Judge Gail Ray permits pink attire for Madison Brooks supporters during trial of alleged rapist Desmond Carter
East Baton Rouge Judge Gail Ray ruled that spectators may wear pink to honor Madison Brooks during the upcoming trial of Desmond Carter. The ruling came after the defense team for Carter requested a ban on the color, arguing that the pink attire could intimidate the jury. Madison Brooks, a 19-year-old Louisiana State University student, was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men in a vehicle in January 2023 before being fatally struck by a car. While the color pink is permitted, the judge ruled that t-shirts featuring Brooks' picture, signs, and badges will be prohibited to avoid bias. Ashley Baustert, the mother of Madison Brooks, advocated for the pink attire, stating it is a peaceful way to honor her daughter's favorite color. The trial for Desmond Carter is scheduled to begin on August 17. Carter faces charges of first-degree and third-degree rape, with a potential sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted of the first-degree charge.