CIVIL
KEVIN CROWN v. SCOTT & WHITE CLINIC
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-20-001832;
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM, 200th District Court
DATES: January 12 – 16, 2026
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Jay Harvey, Winkler Harvey/Mark McLean, McLean Law PC [Austin]
Defendants: Brian O’Toole, Griffith Davison [Austin]/Laura O’Toole, German Beaman & Brown PLLC [Austin]
Summary: Plaintiff claims he received permanent near-fatal injuries following the performance of gallbladder removal surgery. Eleven of the jurors found that the Scott & White Clinic, through its employee, Wade Dunlap, MD, did not proximately cause injury to Plaintiff Kevin Crown.
JOSE ANTONIO VENERO v. JUAN ANTONIO LOZADA
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-002358
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER, 345th District Court
DATES: January 13 – 16, 2026
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Jason Snell/Lynn Watson, Snell Law [Austin]
Defendant: Pro Se, Licensed Attorney in Colorado and Texas [Miami, FL]
Summary: Plaintiff sued Defendant for defamation based on a published interview in an on-line publication that is read by the Venezuelan immigrant community. (Both parties are naturalized citizens from Venezuela.) Defendant denied that the statement(s) that the plaintiff was a scammer and a criminal were defamatory. Defendant filed a counter-claim that Plaintiff’s lawsuit was an abuse of process. The court found that the defendant’s statements were defamatory per se prior to trial. Eleven members of the jury found that Defendant’s statement was not substantially true, the defendant knew or should have known that the statement was not true, and awarded as follows: Injury to reputation sustained in the past - $25,000; injury to reputation in the future - $15,000; past mental anguish - $50,000; future mental anguish - $25,000. The jury further found by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant knew the statement was false to the extent that the defendant had serious doubts as to the truth of the allegations and awarded $500,000 in exemplary damages. (Note: Since the jurors were not unanimous, the exemplary damages cannot be awarded.)
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO. STATE OF TEXAS v. BENJAMIN BRUCE
CAUSE NO. D-1-DC-25-904088
JUDGE: DAYNA BLAZEY, 167th District Court
DATES: January 12-16, 2026
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jacob Salinas/Alexis Gonzales [Austin]
Defendant: Michael Watson/Angelica Cogliano [Austin]
Summary: Defendant was alleged to have entered an apartment through the window and then touched a female minor in two separate places. The jury found the defendant not guilty on the offense of Indecency of a child by contact, guilty of burglary of a habitation, and guilty of indecency with a child by contact.
STATE OF TEXAS v. REYMUNDO CARDENAS-GUTIERREZ
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-25-204039
JUDGE: CLIFFORD BROWN, 147th District Court
DATES: January 13-14, 2026
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Clayton Myers/Max Shaps [Austin]
Defendant: Henry Curtis Woodcock [Austin]
Summary: The Defendant was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to a district attorney press release, the defendant was arrested by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in May 2025 for attacking two victims. The jury convicted the defendant, and the court sentenced him to four years in prison.
STATE OF TEXAS v. DANIEL QUESNEL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-24-500421
JUDGE: BRANDY MUELLER, 403rd District Court
DATES: January 20-22, 2026
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jacob Salinas/Alexis Gonzales [Austin]
Defendant: Michael Watson/Angelica Cogliano [Austin]
Summary: Defendant was charged with indecency with a child. The jury found the defendant not guilty.
