Michigan Pair Caught In Stolen Jeep
Man Charged With Forgery and Escape After Taking Off Across I-30 In Handcuffs After Presenting Indiana Man’s ID With His Photo
Deputies stopped a Michigan pair traveling on I-30 west in a stolen Jeep Thursday night. The man compounded his charges by trying to pass an Indiana man’s driver’s, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted a Jeep Cherokee that’d been reported to Redford, Michigan Police as stolen was possibly traveling west on the Interstate 30 corridor, presumably in Texas. Deputies staged along I-30 in Hopkins County, scoping it out from different locations to watch for the vehicle.
Deputies spotted one matching the description of the stolen Jeep, but the driver appeared to keep driving as if to blend in with the flow of traffic, using semi trucks as concealment. They did catch up to it, confirmed it matched the descriptors of the stolen Michigan vehicle and initiated a traffic stop at 11:15 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, at mile marker 120 on I-30 west. Upon approach, deputies had the driver turn off the ignition and get out of the vehicle to prevent a possible pursuit, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Speaking with the pair, they were told Lorena Leon of Detroit and the male passenger have known each other for 5 years, are in a relationship which has resulted in one child. Deputies received information a suspect identified in connection with the Jeep theft case was Brandon Epps.
The male passenger, Davis alleged in arrest reports, presented an Indiana driver’s license with the name David Christie on it, and on inspection had “abnormalities” such as off-centered typing. Also, David Christie is a white male and the man presenting the ID card was a black male, deputies alleged. A records check showed all of Christie’s information. The license the passenger handed to them had the passenger’s image on it, Sgt. Davis, and Deputies Bobby Osornio, Deputy Michael Chang and Deputy Justin Wilkerson noted in arrest reports.
Deputies received information that Michigan authorities had issued felony warrants for suspect Epps’ arrest. Deputies placed the man they believed to be Epps into custody, cuffing his hands behind his back at 11:25 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, according to deputies’ reports.
Shortly thereafter, deputies received confirmation the Jeep was the same one Redford Police entered as stolen, so deputies began placing driver Leon into custody at 11:33 p.m. Thursday night. While they were putting her in hand restraints, the passenger “sprinted across the westbound lanes of travel on Interstate 30, attempting to escape while in custody,” Davis noted in arrest reports. His freedom was short-lived, however. Deputies took the man into custody as he reached the center median.
The 31-year-old Detroit, Michigan woman was given multiple opportunities to be truthful about the man’s true identity, including knowledge that the ID he presented was a forged driver’s license. She did, eventually, quit being deceptive about the identity of the man, shown in arrest reports to be 32-year-old Brandon Torrel Epps of River Rouge, Michigan, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Both Leon and Epps were taken into custody and transported to Hopkins County jail, where deputies learned Michigan would not be confirming the alleged warrants for Epps arrest. The Jeep was inventoried, photographed and towed to await pickup by a responsible party for the owner.
The Michigan pair was booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:08 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Lorena was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and hindering apprehension or prosecution while the man identified as 32-year-old Brandon Epps was booked in on escape while arrested or confined, forgery of a government or national instrument, money or security and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Epps remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in lieu of $50,000 in bonds set on the charges — $20,000 each on the escape and forgery charge and $10,000 on the stolen vehicle charge. Leon also remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday, Sept. 16, 2022; her bonds totaled $15,000 — $10,000 on the stolen car charge and $5,000 for hindering, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
North Hopkins ISD Inducts More Than 30 Students Into New Elementary Beta Club
North Hopkins ISD inducted more than 30 students into the district’s newest organization, the Elementary Beta Club, Thursday evening, Sept. 15, 2022.
“Junior and Senior BETA have already been running two very successful programs for years so we are expanding to offer the opportunity to students in grades 4-6. Students being inducted had to meet minimum grade requirements, have good attendance and a good discipline record,” North Hopkins Elementary Principal Kodi Wright noted.
Beta Club, an organization founded by Wofford College’s Dr. John W. Harris in 1934, is made up of more than 445,000 active members in more than 9,600 clubs nationally and internationally. Beta’s mission is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. Beta helps to develop a community of leaders who positively impact the world.
