GUILTY MT - James Hurley, 12, tortured to death, W. Yellowstone, Feb 2020 grandparents & uncle arrested #2

[Niner]

Thanks a bunch @mickey2942 - much appreciated!

100 years!?!!

Wish I knew when Batts next hearing is. Last I have is 6/11/21 & have her trial on 6/1/22.

 

[shotgun09]

I just read this article, and was going to post it. I am surprised by the hefty sentence recommended. And surprised by the guilty plea.

"A West Yellowstone man pleaded guilty Friday to three felony charges stemming from the killing of his 12-year-old grandson in early 2020 at their home near Hebgen Lake.

James Sasser Jr. admitted to felony deliberate homicide in the murder of James Alex Hurley, a 12-year-old West Yellowstone boy who was described by those who knew him as an “All-American boy” who loved football and greeted people with a big smile."

During the plea change hearing, which lasted less than half an hour, Sasser Jr. admitted under oath that Hurley’s death was “the result of an aggravated assault by James III,” as phrased by his lawyer Colin M. Stephens.

Throughout the hearing, Sasser Jr. said little more than “Yes, sir,” “Yes,” and “Yeah.”

Prior to Sasser pleading guilty, Gallatin County District Court Judge John Brown asked him if he understood the gravity of the admitting guilt."

Prosecutors Bjorn E. Boyer and Marty Lambert recommended in the plea agreement that Sasser be sentenced to 100 years in the Montana state prison for the deliberate homicide charge with none suspended, 10 years in the Montana prison for the criminal child endangerment charge with none suspended and 10 years in the Montana state prison with none suspended.

Sasser Jr.’s sentencing for his involvement in Hurley’s death is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Judge John Brown scheduled a full day for the sentencing."

The rest of the article discusses the other four involved, Patricia Batts, charged with death penalty, her trial is scheduled for next summer. Madison Sasser, on probation, James Sasser, III, incarcerated as a juvenile until age 18, and under probation until age 25, Gage Roush, probation for five years, and court ordered counseling.

So so sad! This oof of a monster, James Sasser III....gets off totally. Juvenile my butt. Like the two 'youths' in DC who carjacked and murdered a man, and now get probation. Justice? James Alex Hurley was repeatedly beaten viciously and tortured...to his death...under the watchful eyes of the entire family!, by this 'juvenile'.

And 'Grandma'? She needs the book thrown at her.
GRRRRRRRR

 

[Niner]

I'm going to go ahead & post this so I can shorten it up a bit - and it's only a day late.

Friday, August 6th:
*Plea Change Hearing (@ am MT) – MT – James Alexander Hurley (12) (found Feb. 3, 2020 deceased in living room, West Yellowstone) - for *James Danny Sasser, Jr. (47/now 49) (paternal grandfather) arrested (2/12/20), charged (2/13/20) & arraigned (3/6/20) with 1 count of felony deliberate homicide. $500K bond.
Trial was set to begin on 3/29/21 was rescheduled to 9/20/21 (for 2 weeks) & cancelled due to plea of guilty on 8/6/21.
Court info from 2/13/20 thru 7/29/20 reference post #978 here:
MT - James Hurley, 12, tortured to death, W. Yellowstone, Feb 2020 grandparents & uncle arrested #1
12/31/20 Update: Sasser Jr. will have a status hearing on 1/29/21 for deliberate homicide & criminal child endangerment, both felony charges. The hearing is scheduled to talk about deadlines & potentially set a new trial date for his case. A trial scheduled for Sasser Jr.’s case was dropped after his attorney was replaced last month. 1/29/21 Update: Next motions hearing on 7/13/21.
7/13/21 Update: Motions hearing. Sasser Jr.’s attorneys have filed multiple motions in the case. Attorneys spent the majority of a full-day motions hearing on Tuesday arguing a motion that Sasser Jr. be allowed to have contact with Sasser III. All proposed motions are due in writing to Judge John Brown by the end of the business day on July 26. Brown will issue a decision on the motions after receiving all written proposed orders. Sasser Jr.’s two-week jury trial is scheduled to begin on 9/20/21.
8/6/21 Update: James Sasser Jr. plead guilty to 3 felony charges & admitted to felony deliberate homicide in the murder of James. During the plea change hearing, which lasted less than half an hour, Sasser Jr. admitted under oath that Hurley’s death was “the result of an aggravated assault by James III,” as phrased by his lawyer Colin M. Stephens. Prior to Sasser pleading guilty, Gallatin County District Court Judge John Brown asked him if he understood the gravity of the admitting guilt." Prosecutors Bjorn E. Boyer & Marty Lambert recommended in the plea agreement that Sasser be sentenced to 100 years in the Montana state prison for the deliberate homicide charge with none suspended, 10 years in the Montana prison for the criminal child endangerment charge with none suspended & 10 years in the Montana state prison with none suspended. Sasser Jr.’s sentencing for his involvement in Hurley’s death is scheduled for 9am on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Judge John Brown scheduled a full day for the sentencing.

