Three guilty of using box cutter to assault victim’s hair

By Ashley Crutcher
Batesville Municipal Judge Jay Westfaul on Wednesday found guilty three defendants accused of assaulting a juvenile by holding her down and cutting off her hair on December 14.
The incident allegedly stems from a previous dispute which occured at Wendy’s in November where a large group of individuals got into a physical altercation.
Shaneque Robinson of 326 Hays St., Batesville and Shameika Robinson of 411 Willa St., Batesville were found guilty of simple assault. Johnathan Parker of 302 Patton Ln., Batesville, was found guilty on two counts of simple assault for kicking one juvenile in the face and assisting with the assault on the other.
After each defendant testified they were not there during the incident, the affiant produced photo evidence showing the damage suffered by the victims along with witness’ testimony describing the events.
“This all started over some make-up. I guess someone said she didn’t look good without her make-up on,” said one witness, referring to one victim.
The victim’s father testified that when he was on his way back from the store with his daughter the defendants blocked the road and began kicking and beating on his vehicle and yelled for his daughter to get out.
“It’s starting to escalate further,” the dad said. “They’re threatening my younger children now too. They are making these threats on Facebook.”
Photos showed Facebook posts where the defendants were making threats and bragging about certain actions and how it reflects on them as having “street cred.”
One witness for the defense testified stating there was another incident where she received a cut to her face.
Photo evidence showed the witness bragging about the cut to her face stating it gave her fame and a new name, “Scarface.”
The judge imposed fines of $328 against each of the female defendants, and $656 against Parker, and ordered the juveniles to stay off all social media outlets for six months.
“The kids are not allowed to use Facebook for six months, or any other social media. The accounts are to be deleted today. There is to be no contact between these two groups,” said Judge Westfaul.
“When I see people cutting others’ hair, that usually means gang activity. If I find you on Facebook talking about these kids you three will be adjoined from using it for two years. I find the defendants guilty, but the victims aren’t necessarily innocent either. Get off social media!”
Krishunna Starlock of 211 Noble St. failed to appear for  her trial after pleading not guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to Investigator Tommy Crutcher this is the second time Starlock has been found guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Neighbors notified Batesville Police Department of the unattended children.
“I responded to the residence and found three children outside in 30 degree weather wearing only a t-shirt and shorts,” testified Officer J.P. Wallace regarding the December incident.
“The children stated there was a baby inside the residence. The home was unsecured and I made entry into the residence. I noticed the oven was on in the home and turned it off.”
“I went into a bedroom and laying on the bed was a five month old baby laying on the bed.”
The Department of Human Services was notified and took the children into custody. Two of the children were released into the custody of relatives.
“This is a serious matter. She is found guilty and we will set a sentencing hearing for March 1,” said Judge Westfaul.
Parish Fondren and Marcus Gassion, both of 104 Hoskins Road, Batesville,  were referred to the Panola County Grand Jury for charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, child endangerment and firearm enhancement penalty.
“On January 24 a search was conducted of the residence and 2 ounces of crack cocaine, 4 firearms, digital scales and many cell phones were located in the home,” testified Officer Charlie Tindall.
“The search warrant was issued to get information off of the cell phones. Texts on the phones revealed people came to buy dope from them.”
Both defendants requested that their $250,000 bond be lowered, which Judge Westfaul granted, lowering both bonds to $100,000.
Jason F. Milam of 165 Milam Road, Batesville pleaded guilty to running a stop sign and driving with a suspended license which resulted in a $562 fine.
Milam tacked on another $1,146 to his fine due to contempt of court for not paying old fines.
“This is two years too late. I want this paid by Friday at 3 p.m. or you’re going to serve 60 days in jail,” said Judge Westfaul.
Rico Harrison of 145 Hadorn Road, Batesville, was found to be in contempt of court for unpaid fines from August 2010.
“You’ve been in jail for two weeks, you can serve 76 more or pay your fine and be released.”
Harrison now faces a $2,978 fine.
Penny Anthony of 509 Broad Street, Lambert, pleaded not guilty to shoplifting from Kroger. A trial date has been set for March 8.
Johnathan A. Griffen of 151 Love Avenue, Crowder, pleaded not guilty to a trespassing charge filed by Lori Schumann of Begin Again consignment shop where he had previously been ordered not to go back.
“I didn’t go back to Begin Again,” said Griffen.
“It’s best not to go back to these stores. These people don’t want you there. Find somewhere else to shop,” said Judge Westfaul.
Griffen was released upon his own recognizance and must return for trial on March 1.
Aqadrius Harris of 1288 Firetower Road, Crenshaw, pleaded guilty to shoplifting approximately $421.85 worth of merchandise from Fred’s.
“Well, you just about cleaned Fred’s out,” said Judge Westfaul.
Harris was released and has been given 30 days to pay the $1,146 fine.
Tristan Davis of 18705 Highway 315, Sardis, pleaded guilty to shoplifting.
“Did Walmart get all of the clothes back?” asked Judge Westfaul.
“Yes sir! Is there any way I can put those clothes on a payment plan?” asked Davis.
Davis has 30 days to pay the $1,146 fine.
Glen Jackson of 134 Diane Ross, Como, pleaded not guilty to shoplifting, trespassing and reckless driving. A trial date has been set for March 8.