Pastor Tony Spell faces a second-degree battery charge after a confrontation near Life Tabernacle Church in Central.
Baton Rouge attorney Franz Borghardt joined “Mornings with Brian Haldane” on Talk 107.3 to explain the legal questions around the case. He said the video tied to the arrest creates a major challenge for Spell’s defense.
Video Becomes Key In Tony Spell Case
The incident happened near Hooper Road, across from Spell’s church. The video appears to show Spell running across the road toward a neighbor’s property before the fight begins.
Borghardt said that detail matters.
He explained that self-defense depends on more than who threw the first punch. The law also looks at who started the fight and whether that person had a legal right to be there.
Borghardt said self-defense becomes harder to argue if someone runs onto another person’s property.
Attorney Explains Self-Defense Law
The case also includes a long-running dispute between Spell, his church and the neighbors across the street.
Borghardt said offensive comments or threats can explain anger. However, they do not always create a legal right to use force.
He also said the court will likely examine the amount of force used. A person can use reasonable force to stop a threat. Borghardt said the law does not allow someone to keep using force after the threat ends.
Long-Running Feud Adds More Questions
Borghardt said both sides appear to have a history. He said that history could come up if the case goes to trial.
Still, he said the video will likely play a major role.
Spell could take the case to a jury. Borghardt said a jury could hear details about the feud, past incidents and the moments before the fight.
For now, the case moves through the legal system. Borghardt said the biggest question remains simple: who started the fight under Louisiana law?