About the Author Jeff “The Rosster” Ross
I am a 42-year veteran Prosecutor (television clips) , Chief Prosecutor (newspaper clips) and criminal defense lawyer – and I created this website to acknowledge the excellent efforts of my colleagues who work with felonies and misdemeanors at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in Houston, Texas.
I publish trials in progress, trial verdicts, in-trial pleas and dismissals, trial setting dismissals, trial standings, judge standings, lawyer statistics, lawyer standings, photos and other court news and nuggets.
“My goal is to shine a light on the fine prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and other courthouse personnel who serve the interest of justice in our community. Our work is the last line of defense for those who will lose their freedom or become free. Thanks to all for your fine work!”
For additions, deletions, corrections or to send a head shot or trial victory in another county please contact me at (cell) 713-582-4462 or (email) jeffross486@gmail.com
Published: Weekly – Every Friday by 5pm – Publishing deadline is 3pm Fridays – First Publication February 2017
“TRIAL IN PROGRESS” – HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE. Trials in Progress are updated twice-a-day and the information is gathered from the Harris County District Clerk’s website – “preview docket sheet” found under the“images” tab of the case summary page
trials in progress: MAY 4, 2026 – updated 6a
177th – MURDER
1731660 – Prosecutors Erandy Marquez and Gina Gilmore – Defense Neil Krugh and Kyle Sampson (judge Emily Detoto presiding: closing arguments 9:30a May 4th) HPD PRESS RELEASE
228th – MURDER
1535565 – Prosecutor Heather Axline and Connor Lasater – Defense Stephen Touchstone and Gianpaolo Macerola (judge Caroline Dozier presiding: jury deliberated 10:03a – 12:45p April 30th – jury deliberated 9a – Allen charge read in afternoon until 6:17p May 1st – to continue deliberations 8:30 May 4th) FOX26NEWS
232nd – AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
1768463 – Prosecutors Alex Napuri and Jay Gordon – Defense Matt Gilliam and Lauren Stanbery (judge Josh Hill presiding: voir dire process – busted panel April 30th, busted panel May 1st – try again May 4th)
248th – AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER
1846989 – Prosecutors Tyler Arner, Gage Wiley and Elyse Garza – Defense Billy Morian III and Carlos Aguayo (judge Hilary Unger presiding: defense’s case resumes 9:30a May 5th)
263rd – ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER – CHOKING
1925558 – Prosecutor Sarah Staub – Defense Cedric Davis and Bryant Daniels (judge Melissa Morris presiding: opening statements 10a May 4th)
338th – AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
1863387 – Prosecutors RJ Martinez and Elizabeth Russell – Defense Eddie Cortes and Lara Autrey (judge MIchele Oncken presiding: opening statements 12p May 4th)
ERD Court – CONTINUOUS SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD
1877862 – Family Law Center 4th floor – Prosecutors Mikeala Morris and Nevin Day – Defense Rebecca Miller and Joseph Bayer (judge Jim Anderson presiding: opening statements 9:15a May 4th)
Longtime Criminal Defense Attorney John Petruzzi gets punched unconscious by his client in the 178th criminal courtroom after the judge gave the client a 50-year prison sentence for Murder. See the full story and interview with John on FOX26NEWS