The Beta motto is “let us lead by serving others.” Members pledge to strive to be honest and truthful at all time to maintain creditable academic scholastic records, be of service to teachers and fellowmen, conduct themselves in an ethical and moral manner to be a credit to their school and community.
Thursday evening, students and their selected family members were given a table in the elementary cafeteria to enjoy a taco salad meal provided by the culinary students, and served by older Beta Club members. Each students’ table was personalize with their photo on it.
Danny James gave the opening prayer, then the program got under way with Junior Beta State President Major Steele from Wolfe City welcoming the NHE students into the organization and providing a little bit of information about Junior Beta.
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductees introduce the Beta Creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club inductee Megan Rodriguez recites the Beta Pledge
The sixth grade inductees recited the Beta Creed, each offering information about the eight different character traits of Beta Club members. Aidee Cortez recited information about honesty, Easton Mathis service, Cash Phillips responsibility, Charley Weatheread humility, Jett Jordan justice, Camden Nichols cooperation, Gracelyn Schuur industriousness and Pinzley Wells charity. Recitation of the Beta Pledge was lead by Megan Rodriguez.
When each inductee’s name was called, the student signed their names into the official Beta record book, the very first group of elementary students to do so at NHISD, then received a certificate acknowledging them for meeting all qualifications which allowed each to be inducted into Beta Club.
Fourth grade members of NHE Beta Club include Lillie Burnett, Laken Callihan, Jentri Dodd, Benton Dufreene, Jadee Jennings, Gage Jordan, Caleb Matlock, Alylah Nunez and Tessa Robinson.
Fifth grade members include Fatima Banuelos, Lila Bettes, Mattie Boles, Wyatt Brantley, Kendall Erwin, Jemma Jennings, Rylan Joslin, Axell Leon, Kayden Lilley, Baileigh Marlowe, Axel Perez and Caden Wright.
Sixth grade members include Aidee Cortez, Jaycie Hale, Danny James, Jett Jordan, Easton Mathis, Cash Phillips, Megan Rodriguez, Gracelyn Schuur, Charley Weatheread and Pinzley Wells.
NHE Beta sponsors are Carmen Dufrene, Star Erwin and Kodi Wright.
Sixth grade member Jaycie Hale closed the induction ceremony with prayer.
Jeffery Sentenced To Total Of 60 Years In Prison Murder, Aggravated Assault
Robert Clevon Jeffery was sentenced Thursday afternoon, Sept. 15, 2022, to a total of 60 years in prison, 45 years for the murder of 35-year-old Damien Damon Wiley of Cooper and 15 years for the aggravated assault of 22-year-old Saquan Harrion Reynolds on Aug. 29, 2021. The two sentences, however, are to be served concurrently, officials reported Thursday afternoon. The sentence was reached after about 4 hours of deliberations by the jury, about twice as long as it took them to find him guilty on both charges.
The trial of Robert Clevon Jeffery began with jury selection in Delta County. The trial was moved to the 8th Judicial District Courtroom in Hopkins County. Assistant District Attorneys Zach Blackmon and Matt Harris are prosecuting the cases; Clay Johnson is Jeffery’s attorney.
Opening arguments began shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, followed immediately with testimony by the store clerk working when the shootings occurred. Four videos showing activity outside and at the store during and immediately following gunfire that resulted in Damien Wiley’s death and injury to Saquan Reynolds were shown.
Testimony continued Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 13 and 14, before both sides rested and asked the jury to determine guilt or innocence. The jury was reported to have reached their verdict after about 1 1/2 hour of deliberations. Jeffery opted to testify during the guilt innocence phase of his trial. He did not testify during the punishment phase.
The state rested their case in the punishment phase of the trial. Johnson called Jeffery’s nephew, 31-year-old Tommy Walker Jr. of Cooper, to the stand to testify around 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, during the punishment phase of the trial.
Walker who is also the cousin of Damien Wiley, testified that his uncle Robert Jeffery had in his opinion turned his life around. Walker said his uncle was getting his life back on track over the 8-9 months just prior to the shooting incident at Cooper Mart. “He was going from nothing to having a job, a home, two cars and gaining custody of his four children.”
