Acker Capital Murder Decision to Go Before Supreme Court
The Capital Murder verdict delivered in Eighth Judicial Court in 2001 will go before the United States Supreme Court after all other appeals have provided questions that can only be answered by the nations top court. Daniel Clate Acker, 46, is on Death Row convicted of the kidnapping and murder of 32-year old Marquetta “Markie” George. Acker, a native of Hunt County, was 29 at the time of his conviction. County Judge Robert Newsom was the District Judge who presided during the trial. Local attorney Frank Long was the District Attorney.
Acker was no stranger to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prior to his Capital Murder Conviction. He was received in TDCJ in May, 1993 on a ten year sentence for Burglary of a Habitation in Delta County. Released on parole in October of 1995, he returned in April of 1997 without a new conviction. He was released on Mandatory Supervision in September 1999. He was accused of the murder of George in March, 2000.
Acker, a laborer with an 8th grade education, and George left their rented trailer home to attend a rodeo and then “Bustin’ Loose”, a honky-tonk at the Southern edge of Sulphur Springs on State Highway 154. At the honky-tonk, they argued and witnesses say he threatened to kill her. Acker was kicked out of the club but returned looking for George. He went home around 1 a.m. without her. She showed up the next morning when a bouncer from the club took her home. She admitted to spending the night with the bouncer. Neighbors testified that George ran out of the house screaming for them to call the sheriff. Acker forced George into his pickup and that’s when the story became somewhat murky.
The means of George’s death seems to be in question and that is the intent of the appeal. Different means of death are now being presented. All would have been at the hand of Acker. In appeals court it was presented that Acker strangled her and then removed her from the pickup. Another theory is that she was not strangled but died of blunt force injuries. In district court, testimony pointed toward Acker opening George’s passenger side door while the vehicle was in motion and pushing her from the vehicle causing her death. The question of new evidence has not been defined by the Supreme Court in the context of actual innocence.
Acker’s attorney expects a decision by the Supreme Court in August of this year.
Yantis ISD Has Two Hour Delay Tuesday
Yantis ISD will start their Tuesday with a two hour delay unless an early morning decision is made to cancel classes for the day.
Cumby ISD Delays Start Two Hours for Tuesday
Cumby ISD will start their Tuesday at 10 a.m. unless an early morning evaluation calls for closure.
North Hopkins ISD Plans Two Hour Delay for Tuesday Start
Darin Jolley, Superintendent of North Hopkins ISD has announced a 10 a.m. Tuesday start for classes. He stated a re-evaluation regarding possible cancellation will be made before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Courthouse Opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday Due to Weather Conditions
Hopkins County Courthouse will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 16th. Emergency personnel are not included in the delayed opening. Law enforcement, fire, and road crews should check with their supervisors and elected officials, according to County Judge Robert Newsom.
SSISD Sets Two Hour Delay Start for Tuesday, January 16
Sulphur Springs ISD will delay the start of school two (2) hours on Tuesday, January 16, unless the administration determines classes will be cancelled. The decision to cancel classes will be made by 6:30 a.m.
Saltillo Schools Closed Tuesday
Saltillo ISD had announced a 10 a.m. start but will be CLOSED for school Tuesday, January 16th. According to Tim Lane, the district will evaluate the road and weather conditions early Tuesday morning. Stay tuned to this post and KSST for more information.
Como-Pickton CISD Closed Tuesday, January 16, 2018
In anticipation of difficult road conditions caused by expected rain, sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures, Como-Pickton CISD has announced there will be no classes Tuesday, January 16. No school Tuesday.
