Court ends with several cases still open

By Leslie N. Dees

April 01, 2009 09:41 am

— Attala County Circuit Court for March ended with several continuances and cases left unsettled. The court term ended on Wednesday, March 25, with Judge Joseph Loper presiding.
The four separate trials for alleged murderers Justin Curtis Martell James, Robert Landfair, Barry Love and Detrius Roberson were not heard during the month of March.
All have been charged with capital murder, aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in the November 14 shooting at Hill Brothers Logging Shop on Highway 19.

Armed robbery
Nickalus Prince’s armed robbery trial was granted a continuance on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. The D.A. sought the extension because they are having trouble locating a witness.
Prince was one of five charged with the May robbery of Miller’s Grocery on Highway 19. Curtis Dotson, Douquha Prince and Terrance K. Kern are serving time for their part in the robbery. Brandon Davis, who was implicated in the robbery, was found not guilty.

Sale of cocaine
For medical reasons, Shakespeare Vaughn’s case for sale of cocaine was left on the docket.
Vaughn has been currently undergoing extensive medical treatment for a gunshot wound and will be having multiple surgeries to aid in regaining his ability to walk and to prevent having his toes or foot amputated.

Heavy caseload
Due to Michael J. Brown’s attorney, J. Niles McNeel’s, heavy caseload, his case remains open. Brown was charged with aggravated assault and kidnapping on Nov. 28.
Clarice Patrick, who had ended a 14-year relationship with Brown, was taken at gunpoint by him at Ethel High School, when she tried to leave in her vehicle.
The indictment states that Brown struck the victim with his fists and a pistol, causing her to break her finger.

Exploitation case
Kathy McCorkle of Vaiden still has two counts of felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult pending in circuit court. According to reports, McCorkle has been charged with exploiting the Alzheimer’s-stricken aunt she was supposed to be caring for.
She is accused of making purchases on three occasions at the Wal-Mart in Kosciusko with the victim’s checks without permission and without providing any of the purchased goods to the victim. The purchases totaled $656.