Jefferies’ children, including his now 14-year-old daughter who was inside the Cooper Mart when the shooting occurred, had 8 years previously been placed in a group home in the foster care system. This placement occurred when when their mother passed away and Robert Jeffery was in jail.
Walker said he was aware of a conflict between his uncle, Wiley and Reynolds, but was never part of it and had nothing to do with any of it. In fact, he admitted under questioning by Johnson that he had asked his cousin and uncle to leave his home a week previously because he did not want their conflict resulting in an altercation in his home.
The 31-year-old Cooper man said he and his girlfriend of 11 years, who resides in the same home with their five children, tried to help Robert Jeffery in any way they could. During the 8-9 months prior to the Cooper Mart shooting they watched his four children, make sure they got to and from school, helped with school work, make sure they’ve eaten, and allowed them to stay at their home overnight.
When Robert Jeffery was arrested in 2021, Walker and his girlfriend took in his uncle’s four children. He said they will continue to raise the children and see to their wellbeing regardless of the sentence his uncle receives, just as they care for their children.
Walker takes Robert’s children to see their father for regular visitation, and the 14-year-old talks to him regularly on the phone. He said his uncle wants to be involved in their lives, shows his love by asking his children questions about their wellbeing and activities, making sure the teen daughter carries her inhaler with her in case she has an asthma attack.
Robert Jeffery’s 14-year-old has received counseling at both Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center and at her school. The high school freshman is currently “doing good,” and is an AB Honor Roll student. Thus, Walker asked that no one in the legal community talk to the high school freshman or caller to testify, because he did not want her to have to relive the experience at the gas station in 2021. Walker said he thinks of his 14-year-old cousin as if she is his own daughter. He said he’s going to make sure she and her siblings graduate from high school and go to college, if that’s the path they choose to take, just as he will with their five children.
Prosecutors and the defense had rested their cases in the punishment phase of the trial and gave closing arguments around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.
In his closing argument, attorney Clay Johnson asked the jury to consider Robert Clevon Jeffery’s age and to recognize that the 48-year-old had been “provoked over and over and over,” causing him to snap on Aug. 29, 2021, in front of Cooper Mart. Johnson said he’s not sure why Mr. Jeffery was bullied, why 22-year-old Saquan Reynolds picked on him, why they picked at each other. He asked the jury to consider that his client snapped that day, committing an act of sudden passion.
A crime of passion verdict, according to the law, reduces the charge by one letter of the law. That would reduce the murder charge from a first-degree felony to a second-degree felony offense. However, Jeffery has a prior felony conviction, which would normally enhance a charge one letter of the law. That would enhance the minimum potential range of punishment by 10 years if the jury does not determine the murder was a crime of passion, 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt explained Thursday when instructing the jury regarding the charges and potential punishment for the charges.
Johnson further argued in his closing statement that the defendant had not gone to the station with the intent to kill Mr. Wiley, and asked the jury to “show Mr. Jeffery a little mercy and grace.” Johnson asked the jury to consider sentencing Jeffery to murder, as a crime of passion.
ADA Blackmon, however, asked the jury not to be swayed by emotion, but to consider the whole picture. He said the defendant was just as much a bully as he was bullied. He argued shooting death of Wiley was not sudden, because Jeffery had previously attained the firearm. In order for the offense to be consider a crime of passion, Blackmon said, the law requires the defense to prove the offense to have been directly caused by the person killed. He contends the there was no evidence presented to support a sudden passion defense, that the defendant himself testified that Damien Wiley never said any words to him at the gas station, only packed his pack of cigarettes against his hand, which would not render a person of ordinary temper incapable of ordinary reaction. He even noted Jeffery’s daughter even questioned his actions on Aug. 29, 2022, pointing out that they could have just driven away.
Blackmon argued that at the end of the day the murder case boils down to Robert Jeffery shooting Damien Wiley in the face over a fist fight that happened a few months before the shooting. He asked them to consider what might happened to the next person Robert Jeffery has a problem with if given a light sentence, and how that would endanger the lives of others. The ADA asked the jury to consider sentencing Jeffery to life in prison.