CIVIL
ALAN LIMUEL v. CITY OF AUSTIN
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-002207
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE, 459th District Court
DATES: Dec. 8-15, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Gary Bledsoe, The Bledsoe Law Firm, and Francesca A. Di Troia, Barron & Newburger, PC (Austin)
Defendant: Kimberly Miers/Melissa Ackie, Littler Mendelson (Austin)
Summary: Plaintiff filed an employment lawsuit alleging disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, and retaliation. Defendant denied Plaintiff’s claim and stated he was terminated for cause in the Defendant’s motion for Summary Judgment. Ten of the jurors found that the City of Austin terminated or discharged Plaintiff from employment after Jan. 28, 2021; refused to accept Plaintiff’s disability paperwork and documentation during the Jan. 28, 2021 termination meeting; refused to process Plaintiff’s request for disability accommodation or to engage in an interactive process and refused to provide disability department services to Plaintiff after his termination while he was appealing the decision. Further, the jury found that Defendant failed to provide a reasonable workplace accommodation to Plaintiff, Plaintiff was unable to perform the essential function of his position (dead animal collection operator) without reasonable accommodation; and disability was a motivating factor in Defendant’s decision to terminate or discharge the Plaintiff. The jury awarded the following damages: Backpay - $130,000; past compensatory damages - $30,000; future compensatory damages - $0; and front pay (equitable remedy to compensate Plaintiff for future loss of wages and benefits - $730,000.
ALAN COY v. STEVEN SHEEHAN
CAUSE NO: C-1-CV-20-005029
JUDGE: TODD WONG, County Court at Law #1
DATES: Dec. 9, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: David Rodriguez, Rodriguez Law Firm (San Antonio)
Defendant: Robert McGann (Edinburg)
Summary: In November 2018, Plaintiff claims that Defendant was negligent when Defendant entered into Plaintiff’s right of way and caused him injury. A unanimous jury panel found that neither party was negligent.
JANE DOE 1; JANE DOE 2 v. BENJAMIN DAVID BERKOWITZ and ANDRES AIZA
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-24-004090
JUDGE: MARIA CANTU HEXSEL, 53rd District Court
DATES: Dec. 9-19, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Thomas Sellers (Fort Worth)
Defendant: Ryan Squires (Austin)
Summary: Plaintiffs claim that they were sexually assaulted by Defendants. Defendants filed a counterclaim for defamation. The jury deadlocked after the court issued additional instructions.
CRIMINAL
STATE OF TEXAS v. KEVIN DENMON
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-23-302255
JUDGE: CHANTAL ELDRIDGE, 331st District Court
DATES: Dec. 1-4, 2025
ATTORNEYS
State of Texas: Cindy Izquierdo/Lorraine Garcia
Defendant: Michael Thomas Watson (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was arrested for indecency with a child by exposure. The jury convicted Defendant and sentenced him to seven years in prison.
STATE OF TEXAS v. RANDI MATUL BARRIOS
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-24-302617
JUDGE: BRENDA KENNEDY, 403rd District Court (Visiting Judge)
DATES: Dec. 2–3, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Yasmeen Aboellhasan/Emily Scholten
Defendant: Raymond Espersen (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was indicted for 13 counts. The jury found Defendant guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, two counts of Indecency with a child by sexual contact, and three counts of sexual assault of a child. The jury sentenced him to serve life without parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, 20 years for each of the two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact, and 20 years for each of the three counts of sexual assault of a child. His sentences will run concurrently.
STATE OF TEXAS v. VINCENTE REVELES
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-300384
JUDGE: DAYNA BLAZEY, 167th District Court
DATES: Dec. 8-12, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Kiera Kilday
Defendant: Allison Tisdale (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was charged with aggravated assault - discharge of a firearm for shooting another person in downtown Austin. The jury found Defendant guilty of murder and deadly conduct and sentenced Defendant to 30 years for the murder and 10 years for the deadly conduct - discharge of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently.
STATE OF TEXAS v. ELLIOTT GARCIA
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-25-904061
JUDGE: BRANDY MUELLER, 403rd District Court
DATES: Dec. 9-12, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jean Sullivan
Defendant: Scott A. Constantine (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was charged with murder. According to the DA press release, Defendant was accused of assaulting and confronting staff at a South Austin strip club, and Garcia shot the individual when he was waiting outside the club for a ride. The jury found Defendant guilty of murder and sentenced him to 30 years.
STATE OF TEXAS v. DANIEL GRICE
D-1-DC-25-904078
JUDGE: BRAD URRUTIA, 450th District Court
DATES: Dec. 10-11, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Alexis Musick
Defendant: Rob Chesnutt
Summary: Defendant was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon because the victim claimed that Defendant pulled a semiautomatic pistol from his waistband and pointed the gun at the victim and then at his own head. The jury found Defendant not guilty.
