Murder suspect appears in court

By Ashley Crutcher
Judge William H. McKenzie set a preliminary hearing for Nakia Lamar of 646 Sanders Road, Sardis who was charged with capital murder after allegedly robbing and murdering Roary Thomas. “You need an attorney on this case. This is as serious as it gets. Do you want me to appoint you an attorney?” asked Judge McKenzie, to which Lamar responded with a nod. “I appoint Tommy Defer as your attorney for your preliminary hearing on March 22.”
Thomas Hickenbottom of 173 CR 316, Taylor pleaded guilty to DUI refusal, possession of marijuana in a vehicle, firearm enhancement penalty and leaving the scene of an accident. “They said I left the scene of an accident, but there wasn’t an accident. I backed into a light pole and caught a cable on the back of my truck and I didn’t realize it,” said Hickenbottom.
“The report states you tore down four light poles with a log truck by backing into them,” said Judge McKenzie. Hickenbottom was driving the 18-wheeler when he was stopped by police. Judge McKenzie has allowed Hickenbottom 30 days to pay the $2,369 fine. Hickenbottom is set to attend driving school in Oxford beginning May 16.
Allison Cox of 9627 was found guilty of disorderly conduct after engaging in a fight at the Love’s McDonalds. An affiant reported her finger was cut during the altercation by Cox.
“I did not cut her. She put her finger in my mouth and I bit her. If the managers would have given me the video surveillance I could prove I didn’t cut her and I didn’t hit her first. I was the customer, I feel like the customer is always right,” said Cox. According to witnesses, the incident started with Cox and the affiant’s sister feuding.
“So you (Cox) had a problem with her sister and y’all ended up getting into it and people’s fingers got bitten. I’ve listened to y’all and we’re not gonna argue. I believe there was disorderly conduct and I find you guilty. You have 30 days to pay the $328 fine and I’ll give you until April 15 to pay the old $177 fine,” said Judge McKenzie.
Richard Caine Jr., of 2587 Belmont Road was found not guilty of simple assault. According to the record, the affiant Sally Simmerman, ran a stop sign and almost struck Caine’s vehicle. “She ran the stop sign and put me in fear for my life. So I pulled up behind her and yelled ‘Did you not see that stop sign?’” said Caine. The affiant stated Caine bagan to swear and called her bad names. “I told him I was sorry, but he needed to stop talking to me like that,” said Simmerman. Judge McKenzie ruled no crime was committed.
Lauren A. Wright, who was recorded to be living at 139 Todd Rd., Batesville reported she is currently residing at 211 Tubbs Rd. Apt. 16. Wright pleaded guilty to DUI other and was fined $783. She will attend driving school on May 16.
Ashley Bryant of 3724 Shiloh Rd., Courtland, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license. The case has been bound over to the grand jury.
Calvin L. Jones of 413 Dewberry St., Sardis returned to court on contempt of court charges. Jones appeared in court last week as he was being held for unpaid child support. He was asked to return to court after paying the $1,000 back child support and asked to be place in the work program to work off the $487 fine for contempt of court. Jones will work nine days on the work truck to pay off the fine.
Raveene Lee of 150 MLK, Batesville, was charged with malicious mischief for the destruction caused to a Pontiac. The case was dismissed after the affiant failed to appear.
Jessica Martin of 214 Hays St., Batesville, was charged with no driver’s license. The case will be continued.
Kevin D. Young of 272 Ridge Rd., Courtland, was found guilty of charges of open container and was ordered to pay a fine of $327 by April 14.
Marcia T. Black of 100 Hobbs St., Batesville, pleaded guilty to simple possession of marijuana. She has 30 days to pay the $443 fine.
Jessica Smallie of 206 Sherwood, Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for simple possession of marijuana and has old unpaid fines in the amount of $855. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.
Ashley Walker of 5901 1st Ave., Birmingham, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and paid the $443 fine prior to court.
Karen Hipp of 251 Providence, Grenada, was charged with DUI first and improper parking. The case is to be continued.