The jury was still deliberating punishment during the noon hour Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. If they determine the murder was a crime of passion, the possible range of punishment for Jeffery is 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. If the murder is not ruled by the jury as a crime of passion, the minimum punishment would be enhanced (due to the prior felony conviction) to 15 years and the maximum 99 years or life in prison, with an option of a fine up to $10,000 for the murder of Damien Wiley. A life sentence is considered 60 year.
Based on current parole laws, the 48-year-old cooper man would be required to serve half of his sentence or 30 years, whichever is less, before becoming eligible to be considered for early parole, Judge Northcutt explained.
Crime of passion is not an issue for consideration on the aggravated assault conviction. The jury was given the option to sentence Jeffery to 5 to 99 years or life in prison, with an optional fine of up to $10,000.
The jury returned their verdict around 2:45 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, sentencing Jeffery to 45 years in prison for shooting Damien Wiley in the head, killing him in front of Cooper Mart in Delta County, and 15 years for shooting Saquan Harrion Reynold from behind, also on Aug. 29, 2021. The judge ordered the cases to be served concurrently, so while Jeffery was sentenced to a total of 60 years in prison, the 15-year aggravated assault sentence will be served at the same time as the 45-year murder sentence, according to authorities.
2022 Northeast Texas Walk Like MADD Presented By Jay Hodge Chevrolet Slated Sept. 24
Event Raises Money and Awareness To Eliminate Drunk And Impaired Driving
Anyone looking to support a cause next weekend will want be sure to put Northeast Texas Walk Like MADD, sponsored by Jay Hodge Chevrolet on the calendar.
The walk is the signature fundraiser for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and its purpose is to raise both money and awareness to eliminate drunk and impaired driving. Similar walks will be taking place in cities across the country on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, as participants work toward a future of “No More Victims.”
Registration is still open online at www.walklikemadd.org/northeasttexas. Onsite registration will run from 8 to 8:45 a.m. next Saturday, and the walk will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the Shannon Oaks Church grounds, located at 1113 East Shannon Road in Sulphur Springs. Multiple teams are already signed up to participate and enjoy music, activities, the vendor fair and food from concessions vendors.
“This is a fun event for a serious cause,” said local walk coordinator Becky Hicks. “Tropical Sno will be there selling snow cones, and our DJ will entertain us with fun music. The Kids Zone will be open with a photo area and fall games providing fun, educational activities for kids from 8 a.m. until the walk begins, then reopen after the walk ends until 1 p.m. We’ll also have Heroes, Cops, and Kids — a Dallas-based group of officers that dress up as superheroes — there to entertain the kids and pose for photos. Petie Pop will be there making balloons for kids of all ages.”
Vendors will be onsite from Becca’s Bangles, Cheryl’s Creative Corner, Farmasi, Paradise Products, Pink Zebra, and Sugarhill Sass Boutique. Amanda’s Taqueria, Bean’s Bake Shop, Tropical Sno, and Troy’s Ice Cream will also be there, Hicks noted.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s department will be cooking hot dogs, and Sulphur Springs Fire Department, Hopkins County EMS, Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Department of State Health Services will be on site, and possibly even Air One.
“Volunteers have been working hard and getting donations for police appreciation efforts, as well as getting walkers and vendors to sign up for the walk,” Hicks stated. “A big thank you to our sponsors! We truly appreciate each and every one of you!”
Jury Panel For Monday, Sept. 19 Canceled
The jury panel called to report for duty in the 62nd Judicial District Court at 9 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2022, at the Hopkins County Courthouse has been canceled, according to District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher.
Those called for this jury service do not need to report for duty.
Sulphur Springs City Council Approves Tax Rate, Budget Amendments, Appropriations Ordinances
Eligible Property Owners Will Benefit From 20% City Homestead Tax Exemption; 9% COLA Raise, Increased Longevity Pay Approved For City Employees
The regular Sulphur Springs City Council meeting was heavily focused on the budget, tax rate and impact of the economy on city finances. Some positives noted included ability of eligible Sulphur Springs property owners to benefit from a 20% homestead exemption on city property taxes for the first time; and a 9% cost of living increase, and increases in the certificate and longevity pay for city employees.