 

[mickey2942]

So so sad! This oof of a monster, James Sasser III....gets off totally. Juvenile my butt. Like the two 'youths' in DC who carjacked and murdered a man, and now get probation. Justice? James Alex Hurley was repeatedly beaten viciously and tortured...to his death...under the watchful eyes of the entire family!, by this 'juvenile'.

And 'Grandma'? She needs the book thrown at her.
GRRRRRRRR

Yes. I have no doubt that Madison is scary, and I pity any children who end up near her.

The Montana state "prison" for men is located in Deer Lodge, MT is actually pretty nice. Located on a huge ranch. The prisoners get to work outside on the ranch. It is seriously, one of the nicest state prisons I have ever seen.
What lies west of Deer Lodge: A glimpse inside of the Montana State Prison

The women's prison in Montana is located in Billings, and INMO, is over crowded. Not half as nice as the men's prison in Deer Lodge.

 

[Niner]

Just

up this thread - wondering if anything is happening with Batts case.

From my last notes:
Defense attorneys plan to file motions by the end of October challenging the constitutionality of the death penalty in the case, although lawyers did not go into detail on Friday about their arguments. Attorneys also agreed to move the start date for Batts trial from May 31, 2022, to June 1, 2022. The defense attorney for Batts wants the videos thrown out. Defense attorneys also shared with prosecutor Bjorn Boyer copies of four motions challenging LE searches related to their client. LE say investigators found videos on a cell phone belonging to Batts & her teenage son, James Sasser III, of the family torturing Hurley. Defense attorneys plan to file 14 other motions, including challenges to the constitutionality of capital punishment in the case, before the trail is scheduled to start.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Nov. 9th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am MT) – MT – James Alexander Hurley (12) (found Feb. 3, 2020 deceased in living room, West Yellowstone) - for *James Danny Sasser, Jr. (47/now 49) (paternal grandfather) arrested (2/12/20), charged (2/13/20) & arraigned (3/6/20) with 1 count of felony deliberate homicide, 1 count of criminal child endangerment & 1 count of tampering with witnesses & informants. $500K bond.
Trial was set to begin on 3/29/21 was rescheduled to 9/20/21 has been vacated as Sasser plead guilty on 8/6/21.
Court info from 2/13/20 thru 7/31/21 reference post #23 here:
MT - James Hurley, 12, tortured to death, W. Yellowstone, Feb 2020 grandparents & uncle arrested #2
8/6/21 Update: James Sasser Jr. plead guilty to 3 felony charges & admitted to felony deliberate homicide in the murder of James & also plead guilty to tampering with a witness & criminal child endangerment. During the plea change hearing, which lasted less than half an hour, Sasser Jr. admitted under oath that Hurley’s death was “the result of an aggravated assault by James III,” as phrased by his lawyer Colin M. Stephens. Prior to Sasser pleading guilty, Gallatin County District Court Judge John Brown asked him if he understood the gravity of the admitting guilt." Prosecutors Bjorn E. Boyer & Marty Lambert recommended in the plea agreement that Sasser be sentenced to 100 years in the Montana state prison for the deliberate homicide charge with none suspended, 10 years in the Montana prison for the criminal child endangerment charge with none suspended & 10 years in the Montana state prison with none suspended for tampering with witnesses. State agrees that the sentences run concurrently. Sasser Jr.’s sentencing for his involvement in Hurley’s death is scheduled for 9am on Tuesday, 11/9/21. Judge John Brown scheduled a full day for the sentencing.
*Patricia “Trish” Lynn Batts – last was pretrial hearing on 6/11/21. No update as of 10/24/21.
*James Danny Sasser III (14) - 10/29/20: Judge Brown handed down a sentence that requires the teen to be detained at a juvenile detention facility until he turns 18. After his release, he will be on probation until he turns 25. The 15-year-old will not be registered as a violent offender.
*Gage Anthony Roush (18) - 11/18/20: Per peal agreement Roush was given a 5 year deferred sentence for assaulting James.
*Madison Sasser (18) - 1/29/21: Per plea agreement Madison was sentenced to youth probation with the Montana Dept. of Corrections until she turns 21. After that she’ll be on adult probation until she turns 25.

 

[mrz]

Thank you for all the updates
Niner
Much appreciated!

 

[Niner]

No new articles that I can find over here - anyone hear "what" the sentence was for Sasser, Jr.?

TIA!

 

[Niner]

@mickey2942 - was wondering if there was any local news on the sentencing of Sasser last Tuesday, 11/9/21.
Not getting any updates here in Europe...

TIA if you can find something!

 

[Niner]

Giving this another

no news on Sasser, Jr.'s sentencing? TIA!

 

[Niner]

giving this another

When I search - all I'm getting are Aug. 2021 articles & before....

