, strangling her, and burning her with cigarettes causing serious bodily injury.  The victim eventually escaped to a nearby convenience store where she called for help when the defendant left the residence.  Deputy Ronald Leger handled the investigation for the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office.

     A jury convicted the defendant, Colby Kinsey on February 22, 2018 of:

• Aggravated Second Degree Battery
• Domestic Abuse Battery - Strangulation
• Second Degree Battery
• Aggravated Battery

     Mr. Kinsey had two prior convictions for Domestic Abuse Battery - 1st offense and a prior felony conviction for Attempted Second Degree Feticide in which he beat an ex-girlfriend while pregnant.

     Chez Hope was present at the sentencing hearing in support of Ms. Olds who testified at the hearing.