Tax Rate
Sulphur Springs City Council on first reading earlier this month approved a tax rate of 44 cents per $100 property value. This is the same tax rate the city maintained from 2002 to 2020. The tax rate was $0.42692 in the 2021 tax year, figured using the state formula to determine a taxing entity’s compressed tax rate.
The no-new-tax rate would impose the same amount of taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. The no-new-tax rate for Sulphur Springs for the 2022 tax year is $0.38333 per $100 property value. Adopting the no-new-revenue rate would lower taxes on a $100,000 home by $56.67. Adopting the no-new-revenue rate would lower the property tax levy by $694,865.
The voter approval-tax rate, the highest tax rate a taxing unit can adopt without holding an election, with one exception — the de minimis rate. The 2022 voter approval rate is $0.43204 per $100 property value.
The one exception to the voter approval tax rate is a de minimis rate. Sulphur Springs’ di minimis rate is figured at $0.46003 per $100 property value.
City officials at this time do not anticipate recommending any additional tax increases next year, so that’d be two consecutive years the rate would remain 44 cents.
Adopting a 44-cent tax rate in combination with the new 20% homestead exemption recently approved by the City Council should lower taxes on a $100,000 home $31.33 more than the no-new-revenue rate would if there were no homestead exemption, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith pointed out at the Sept. 6 Council meeting.
For every 44 cents paid in city property taxes, $0.36547 will be spent on city maintenance and operations and the remaining $0.07453 will allow the City of Sulphur Springs to keep up with payments on its $19,268,539 debt obligations. That’s $913,500 going toward debt service this year, leaving $4,481,244 for operations.
The increase this year will help support a COLA and an increase in longevity pay, as well as increased costs for materials and services in order to more adequately fund police, fire, street, parks and recreation, and maintenance departments, city officials reported during the Sept. 6, 2022 City Council meeting. The police and fire budgets alone cost $6,777, 232, covering only 66% of public safety budgets.
The total estimated property tax revenue projected for the 2022 tax year is $5,394,744. Property taxes for FY 2022-2023 are expected to raise $401,593 (8.4%) more revenue than in FY 2021-2022, including $92,174 from new property added to the tax roll this year. The net taxable value of all taxable property within Sulphur springs for the upcoming fiscal year increased by 6.6% from $1,187,758,067 to $1,266,099,512.
The City Council approved the tax rate on first reading, following a public hearing and discussion. The City Council is scheduled to hold another public hearing regarding the tax rate, the will be asked to consider for final approval on second reading Ordinance No. 2812, setting the tax rate on Sept. 20, 2022.
FY 2022-2023 Budgeting
City officials, in the initial budget draft presented for City Council consideration over the summer, had originally budgeted for a 7% COLA for city employees. Council members asked city staff to see if they could find room in the budget for a higher increase; a 9% COLA was recommended and decided on. That’s the amount factored into the proposed FY 2022-2023 budget.
Assistant City Manger/HR Director Gordon Frazier presented a proposed personnel policy change by increasing longevity pay for city employees from $4 per month to $10, with longevity to be paid annually instead of monthly. He also proposed a change in certificate pay policy. In order to get the additional pay, city employees will be required to notify them when they’ve attained additional certification, placing the responsibility on the employee, who will be paid for it as promptly as it the appropriate documentation makes it to the appropriate city office. Also, the city proposes removing one word, gap, from the city’s medical insurance policy.
The City Council approved the personnel policy changes as recommended for longevity pay, certification pay and insurance.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson proposed allocating $20,000 from the city’s asset forfeiture budget for equipment such as body cameras worn by officers, radios, radar and similar items for the police department. The City Council agreed with the proposal.
At the request of City Council men, the amount the city contributes toward upkeep of City Cemetery and Mel Haven Cemetery also will increase in the FY 2022-2023 Budget to $500.