Looking for sentencing for Sasser, Jr. - the "father".

Anyone??!!

 

[mickey2942]

giving this another

When I search - all I'm getting are Aug. 2021 articles & before....

Looking for sentencing for Sasser, Jr. - the "father".

Anyone??!!

Nope. I checked "Bozeman Chronicle" under ",crime and courts" nothing.

 

[Niner]

Nope. I checked "Bozeman Chronicle" under ",crime and courts" nothing.

Thank you for checking this out!

 

[Niner]

West Yellowstone woman faces homicide charges, death penalty

Dec. 13, 2021
After the death of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley near Hebgen Lake in February 2020, five people, four of them Hurley’s family members, were charged with crimes related to his death. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Patricia Batts, Hurley’s paternal grandmother. Her defense attorneys are now challenging that sentence.
[.....]
Four of the five people charged have since pleaded guilty to abusing Hurley or being directly involved in his murder. Hurley’s grandmother Batts, however, has not. On May 8, 2020, Gallatin County prosecutors announced they would seek the death penalty against her. On June 12, 2021, her attorneys announced they plan to challenge the death penalty in the case.

Batts’ defense attorneys, Craig Kevin Shannon and Gregory Jackson, have “filed a notice of affirmative defense on Oct. 28 that indicates they may argue that Batts, at the time of the crime, had a mental disease or disorder that makes her unable to be put to death for the crimes if convicted,” the Chronicle reported.
[.....]
Patricia Batts’ trial is scheduled for May 31, 2022, in Gallatin County District Court overseen by Judge John Brown.


Unfortunately this article doesn't say when her next court date is.

I have this one also - but can't access it - if someone could give a 10% synopsis on this article - maybe there is the next court date in it?

Fight over death penalty brewing in West Yellowstone murder case


TIA!

 

[Niner]

and still not finding anything on Sasser's sentencing...

 

[shotgun09]

and still not finding anything on Sasser's sentencing...

I scanned through the article...over on the left side of the page was a column listing important facts and dates...including this last mention of Sasser II: BBM

Dec. 30, 2020 – Gage Roush, now 19, is sentenced to a five year deferred sentence and counseling. He pleaded guilty to felony assault on a minor in November.

Jan. 30, 2021 – Madison Sasser, now 19, pleads guilty to felony aggravated kidnapping and is sentenced to youth probation with the Montana Department of Corrections until she turns 21 and probation until she’s 25. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped the felony negligent homicide charge against her.

June 12, 2021 – Attorneys for Batts announce they plan to challenge the death penalty in this case.

Aug. 6, 2021 – James Sasser Jr. pleads guilty to felony deliberate homicide, tampering with a witness and criminal child endangerment, all felonies.

Still to come:

Jan. 14, 2022 – James Sasser Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced in Gallatin County District Court.

May 31, 2022 – Patricia Batts’ 20-day trial is scheduled to begin in Gallatin County District Court. It will be overseen by Judge John Brown.

 

[Niner]

Ah!! @shotgun09 - Thank you!!!!

 

[Niner]

Looks like James Sasser's sentencing was cancelled - but unfortunately I can't read this article per EU rules. Anyone - can you give a 10% synopsis with the new sentencing date?

Sentencing postponed for West Yellowstone man who pleaded guilty to charges related to grandson's death


TIA!

 

[shotgun09]

Looks like James Sasser's sentencing was cancelled - but unfortunately I can't read this article per EU rules. Anyone - can you give a 10% synopsis with the new sentencing date?

Sentencing postponed for West Yellowstone man who pleaded guilty to charges related to grandson's death


TIA!

From the article:

"James Sasser Jr. listens via video call as the mother of James Alex Hurley gives a victim’s statement during what was meant to be Sasser Jr.’s sentencing hearing at the Law and Justice Center on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Sasser Jr.’s sentencing was postponed because he tested positive for COVID-19 the day before and could not be physically present for the hearing.

Because Davis was already en route to Bozeman, Judge Brown began the sentencing hearing Friday morning and sent the court into recess after Davis testified.

Davis, at times through tears, told the court stories about her son. He had gone to West Yellowstone in the fall of 2017 to live with his father and spend the school year in Montana while his brother stayed with Davis in Texas. Hurley’s father died in 2018, and he went to live with the Sassers.

“He could see a complete stranger and they could be upset and he would go over there, not knowing them, and say jokes and smile and give a hug, tell them that they’re loved,” Davis said."

The sentencing was originally scheduled to take place on Sept. 9, 2021, but his attorneys Stephens and Nick K. Brooke had a scheduling conflict. The hearing was rescheduled until January 14. The court is scheduled to reconvene for the remainder of the sentencing hearing on Feb. 15, 2022 at 9 a.m. "

Thank you for following @Niner !

 

[Niner]

And Thank You @shotgun09 - for the synopsis of the article!