Step-mother Arrested in Murder of Six Year Old in Franklin County
December 31, 2015 – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Mount Vernon Police Department assisted by the Texas Rangers are investigating the murder of a six year old male child, Wesley Benjamin “Ben” Roycroft, at the Logan’s Pointe Apartments on Whitten Drive in Mount Vernon, Texas. Suspect Christie Lynn Roycroft, a 30 year old female and step-mother to Benjamin, was taken into custody at the scene by responding officers...
Four Arrested in Drug Bust
A drug bust for the Sulphur Springs Special Crimes Unit Wednesday night resulted in the recovery of a weapon and the arrest of four individuals. All four are in Hopkins County Jail where Justice of the Peace B J Teer set bond at $30,000 each. Other information regarding the arrest is unavailable due to holiday. Arrested were: Jennifer Leigh Jesters Cain, 32, Blake Adam Friddle 21, ...
Weather Summary for 2015 Show Rainfall 22 Inches Above Average
According to the Sulphur Springs, the city Water Treatment Plant, rainfall for 2015 resulted in a total of 69.36 inches with 11.28 inches falling in December. Annual rainfall for Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County averages 47.2 inches according to the United States Climate Data. The Christmas weekend, December 26-28, produced over 7 inches of the month’s total. December 13th was another day for a downpour with 2.77 inches. December...
Capital Murder Pleas Save County Money
When Patrick Wayne McMahan and Cody Scott Shaw plead guilty to the capital murder of their employer Gary Maynard, Hopkins County breathed a sigh of relief. Citizens in the county were relieved that the event of Mr. Maynard’s murder had found a just ending and they were relieved that the bulk of the cost of a capital murder trial had been averted. Shaw was sentenced to life in prison without parole and McMahan to straight life with...
New Handgun Laws January 1st
Hand gun license laws change January 1st. Weapons may be concealed or carried openly with certain restrictions under the new license. Those weapons carried openly must be in a belt holster or shoulder holster. The law has a variety of requirements. Sulphur Springs Patrol Captain Jason Ricketson advises those seeking more information on the law to use legitimate sources such as the official Department of Public Safety site. He stated...
McMahan Pleads Guilty; Sentenced to Life in Prison
December 29, 2015 – Tuesday afternoon in 8th Judicial District court, Patrick Wayne McMahan, 31, plead guilty to the murder of 66-year old Gary Maynard at his home. McMahan was sentenced to life in prison, straight time, by District Judge Eddie Northcut. McMahan will be eligible for parole in 30 calendar years. McMahan’s plea will save Hopkins County as much as $300,000 in attorney’s fees and court expense. He was to...
Shaw Pleads Guilty; Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole
December 28, 2015 – Cody Scott Shaw, 27, entered a plea of guilty to Capital Murder charges in the murder and robbery of 66-year old Gary Maynard. Shaw entered his plea Monday afternoon, December 28, 2015, during a pretrial hearing in 8th Judicial District Court. District Judge Eddie Northcutt sentenced Shaw to life in prison without parole. The sentence came as a part of an agreement for the guilty plea. Shaw is one of two...
Harry Washington’s Love for Hopkins County Motivated His Candidacy for Sheriff
The purpose of his campaign is found in the fundamentals of this county. Harry Washington, candidate for Hopkins County Sheriff, wants to be able to protect the citizens of Hopkins County and their property. He has roots in the county. Before announcing his candidacy, he sought his uncle’s blessing, which he did receive. He has discussed his desire to seek the office with Sheriff Butch Adams had waited until Sheriff Adams’...
Child Killed in Accident
A 7-year old boy was killed in an accident involving a collision between a pair of 18-wheelers. The accident occurred on westbound I-30 at the 122 mile marker near the League Street exit just before 10 p.m. Saturday. Sulphur Springs Police Patrol Captain Jason Ricketson told KSST News Monday morning that two 18-wheelers ran together. It is thought that the child was wearing a seatbelt. The accident shut down westbound I-30 for some...
Updated Monday: Flash Flood Warning Extended Into Evening Hours
With flooding across a number of Farm-to-Market and county roads reported at midday Monday, the National Weather Service has once again extended the Flood Warning. This extension is until 7:15 p.m. Monday. Motorists are advised to turn around where water covers and/or is flowing over the roadway. The National Weather Service had extended the Flood Warning until 1:15 p.m. Monday, December 28. County Road culverts and roadways...