The City Council approved the budget as presented on first reading at the Sept. 7, 2022, meeting. Another public hearing over the budget will be conducted at the 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, then, the City Council will be asked to consider approving it on second and final approval, with the 2022-2023 FY budget to begin on Oct. 1, 2022.
2021-2022 Budget Adjustments
Overall, city officials anticipate completing the 2021-2022 budget year under budget, but some areas of the budget need to be updated. The general fund balance is expected to be OK at the conclusion of the year. A few department’s budgets will be a little over budget while others finish a little better than anticipated.
Smith reported in the 2021-2022 budget, the city had to come up with $106,888 in funding to cover costs of chemicals over the past year. So a budget amendment was required for that.
The finance director/assistant city manager also reported the revenue the county and hospital district contribute toward the TIFRZ is expected to be equal to or less than the amount contributed last year. The hospital district’s tax rate dropped from 25 cents to 22 cents this year, and based on the formula used by the state is expected to be set at just over 19 cents for the coming fiscal year. The county’s tax rate too has declined.
Smith noted that the actual property tax revenues collected this year were not as high as projected as actual valued, after some protests, lowered values. When certified values are higher than the actual rates that means less revenue to be raised. An audit by the Comptroller’s Office also requires some budgetary changes, including to the airport fund which spent more on fuel but also sold more in fuel, the cost of which reflects other changes in fuel prices.
For More Information
The Proposed 2022-2023 budget can be viewed on the city website, or by clicking here.
To view additional notices and worksheets for the proposed tax rate and budget, click here.
To view the Ordinance setting the tax rate, click here.
To view the appropriations Ordinance adopting the 2022-2023 budget, click here.
To view the Ordinance amending the 2021-2022 budget, click here.
To view the Ordinance setting the master fee schedules, click here
Jeffery Found Guilty Of Murder, Aggravated Assault In 2021 Cooper Gas Station Shooting
Robert Clevon Jeffery has been found guilty of the murder of 35-year-old Damien Damon Wiley of Cooper and aggravated assault of 22-year-old Saquan Harrion Reynolds on Aug. 29, 2021, at Cooper Mart on West Dallas Street in Cooper, Texas. The jury was given the charge and began deliberating punishment for Jeffery around 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15.
The trial of Jeffery began with jury selection in Delta County, then, the determination to move the trial to the 8th Judicial District Courtroom in Hopkins County. Assistant District Attorneys Zach Blackmon and Matt Harris are prosecuting the cases; Clay Johnson is Jeffery’s attorney.
Opening arguments began shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, followed immediately with testimony by the store clerk working when the shootings occurred and four videos showing activity outside and at the store during and immediately following the shootings that resulted in Damien Wiley’s death and injury to Saquan Reynolds.
Testimony continued Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 13 and 14, before both sides rested and asked the jury to determine guilt or innocence. The jury was reported to have reached their verdict after about 1 1/2 hour of deliberations. Jeffery reportedly opted to testify during the guilt innocence phase of his trial. He did not, however, testify during the punishment phase.
The state rested their case in the punishment phase of the trial, and Johnson called Jeffery’s nephew, 31-year-old Tommy Walker Jr. of Cooper, to the stand to testify around 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15. Walker is also the cousin of Damien Wiley.
Walker testified that Jeffery over the past 8-9 months prior to the incident at Cooper Mart in his opinion had turned his life around, working at the same place he works. Walker said his uncle was getting his life back on track, going from nothing to having a home, two cars and had custody of his four children. Jefferies’ children, including his now 14-year-old daughter who was inside the Cooper Mart when the shooting occurred, had 8 years previously been placed in a group home in the foster care system when their mom passed away because their father was in jail, he testified during questioning Thursday.
Walker said he was aware of a conflict between his uncle, Wiley and Reynolds, but was never part of it and had nothing to do with any of it. In fact, he admitted under questioning by Johnson that he’d asked his cousin and uncle to leave his home during a wake previously because he did not want their conflict resulting in an altercation in his home.
