Murder suspect waves preliminary hearing in city court

By Ashley Crutcher
Judge Jay Westfaul heard the preliminary hearing for Nakia Lamar, 18, of 646 Sanders Rd., Sardis, who is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Roary Ledell Thomas on 102 Bradford St. on March 2.
Thomas died in a parked car from gun shot wounds from a hand gun, police reports have said. Attorney Tommy Defer was appointed as Lamar’s public defender for the preliminary hearing.
“Mr. Lamar wishes to wave his right to a preliminary hearing,” said Defer during the hearing. Lamar will face the grand jury to answer the capital murder charges.
A second murder suspect, Cordarius Strong, 16, continues to evade law enforcement officials, who offer a $2,500 reward for information leading to Strong’s arrest.
Heather Allen of 208 Baker St. was found guilty of simple domestic violence, but the $328 fine was suspended pending compliance with court ordered rehab.
“Have yourself voluntarily committed today and notify the clerk today of what’s going on,”  said Judge Westfaul.
Allen will be on probation for two years under the condition of seeking help for her addiction. The charge was amended to simple domestic violence from simple assault during the March 1 session of Batesville Municipal Court.
Allen assaulted her mother and has been ordered not to contact her parents or grandfather. “We’ve never gotten along, but I want to get her some help,” said Rebecca Moore, Allen’s mother.
“I can look at you and tell you’re a drug addict,” said the judge. Allen has also been charged with littering.
“She was cleaning out her car. She was pretty bad off,” said Captain Clyde Estridge. Judge Westfaul suspended the charge and ordered Allen to comply with the order to seek help or face paying the fines.
“I see you can’t understand me so I’ll make it easy. Go to Gaines Baker and seek help,” said Judge Westfaul.
Tiffany Curry, address unknown was charged with contempt of court failure to pay old fines from July 10, 2013. Curry was arrested on a new charge for false pretenses, to which she pleaded not guilty.  The case will be set to go to trial.
“You will be released today after your old fine is taken care of,” said Judge Westfaul. Curray stated a family member would pay the old fine in the amount of $471.
Jerrica Hamilton of 218 Broadway St. was charged with telephone profanity. The case was dismissed as the affiant failed to appear to prosecute. Hamilton also has old fines from July of 2012, “I can pay that today,” said Hamilton.
Johnathan Griffin of 151 Love Ave., Crowder, was found guilty of trespassing by entering the Begin Again store, which he had been ordered by the court not to return to.
Affiant Lori Schumann provided surveilance footage showing Griffin trespassing onto the property. “That was not me. I asked my friend to go in,” said Griffin.
“That is you! You were told to refrain from trespassing onto this property. I find you guilty and in contempt of court for not following the court order,” said Judge Westfaul. Griffin has been allotted thirty days to pay the $517 fine.
Tony Cooper Jr. of 207 Draper St. is being held on a $25,000 bond for grand larceny. Cooper was also charged with contempt of court after failing to pay an $810 fine from December of 2015.
Judge Westfaul granted Cooper with time served after recently serving twenty days. Cooper requested a bond reduction which was granted cutting the bond in half to $12,500.
“If you are released the case will be bound over, but if you aren’t released we will see you back next week,” said the judge.
Scottoria Robinson of 411 Willa St. was charged with simple assault but the case was dismissed due to lack of prosecution.
Roderick T. Denson of 551 First St., Marks, pleaded guilty to charges of public drunk and posted a cash bond prior to court.
RickDarius Henderson of 225 Randell St., Courtland, pleaded guilty to simple possession of marijuana and has 30 days to pay the $443 fine.
Jasmine Smith of 530 Rasco Rd., Southaven, was charged with simple assault. The case will be continued as Smith will be represented by Attorney Jeff Padgett.
Marvin L. Watson Jr. of 107 E Missouri, Crenshaw, was charged with simple assault and domestic violence. The case will be continued as Smith will be represented by Attorney Jeff Padgett.
Kayla Owens of 60 Sardis Lane, Sardis, failed to appear to answer charges for shoplifting. A warrant has been issured for Owens’ arrest.