Passaniti sentenced to life +60 years in murder-for-hire plot

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - The Caddo Parish woman convicted in a plot to kill her stepfather for his money has been sentenced to life in prison at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension, plus 60 years.

Linda Kate Passaniti, 58, was found guilty on May 5 on all five counts against her in the murder-for-hire of her 73-year-old stepfather Ernest Luttrell in July 2010.

On Thursday morning, Passaniti received life for her conviction on principal to second degree murder, plus 30 years hard labor for conspiracy to commit second degree murder, and another 10 years on each of the three forgery convictions.

Judge John Mosely ordered all sentences to be served consecutively.

In addition to plotting to kill him, Passaniti was convicted of forging documents for Luttrell's power of attorney over his health care and finances, as well as his last will and testament.

Passaniti is the daughter of Ernest's wife, Loretta Luttrell, who was previously charged in the case. Luttrell was later found incompetent to stand trial.
 
Two alleged co-conspirators pleaded guilty for their roles in the murder, and agreed to testify against Passaniti.

Both Tina Vanmoerkeque and Erick Crain testified against Passaniti at trial. Crain told jurors that she promised him $1,000 for killing Luttrell, and asked him to make it look like a robbery.

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