The 31-year-old Cooper man said he and his girlfriend of 11 years, who reside in the same home with their five children, during that 8-9 months prior to he shooting tried to help single father Robert Jeffery in any way they could, helping him watch his four children, making sure they got to and from school, allowing them to stay at their home overnight if needed.
Walker took in his uncle Robert’s four children following the shooting last year, and said they will continue to raise the children and see to their wellbeing regardless of the sentence his uncle receives, just as they care for their children. He takes them to see their father for visitation weekly. He said his uncle asks his children questions about their wellbeing and activities, checking that the 14-year-old has her inhaler with her, letting her know his concern about her asthma.
Robert Jeffery’s 14-year-old has received counseling at both Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center and at her school, and is currently “doing good, an AB Honor Roll student. Thus, Walker asked that no one in the legal community talk to the high school freshman or caller to testify, because he did not want his uncle’s daughter to have to relive the experience at the gas station in 2021. Walker said he thinks of his 14-year-old cousin as if she is his own daughter. He said he’s going to make sure she and her sibling graduate from high school and go to college, if that’s the path they take.
Both sides had rested their cases in the punishment phase of the trial and gave closing arguments around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.
In his closing argument, attorney Clay Johnson asked the jury to consider Robert Clevon Jeffery’s age and to recognize that the 48-year-old had been “provoked over and over and over,” causing him to snap on Aug. 29, 2021, in front of Cooper Mart. Johnson said he’s not sure why Mr. Jeffery was bullied, why 22-year-old Saquan Reynolds picked on him, why they picked at each other. He asked the jury to consider that his client snapped that day, committing an act of sudden passion.
A crime of passion verdict, according to the law, reduces the charge by one letter of the law. That’d reduce the murder charge from a first-degree felony to a second-degree felony offense. However, Jeffery has a prior felony conviction, which would normally enhance a charge one letter of the law. That’d enhance the minimum potential range of punishment by 10 years if the jury does not determine the murder was a crime of passion, 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt explained Thursday when instructing the jury regarding the charges and potential punishment for the charges.
Johnson further argued in his closing statement that the defendant had not gone to the station with the intent to kill Mr. Wiley, and asked the jury to “show Mr. Jeffery a little mercy and grace.” Johnson asked the jury to consider sentencing Jeffery to murder, as a crime of passion.
In his closing argument, ADA Blackmon asked the jury not to be swayed by emotion, but to consider the whole picture. He said the defendant was just as much a bully as he was bullied. He argued shooting death of Wiley was not sudden, because Jeffery had previously attained the firearm. In order for the offense to be consider a crime of passion, Blackmon said, the law requires the defense to prove the offense to have been directly caused by the person killed. He contends the there was no evidence presented to support a sudden passion defense, that the defendant himself testified that Damien Wiley never said any words to him at the gas station, only packed his pack of cigarettes against his hand, which would not render a person of ordinary temper incapable of ordinary reaction. He even noted Jeffery’s daughter even questioned his actions on Aug. 29, 2022, pointing out that they could have just driven away.
Blackmon argued that at the end of the day the murder case boils down to Robert Jeffery shooting Damien Wiley in the face over a fist fight that happened a few months before the shooting. He asked them to consider what might happened to the next person Robert Jeffery has a problem with if given a light sentence, and how that would endanger the lives of others. The ADA asked the jury to consider sentencing Jeffery to life in prison.
The jury was still deliberating punishment during the noon hour Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. If they determine the murder was a crime of passion, the possible range of punishment for Jeffery is 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. If the murder is not ruled by the jury as a crime of passion, the minimum punishment would be enhanced (due to the prior felony conviction) to 15 years and the maximum 99 years or life in prison, with an option of a fine up to $10,000 for the murder of Damien Wiley. A life sentence is considered 60 year.
Based on current parole laws, the 48-year-old cooper man would be required to serve half of his sentence or 30 years, whichever is less, before becoming eligible to be considered for early parole, Judge Northcutt explained.
Crime of passion is not an issue for consideration on the aggravated assault conviction. The jury was given the option to sentence Jeffery to 5 to 99 years or life in prison, with an optional fine of up to $10,000.
No verdict had been reached in the punishment phase of Robert Jeffery’s trial during the lunch hour Thursday, according to court reports.