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-007144; PPF AMLI SIMOND AVENUE, LLC v. TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: November 3-5, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Dan McDonald, McDonald Law Firm, PC [Fort Worth]
Defendant: Mary Sanchez, Evertson & Sanchez, PC [Austin]
Summary: Plaintiff appealed the 2023 tax year assessed value set by the Travis Appraisal Review Board. Ten of the jurors agreed that the equal and uniform value of the subject property, commonly known as AMLI at Mueller as of Jan. 1, 2023 was $78,141,044.00.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-24-007395; ANYA SABO v. STATE FARM MUTUAL AUSTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: November 3-5, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Ben Newman [Austin]
Defendant: J. Hampton Skelton, Skelton and Woody, PLLC [Austin]
Summary: Plaintiff, Anya Sabo was involved in an automobile accident on Dec. 2020. The other driver’s policy limits of $300,000.00 was paid to the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff had an underinsured policy with State Farm in the amount of $250,000.00 per person and $10,000.00 in Personal Injury Protection. A jury of 11 awarded the following damages: Past physical pain and mental anguish-$200,000.00; Future physical pain and mental anguish-$1,350,000.00; Past physical impairment-$200,000.00; Future physical impairment-$800,000.00; Past medical care expenses for necessary medical care-$100,000.00 and Future medical care expenses for necessary medical care-$200,000.00.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-23-008696; CIRILIO SANCHEZ, III v. STEPHANIE SANCHEZ
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: November 18-21, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Ard Ardalan, Ardalan Law Firm, PLLC [Austin]
Defendants: Michelle Garcia Shaw, Martinez, Dieterich & Zarcone Legal Group [Edinburg]
Summary: On or about February 2023, Plaintiff claims that the Defendant was negligent and caused him injury. The Defendant stated that another vehicle hit her on the driver’s side which caused her to shift lanes and hit the Plaintiff in the rear. 10 of the jurors found that the Defendant was not negligent.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-23-007458; ELLA MAE EDWARDS v. ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ GARCIA III, ESTES EXPRESS LINES, DAVID BUSTILLO, SYSCO CENTRAL TEXAS, INC.
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: November 18-20, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Nicholas J. Coward, Shamieh Law [Dallas]
Defendants:
Antonio Rodriguez Garcia, III and Estes Express Lines-Jason E. Kipness, Murphy Legal [College Station]
Sysco Corporation, Sysco Food Services, Inc. and David Bustillo-Justin Click, Hartline Barger, LLP [Houston]
Summary: The lawsuit arises from an accident that occurred on or about November 2021 when Defendant, David Bustillo vehicle struck a drivetrain which had fallen from an unknown vehicle. The Plaintiff then struck the drivetrain which traveled into her lane, subsequently the vehicle operated by Defendant Antonio Rodriguez Garcia, III struck the rear of the Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant, Bustillo was working for Sysco Central Texas, Inc. at the time of the accident and Defendant, Garcia was working for Estes Express Lines at the time of the accident. Ten jurors found that Defendant, John Doe was 100% negligent and found no negligence for Defendants, David Bustillo, Antonio Rodriguez Garcia, III and Plaintiff, Ella Mae Edwards. [The Court’s charge defined “John Doe” as a fictitious name and refers to the unknown person who left the drive shaft on the road at the time of the incident.]
CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-23-007030; RICHARD WARTON v. JOHN RISTAINO
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: November 17-19, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Price Ainsworth, Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC [Austin]
Defendant: Brett H. Payne, Walters, Balido & Crain, LLP [Austin]
Summary: Plaintiff claimed that he was injured when the Defendant negligently merged into the Plaintiff’s lane and struck the side of the Plaintiff’s vehicle. Agreed Motion to Dismiss with Prejudice was filed after a jury was chosen and the jurors were dismissed prior to receiving the Court’s Charge.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-25-207505; STATE OF TEXAS v. JOSE ANTONIO OLVERA ESCALANTE
JUDGE: DIMPLE MALHOTRA
DATES: Nov 3-4, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Brooks Lachowsky
Defendant: Alfonso Carlos Hernandez
Summary: Defendant was charged with violation of bond and protective order. The jury found the Defendant guilty. The Defendant was sentenced to 30 days in County Jail.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-900135; STATE OF TEXAS v. DANIEL SANCHEZ
JUDGE: KAREN SAGE
DATES: Nov. 3 – 17, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Rob Drummond
Defendant: William Heilman
Summary: Plaintiff was indicted for knowingly discharging a firearm at or in the director of one or more individuals. A mistrial was declared after an Allen charge was given.
