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 24th – updated 2p
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)
209th Court
CAPITAL MURDER
1862632 – Prosecutors Erandy Marquez and Brianna Perry – Defense Paul Morgan, Mike Haddad and Stephanie Morales (judge Brian Warren presiding: opening statements 9:30a August 24th)
Allegedly, per indictment, while in the course of committing Burglary of a Habitation the defendant Nathaniel Sewall shot and killed the owner with a firearm.
232nd Court
MURDER
1851640 – Prosecutor Kimberly Smith – Defense Murray Newman (judge Josh Hill presiding: opening statements 9:30a August 24th)
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 10a August 24th)
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: jury deliberated 2:15p – 7:19p August 21st – deliberated 9:17a – 1:36p August 24th – HUNG JURY)
338th Court
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
1941840 – Prosecutors R.J. Martinez and Elizabeth Russell – Defense Julie Ketterman and Arienna Toh (judge Michele Oncken presiding: opening statements 12p August 24th)
351st Court
MURDER
1703697 – Prosecutors Ellie Fossier and Rachel Barlow – Defense Nancy Knox-Bierman and William Cheadle (judge Nata Cornelio presiding: state’s evidence resumes 10:30a August 24th)
Kelly Slayton, 24, has been charged with murder after missing Houston man Joshua Pavey, 30, was found fatally shot inside her northwest Harris County apartment.
According to court records, Pavey suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. Investigators were led to Slayton after she was arrested near Fort Worth following an alleged road-rage shooting and police chase while driving Pavey’s vehicle.
Surveillance video reportedly showed Slayton and Pavey entering the apartment, but Pavey was never seen leaving. Slayton was later recorded removing items from the apartment and eventually leaving in Pavey’s vehicle.
Pavey was last seen December 19 and was reported missing after he failed to show up for work. Investigators subsequently searched Slayton’s apartment and discovered his body in a bedroom.
Slayton is charged with murder. The charge is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
497th Court
ARSON
1901532 – Prosecutors Alex Nutt and Paul Escamilla – Defense Jerome Godinich (judge Peyton Peebles presiding: voir dire process afternoon of August 24th)
Allegedly, per indictment, the defendant Arnold Sandoval III ignited a liquid with the intent to burn down a building
ERD Court
ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER – CHOKING
1940756 – Prosecutor Emma Bonnet – Defense Michel Roman, Jedrick Burgos and Robert Williams (visiting judge Lisa Burkhalter presiding, 4th floor Family Law Center: voir dire process afternoon of August 24th)
ERD Court
SEXUAL ASSAULT
1797634 – Prosecutors Jay Gordon and Lisa Calligan – Defense Wilvin Carter and Teresa Lakho (visiting judge Kaycee Jones presiding, 4th floor Family Law Center: opening statements 9a August 24th – defendant failed to show for court on August 24th and is being tried in absentia)
Court 8
ASSAULT
2599229 – Prosecutor ? – Defense Ruben Restrepo, Jr. (judge ? presiding: jury picked August 24th – opening statements August 25th)
Court 16
DWI
2595605 – Prosecutor Meher Iqbal – Defense Sarah Gaucher and Duncan Isaac (judge Linda Garcia presiding: state’s case to resume August 24th)