By Emily D. Williams

Batesville Muncipal Judge Jay Westfaul Wednesday denied reduction in a million dollar bond for a Batesville man charged in the July 4 murder of Douglas Ellis, found shot dead on Martin Luther King Drive.

Desmond Robinson, 21-A Lamar Thomas, Batesville, listened as the judge told him this was his first appearance. “The court is not asking for a plea or a trial. You have been charged with the crime of murder. The maximum penalty is life in prison without parole,” Westfaul explained.

Robinson indicated that he did not want to be represented by the court-appointed attorney.
“Since you are indigent, the court is going to keep David Walker until you are able to retain a lawyer,” Westfaul said.

“Do you have any questions?” Westfaul asked the defendant.

“Can I get my bond lowered?”

“What is it now?” the judge asked.

“One million,” Robinson replied.

“That sounds fine,” Westfaul replied.

“Can I get it lowered?” Robinson asked again.

“No,” the judge replied.

A preliminary hearing was set for next Wednesday.

“You are back into the custody of the sheriff,” the judge said.

Other cases

James H. Sawyer, 602 Elm St., Marks, entered a guilty plea to open container. A charge for improper equipment was dismissed. He was fined $312.

Shelby Sawyer, 111 Charles Lane, Sardis, entered a guilty plea to open container. She was fined $312.

Dameon Sanford, 207 Gordon St., Batesville, failed to appear to answer a charge for simple possession of marijuana and old fines of $417 that have been due since May 2013.
A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Patrick A. Johnson, 1794 John Branch Rd., Batesville, was fined $1,316 for possession of marijuana in vehicle, possession of firearm-enhanced after entering a guilty plea.
“Do I get my firearm back?” asked Johnson.

The judge told him he was not making a determination on that until he paid his fines in full.
Novan Foster, 22324-B Hwy. 35 South, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to possession of marijuana in a vehicle, no seat belt, no driver’s license and no proof of insurance. He was fined $1,214.

John M. Whitten, 184 Taylor Rd., Courtland, had a case set for July 24 for possession of paraphernalia, public drunk and open container.

Kenneth Lyons Jr., 179 Earnest Becon Rd., Sardis, entered a guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault.

Haven W. McGee, 209-B Pamela St., Batesville, failed to appear to answer malicious mischief charges and old fines of $1,730 that have been due since January 2013.

McGee was in court but left before his name was called.

The judge added contempt of court charges.

A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Sabrina Barksdale, 17947 Hwy. 51 South, Sardis, was found not guilty of simple assault but she was ordered to stay away from affiant Annetta Simpson. The judge felt the two had a civil case.

Tickets

Michael Harris, 4060 Curtis Rd., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to open container. He was fined #312.

Felicia Hallmon, 120 Lamb St., Crowder, failed to appear for shoplifting charges.

Allison Johnson, 104 1/2 Gracie Cove, Batesville, was charged with malicious mischief.

After testimony from Johnson and affiant, Jamese Chapman, the judge ruled the case to be civil.
Johnson also had old fines of $668 she paid prior to court.

Erik M. Beard, 88 Bottom Rd., Pope, was fined $381 for driving while license suspended.

Vickey L. Ellingburn, 12254-A Hwy. 35 South, Batesville, was fined $1,066 for no proof of insurance, no driver’s license and improper equipment.