By Emily D. Williams

A Batesville man accused of  shooting his wife last weekend had his first appearance in Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday.

Donald Trantham, 398 Tubbs Rd., Batesville, was represented by attorney Kevin Horan. Trantham, 54,  is charged with aggravated assault in a domestic dispute during which his wife, Kasandra Trantham, 39, was shot in their home on December 1.

At press time Thursday she remained in critical condition at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis.

The couple had married in October.

Judge Bill McKenzie granted Trantham a bond reduction from his original $250,000 bond to $50,000.

McKenzie explained to Trantham that this case would be heard in a higher court and he is to have no
contact with the victim or the victim’s family if he gets out of jail.

The case was referred to the grand jury.

Other cases
A case continued from last week for reckless driving was resolved after Deputy Willie Harris testified.

Dillon Hood, 4367 A Old Panola, Sardis, told the judge last week he was not driving fast or recklessly.

Officer Greg Jones testified he was sitting at a store on Panola Avenue when he saw the defendant driving very fast into town.

Jones said when he pulled out he saw Sheriff’s Deputy Willie Harris who pulled in to tell him that was the same maroon Jeep that almost ran him off the road past the bridge on Panola.

Harris testified he was on his way to the Curtis community on a disturbance call when he saw the Jeep in the middle lane causing him to swerve out of his lane.

Harris said he turned around so he could talk to the driver and that’s when he saw Jones.

Harris said he talked to Jones and then continued on his call to Curtis.

Hood testified it was a misunderstanding. “You can ask my friends and family. I drive like a grandpa,” he testified.

“What’s the speed limit on Panola?” asked McKenzie.

“It breaks down from 45 to 35 coming into town,” Jones said.

McKenzie ruled that the evidence was sufficient to prove guilt but Hood could go to driving school to keep the ticket off of his record.

Brundarius Clark, 205 Leonard, Batesville, failed to appear to answer an open container charge. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Malcolm Owens, 205 Patterson, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to open container and fined $314.

James K. Parker, 114 Patterson, Batesville, entered the city’s work program for six days in lieu of paying $314 for open container.

Marrico D. Robinson, 302 Patton Lane, Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to open container. A trial was set for January 9. Robinson also had a simple assault case dismissed after the affiant, Tabitha Thornton, failed to appear to prosecute.

William Armstead, 5295-D Nash, Batesville, had a charge for possession of alcohol by a minor withdrawn by the officer.

David Griffin Jr., 272-B Old Hwy. 51, Courtland, entered a guilty plea to possession of alcohol by a minor and careless driving. He was fined $500.

Samuel Wray, 11466 Hwy. 51, Courtland, had a trial for DUI-second and open container set for January 9. He told the judge he would have a lawyer.

Nora Crawford, 109 River Place, Marks, had a case for DUI continued. She will be represented by Tom Womble.

Meocean Smith, 825 McDavid, Lambert, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting – second offense. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail starting December 15 and fined $1,133.

Chiquita Walton, 101 Martinez, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting socks, tank tops and pants from Burke’s worth $51.94. She was fined $1,133.

Diamon Barr, 101 Martinez, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting by taking two shirts worth $25.98 from Burke’s. She was fined $1,133.

Sonia Robinson, 101 Martinez, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting leggings, perfume and a ring from Burke’s worth $54.90

She also had old fines of $701 that have been due since January 2008. The judge told her to pay total fines of $1,834.25 in full by January 6 or serve time in jail.

The judge dismissed a five-year-old charge of false pretense filed against Billy Stafford, 556 McNeely Rd., Courtland, after the affiant, Johnnie Long, failed to appear to prosecute.

Keyandrick Jones, 210 Melrose, Sardis, charged with indecent exposure and public drunk, agreed to plead guilty to indecent exposure. The city prosecutor agreed to withdraw the public drunk charge. He was fined $315.

Tickets
Stella V. Harmon, 315 Walton, Sardis, was fined $817 for expired tag and no proof of insurance.

Shekedira Tribble, 210 Quitman St., Crenshaw, was fined $771 for no driver’s license, two counts of no child restraint and no turn signal.

Sinclaire Sacks, 313 Booth, Batesville, was fined $149 for driving while license suspended.
She was given a lower fine after she showed the judge she took the steps to have her license fixed.

Earnestine Rudd, 3946 Eureka Rd., Batesville, was fined $205 for no proof of insurance. She was given the lower fine after she showed the judge she got insurance after the ticket was issued.

Edward Wallace, 110 Anderson St., Sledge, was fined $605 for no proof of insurance.