CAUSE NO. C-1-CR-23-501698; STATE OF TEXAS v. DELAISHA ABONE-FORCEY
JUDGE: CARLOS BARRERA
DATES: Nov. 17 – 20, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jonathan Ramirez
Defendant: Mark Hopkins/Benjamin Gergen/Kenavon Tramayne Cater
Summary: Defendant was charged with the offense of assault causing bodily injury which alleged to have occurred in May 2023. The jury found the Defendant not guilty.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-21-206082; STATE OF TEXAS v. BYRON MINTON
JUDGE: DAYNA BLAZEY
DATES: November 17–22, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Amanda McColgan
Defendant: Charles F. Baird
Summary: The Defendant was charged with assault by strangulation/suffocation-Family Violence [spouse]. The jury found the Defendant not guilty on the offenses of Family Assault/Household Member by Impediment. The court issued an Allen charge for the 2nd count for Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon and a mistrial was declared.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-25-904089; STATE OF TEXAS v. ROBERTO DIGGS-POWELL
JUDGE: BRAD URRUTIA
DATES: November 19 - 21, 2025
ATTORNEYS
State of Texas: Kate Hall/Jacob Swaab
Defendant: Michael Thomas Watson [Austin]
Summary: The Defendant was arrested and charged with Burglary with Intent to Commit a Sexual Assault on or about August 2024. The jury convicted the Defendant and sentenced him to 18 years in prison.
CIVIL
ALTA MENSA, LLC d/b/a ALTA TOWERS ADVISORS and ANDREI DUTA v. ZEEP, INC.
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-000306
Judge: Catherine Mauzy, 419th District Court
Dates: Oct. 6-8, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiffs: Russell Horton, George Brothers Kincaid & Horton, LLP (Austin)
Defendant: Adam Schiffer, Brown Rudnick, LLP (Houston)
Summary: Plaintiffs sued Zeep, Inc., claiming breach of contract arising out of a broker agreement. Plaintiffs claimed that despite identifying a buyer, Defendant refused to pay the contractually obligated success fee to Plaintiffs. A unanimous jury found that the defendant failed to comply with the agreement. (The defendant stipulated to damages prior to the jury trial.)
ARIELLE CARRARA v. RONALD J. MARBLE, IND. and PROGRESSIVE COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
Cause No: C-1-CV-21-004574
Judge: Todd Wong, County Court at Law #1
Dates: Oct. 20-21, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Jose A. Chapa, Jr., Jose A. Chapa Law Firm, PLLC (McAllen)
Defendants: Progressive-Brett Payne, Walters, Balido & Crain, LLP (Austin)
Summary: On or about June 2020, Plaintiff was rear-ended by the defendant, Ronald Marble, after she stopped at a red light. A unanimous jury awarded the following damages: Past physical pain – $10,000; future physical pain – $0; past physical impairment – $0; future physical impairment – $0; past reasonable expenses of necessary medical care – $37,441.92; past mental anguish – $0; future mental anguish – $0. (Plaintiff had settled with Defendant Marble. Defendant Progressive was dismissed after the jury verdict because the plaintiff’s total damages did not exceed the settlement credit of $100,000.)
IN RE COMMITMENT OF MICHAEL BRUCE ORTEGA
Cause No.: D-1-GN-24-009741
Judge: Bob Perkins, 390th District Court
Dates: Oct. 20-23, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Sarah Waller, Special Prosecution Unit (Huntsville)
Defendant: Ugochukwu Olike, State Counsel for Offenders (Conroe)
Summary: State of Texas filed a civil commitment action pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 841 against Michael Ortega, requesting that he be found to be a sexually violent predator and committed for treatment and supervision. The jury found beyond a reasonable doubt that Michael Ortega was a sexually violent predator.
