NEWS
Clay County Court takes animals, Ratliff arrested on 49 new complaints
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Edward Michael Ratliff was divested of all his livestock in a Wednesday afternoon hearing in Clay County and afterward, he was arrested on a warrant for 49 additional complaints of cruelty to livestock animals.
The 66-year-old Bowie attorney was originally arrested on Oct. 26 after sheriff’s deputies investigated a report of malnourished animals on property owned by Ratliff in southern Clay County. The investigators reported they found malnourished and deceased animals on the property.
A search and seizure warrant was executed on the property on Oct. 26, and deputies seized five horses including two that had serious injuries, plus 38 assorted cows and bulls. Deputies said they found one cow that was down and ill, one deceased Longhorn that appeared to have died of starvation and skeletal remains of at least four cows. The number of cattle was increased to 45 in the latest warrant affidavit from Nov. 9.
Read the full story in your weekend Bowie News.
The jury was seated on Monday and the opening day of testimony Tuesday only lasted four hours, before the panel went into deliberations about 2 p.m.
Two hours later the jury returned a guilty verdict on both charges. Wednesday morning the jury was set to begin discussion on Hall’s punishment at 8:30 a.m. with both sides offering evidence and testimony. Hall faces up to 10 years in prison.
The trial was moved to Denton County on a change of venue requested by Hall in March. After 16th District Judge Sherry Shipman read the verdict, it was reported Hall hung her head in disappointment and was later seen crying and emotional as she left the courtroom.
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. on May 13 in council chambers.
The meeting opens with a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week.
City Manager Bert Cunningham will report on recent rainfall problems, Smythe Street sidewalk project and the substation work.
There is only one item of new business an ordinance related to speed limits on specific streets. Public comments and approval of minutes wrap up the agenda.
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