SSHS Volleyball Has Two Games Left Prior To District Season
The real test begins soon for Lady Cats volleyball.
Sulphur Springs, including Friday’s road game, plays just two more games before district play gets underway.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team hits the road Friday, taking on Clarksville at 5:30 P.M. and has a Tuesday home-match versus PTAA before Saturday’s date in Paris.
On Tuesday Sept. 13, Lady Cat volleyball ended their three-game home-stand with a loss at the hands of Melissa.
“We got down early in set one and set two. We dug ourselves in a hole that we had to dig out of,” Coach Bailey Dorner said following the loss Tuesday.
The visiting Lady Cards featured a talented squad of athletes who took advantage of Sulphur Springs mistakes. The Lady Cats had five serving errors in set two.
The loss to Melissa was the second loss in the three-game home-stand, including a sweep at the hands of former district rival Texas High. That, and they played Mount Pleasant to begin their season, plus Greenville, and Coach Dorner knows her squad has faced a challenging non-district season.
“We have a very tough pre-season, and that’s kind of been hard for our girls to realize,” Coach Bailey Dorner said.
Even with picking up some losses, the volleyball coach knows her team is all the better for it.
“The only way you get better is by playing teams who are better than you,” Coach Dorner said.
Sulphur Springs hits the road Friday, Sept. 16 when they head to Clarksville.
That match begins on Friday at 4:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Health Care Foundation, CHRISTUS Hospital – Sulphur Springs Offer Free Mammogram Clinic
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs are partnering to offer a free mammogram clinic for uninsured women in Hopkins County.
The clinic will run for two days which are Saturday, October 15, and Saturday, October 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants must be over 40 years of age and reside in Hopkins County. Only a few appointments are left, so don’t delay.
Funding is made possible by part of the proceeds of the third annual Designer Handbag Bingo held in August, as well as a matching grant from Christus Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Bingo players also made donations to aid with this outreach program.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a good time for women to schedule their mammograms.
Eligible women wishing to be included in the free mammogram clinic should call 903-438-4325 to make an appointment.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was founded in 1997 and is an IRS designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit that is governed by an independent board of directors. The Foundation exists to assist CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs in its mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Lady Cats Cross Country Places Second in Two Straight Competitions
Coach Ross Hicks’s teams had another good outing last weekend.
Saturday, Sept. 10 had both cross country teams returning to their old district course in Hallsville.
The Lady Cats finished second as a team for the second straight competition.
Haylee Schultz, fresh off winning the 4A and under division last week in Pittsburg, finished fifth at 13:44.10.
Not even 30 seconds later followed Edith Martinez, cracking the top-10 in Hallsville at ninth.
Three freshmen followed the sophomore Martinez:
- Abbey Williams, 14:56.60 (26th)
- McKenzie Buckland, 15:09.50 (29th)
- Dylan McKinney, 15:21.10 (33rd)
Cumulating just 62 points, the Lady Cats, who finished second in 4A and under, had a decent gap between them and third place Atlanta (75).
Last week Sulphur Springs took part in something of a district preview, competing at the Troy Segura Classic that just so happened to feature the top-3 teams XC will take on come district championship time.
The Lady Cats placed second, behind host Pittsburg, but did feature Schultz winning her first ever cross country competition. Martinez finished second, with Jolea Moore coming in seventh. Senior Laney Hurst finished 16th.
On the men’s side, the young cross country squad did not have the outing they had hoped for. In a crowded meet of talented competitors, Sulphur Springs as a team did not finish in the top-14.
Two freshman, Mateo Perez and Gabe Mayo, continue to have solid seasons. The Wildcats finished top-30 in yet another varsity competition.
Ivan Gonzalez, the lone returning runner from last year’s team, lead the way in 21st crossing the line at 19:35.50.
The final runner to place for Sulphur Springs, sophomore Jaydon Conner, crossing the line at 20:08.60, finished 42nd.
Next up, both cross country teams head to Longview to participate in Pine Tree’s Mike Darby Invitational.
That meet takes place Friday, Sept. 16.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