CRIMINAL
STATE OF TEXAS v. JULIAN CALDWELL
Cause No.: C-1-CR-25-206013
Judge: Kim Williams, County Court at Law #9
Dates: Oct. 6-7, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Bailee Beilman
Defendant: George Lobb (Austin)
Summary: The state charged the defendant, by information, with making a terroristic threat to cause fear of imminent bodily injury. The jury found the defendant not guilty.
STATE OF TEXAS v. BRANDON ANTHONY DONALD
Cause No.: D-1-DC-24-204321
Judge: Melissa Goodwin (Visiting Judge), 147th District Court
Dates: Oct. 6 – 9, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Clayton Myers
Defendant: Michael Watson (Austin)
Summary: The defendant was indicted for committing the offense of assault/aggravated assault by intentionally, recklessly, and knowingly causing bodily injury to the victim by shooting the victim in the chest and legs with a deadly weapon. The defendant asserted justification by self-defense. After an Allen charge was issued, a mistrial was declared.
STATE OF TEXAS v. JENNER RAMIREZ
Cause No.: D-1-DC-25-904083
Judge: Chantal Eldridge, 331st District Court
Dates: Oct. 6 – 9, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Cindy A. Izquierdo/John Castro
Defendant: Raymond Espersen (Austin)
Summary: The defendant was indicted for the offenses of sexual abuse of a child victim under 14, indecency with a child – sexual contact, and aggravated sexual assault of a child. The defendant was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency of a child by contact. The defendant was found not guilty on a separate count of indecency with a child by contact. The jury sentenced the defendant to 99 years for each of the aggravated sexual assault of a child convictions and 15 years for the indecency with a child by contact conviction and fines that total $30,000. (The sentences will run concurrently.)
STATE OF TEXAS v. DOMINIQUE DEVON SMITH
Cause No.: C-1-CR-24-203059
Judge: Dimple Malhotra, County Court at Law #4
Dates: Oct. 8, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Sarah Eberhardt
Defendant: Evan Snyder (Austin)
Summary: The state charged the defendant, by information, with assault – family violence. The jury found the defendant not guilty.
STATE OF TEXAS v. JUAN RIOJAS, JR.
Cause No.: D-1-DC-25-904014
Judge: Chantal Eldridge, 331st District Court
Dates: Oct. 20 – 23, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Jacob David Swaab
Defendant: Jason Katims (Austin)
Summary: The defendant was charged with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted sexual assault, and one count of prohibited sexual conduct. The jury acquitted the defendant of all the counts.
STATE OF TEXAS v. MARILI GARCIA-RAMIREZ
Cause No.: C-1-CR-22-201254
Judge: Carlos Barrera, County Court at Law #8
Dates: Oct. 20-23, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Devin Faick
Defendant: Charles Baird (Austin)
Summary: The state charged the defendant, by information, with driving while intoxicated. The jury found the defendant guilty. The court assessed a fine of $2,000 and 180 days confinement in Travis County Correctional Center.
STATE OF TEXAS v. TODD HUNTER PERKINS
Cause No.: C-1-CR-24-202518
Judge: Elisabeth Earle, County Court at Law #7
Dates: Oct. 21-22, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Kim Hidrogo
Defendant: Kenneth Gibson
Summary: The state charged the defendant, by information, with driving while intoxicated. The jury found the defendant not guilty.
STATE OF TEXAS v. GEORGE JOHNSON
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-904027
Judge: Mike Denton (Visiting Judge), 167th District Court
Dates: Oct. 27 – 29, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Dominic Selvera
Defendant: Charles Arnone (Austin)
Summary: The defendant was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with an allegation that the victim was selected due to the defendant’s bias against a group identified by sexual preference. The press release issued by the Travis County District Attorney stated that the defendant approached the victim on a public bus with a box cutter in his hand, slapped the victim in the face, and made derogatory and homophobic comments to the victim. The jury found the defendant guilty for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and that the defendant intentionally selected the victim because of the defendant’s bias/prejudice against a group identified by sexual preference. The court sentenced the defendant to serve five years for each count to be served concurrently.
