Keva Landrum-Johnson, who was named interim Orleans Parish district attorney Tuesday to fill the spot that Eddie Jordan is vacating today, is a veteran prosecutor who has developed a reputation as a litigator who is prepared and tough, yet tender toward the victims of crime.

 Keva Landrum-Johnson, right, speaks about her new role as District Attorney.
"She's a prosecutor's prosecutor," said Derwyn Bunton, a lawyer with the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana. "When she felt like she had you, there was no turning back."

When Jordan announced his resignation, he had slightly more than 14 months remaining in his six-year term, which began in January 2003.   more »