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
AUG 20th – updated 6a
174th Court
MURDER
1788838 – Prosecutors Jayelle Lozoya and Danielle Oxford – Defense Jerome Godinich and Gary Polland (judge Hazel Jones presiding – court trial: state’s case resumes 10a August 20th)
179th Court
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
1828565 – Prosecutors Marie Defretin and Radarius Morrow – Defense Jessica Anderson and Jorge Garcia Diaz (judge Ana Martinez presiding: opening statements 1p August 24th)
208th Court
BURGLARY OF A HABITATION
1927491 – Prosecutor Skylar Detjen – Defense Chadrick Henderson (visiting judge James Shoemake presiding: closing arguments 10a August 21st)
232nd Court
MURDER
1851640 – Prosecutor Kimberly Smith – Defense Murray Newman (judge Josh Hill presiding: voir dire process afternoon of August 20th)
262nd Court
MURDER
1803868 – Prosecutors Jacob Salinas and Anthony Esparza – Defense Brad Haggard and Jason Luong (judge Lori Chambers Gray presiding: state’s case resumes 9:30a August 20th)
According to a Houston Police Department press release, Joshua Toliver, 30, was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and felon in possession of a weapon following a January 9, 2023 shooting at a convenience store located at 3341 Winbern Street in Houston.
Police reported that Craig Jefferson, 34, was fatally shot, while a second man, 45, was wounded and transported to a hospital in stable condition. Investigators believe Jefferson and the suspect became involved in an argument that escalated into gunfire, after which the shooter fled the scene on foot. HPD homicide investigators subsequently identified Toliver as the suspect. He was arrested without incident and charged in the 262nd State District Court of Harris County
263rd Court
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
1958216 – Prosecutors Cody Kelemen and Sara Singer – Defense Terrance Jewett and Scott Chapmann (judge Melissa Morris presiding: state’s case resumes 9a August 20th)
January 31, 2024 — Houston police have charged Oscar Vasquez-Guzman, 42, with murder in connection with a shooting that killed 19-year-old Otarion Lomax and wounded two women, ages 18 and 19.
According to HPD, the three victims were traveling southbound on the Southwest Freeway (U.S. 59) near Hillcroft Avenue on January 26 when someone in a gray or silver Toyota Tundra opened fire on their vehicle.
The victims were transported by private vehicle to a hospital on Beechnut Street. Lomax suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound and died the following day. The two women sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated and released.
Investigators identified Vasquez-Guzman as a suspect, and he was arrested on January 30. He was booked into the Harris County Jail and charged with murder in the 263rd District Court.
Source: Houston Police Department
ERD Court
AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
1908051 – Prosecutors R.G. and Morgan Kline – Defense Allison Mathis and Stephen Touchstone (visiting judge Susan Brown presiding, 4th floor Family Law Center: punishment evidence continues 9a August 20th)
Court 3
DWI
2601865 – Prosecutor Heather Erickson – Defense Maverick Ray and Savannah Luna (judge Leslie Johnson presiding: state’s case resumes August 20th)
Court 16
DWI
2595605 – Prosecutor Meher Iqbal – Defense Sarah Gaucher and Duncan Isaac (judge Linda Garcia presiding: state’s case to resume August 20th)