By Emily D. Williams

Three young Courtland men  stood in front of Judge Bill McKenzie facing capital murder charges Wednesday during Batesville Municipal Court.

During the preliminary hearing the judge read the affidavit to each defendant, explaining their cases would be heard in a higher court. They are charged with the murder of Tovell Henderson who was shot to death on May 4 during a robbery at 118 Boyd St. in Batesville.

Bond was denied for Ladaron Taylor, 18, who resides at 495 Shiloh Rd., Courtland, and Quendravious Taylor, 18, 171 Greg Taylor, Courtland. Both of the young men held their heads down as tears swelled in their eyes.

Bond was also denied for Christopher Thomas, 31, the oldest of the four, 1577 Shiloh Rd., Courtland, who held his head back as the judge read his charges.

Deshawn Alexander, 20 Courtney Village, Courtland, was referred to the grand jury for being an accessory after the fact by assisting the three, knowing they just murdered someone with a handgun, and assisting them avoiding jail. His bond was set at $35,000.

Family members of the defendants sat in the court room as the judge read the charges.
“I realize a lot has happened in your life in a short period of time,” McKenzie explained.
All were referred to the grand jury.

Sounds of family members’ cries were heard as the four were led back in police custody.
Other cases

After a preliminary hearing for Pamela Sullivan, 494 Perry Rd., Grenada, was referred to the grand jury for felony possession of controlled substance. She was represented by Attorney Clay Hill.

After a defendant spent eight days in jail, the affiant told the judge she wanted to withdraw petit larceny charges.

Michael Porter, 150 MLK C-1, Batesville, had charges for petit larceny withdrawn by the affiant.
“It was not him who stole from me,” said Keshundra Russell.

“You let him sit in jail over charges you want to withdraw?” the judge questioned.

Porter had old fines of $243 that have been due since April 2012. He also had fines of $313 for resisting arrest.

He entered the city’s work program for days in lieu of paying his fines.

The judge told him he could be released from custody after court.

Issac Milton Jr., 107 MLK Apt. 2-B, Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault. A trial was set for May 29.

Carl Rogers Jr., 114 Hoskins Rd., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for a saggy pants ordinance.

Shane Tramel, 326 Henderson, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to possession of marijuana in a vehicle. He was fined $668. He had a charge for improper equipment dismissed after he provided proof he got his tail light fixed.

Jeremy Parker, 114 Patterson St., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct – failure to comply. He was fined $1,060.

Clinton Sartin, 1952 Gleaton St., Pope, had a case for DUI-first and leaving scene of accident. He told the judge he was getting a lawyer. The case was continued.

Joshua Cannon, 131 Vance St., Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault. A trial was set for next Wednesday.

He was fined $1,809 for possession of marijuana in a vehicle, driving while license suspended, no turn signal and no proof of insurance.

Clara Goodwin, 705 McDade Circle, Crenshaw, entered a not guilty plea to false pretense. A trial was set for June 5.

During a case for trial Lisa M. Powell, 208 Rollins, Batesville, was found not guilty of following too closely.