STATE OF TEXAS V. GARY CHANDLER
Cause No.: C-1-CR-25-209825
Judge: Kim Williams, County Court at Law #9
Dates: Oct. 28, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Bailee Beilman
Defendant: Peter Davis Reed (Austin)
Summary: The state charged the defendant, by information, with making a terroristic threat to cause fear of imminent bodily injury. The jury found the defendant guilty. The court assessed 145 days of confinement in Travis County Correctional Center.
CIVIL
CORRECTION FROM AUGUST 2025 JURY TRIAL SUMMARY: Defendants’ counsel
RYAN WILLIS V RAINIER MANAGEMENT LTD AND BAUSTIN OAK PARK LTD.
Cause No.: D-1-GN-22-003413
Judge: Jan Soifer
Dates: August 19–28, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Sally Metcalfe, Joe Caputo and Matt Breland (Austin)
Defendants: David Chamberlain, Scott Taylor, and Alex Ciechanowicz, Chamberlain/McHaney (Austin)
Summary: Plaintiff sued Rainier Management Ltd, an apartment management company, and Baustin Oak Park, LTD, the landowner, because a tree fell on him as he was walking on a pedestrian pathway. Plaintiff stated his back was broken in four places; he required emergency surgery involving two rods and 12 screws. Defendants claimed that the plaintiff was a trespasser, and the tree fell because of the weather (act of God). Eleven jurors found that the plaintiff was an invitee and found Ranier 85 percent and Baustin 15 percent responsible. The jury awarded damages: past physical pain – $275,000; future physical pain – $1.65 million; past mental anguish – $47,520; future mental anguish – $0; past reasonable necessary medical expenses – $165,000; future reasonable necessary medical expenses – $393,121; past disfigurement – $38,000; future disfigurement – $0; past physical impairment – $337,260; future physical impairment – $2.4 million; no gross negligence was awarded.
SEPTEMBER TRIALS
LUKE CARTER, Ind. and derivatively on behalf of SHIBNOBI INC., SHIBNOBI GAMING, LLC, SHIBNOBI STUDIOS, LLC SHIBNOBI CRYPTO, LLC and SHIBNOBI SOFTWARE, LLC v. CLIFF FETTNER
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-001231
Judge: Cory Liu
Dates: September 9-12, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiffs: Alex More, Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP (Dallas)
Defendants: Diren Singhe, Sul Lee Law Firm, PLLC (Dallas)
Summary: Plaintiffs claim that Shibnobi was founded in November 2021 by Plaintiff Carter and Defendant Fettner as a crypto company with a mission to create a community-driven virtual token. After investigation, Carter discovered that Defendant mismanaged Shibnobi for Defendant’s sole benefit. Ten of the jurors found that Carter was an owner of Shibnobi, Shibnobi Gaming, Shibnobi Studios, Shibnobi Crypto, and Shibnobi Software; Defendant benefited from one or more transactions with Plaintiffs by placing himself in a position in which his self-interest might conflict with his fiduciary duties; Defendant did not comply with his fiduciary duty to Plaintiffs; Defendant’s failure to comply with his fiduciary duty was not excused by ratification. Jury damage awards: lost digital assets–the value of digital assets transferred by Defendant from wallets belonging to the Shibnobi Entities – $5,994,566.38. Carter and Fettner did form a partnership before the formation of the Shibnobi Entities and Defendant benefited from transactions with the partnership or by placing himself in a position in which his self-interest might conflict with his obligations as a fiduciary to the partnership; Defendant did not comply with his fiduciary duties of accounting and holding of the partnership property, profit, or benefit derived by Defendant from use by Defendant of partnership property; Defendant’s failure to comply with his fiduciary duties was not excused by ratification. Jury awarded the value of the digital assets transferred by Fettner from wallets belonging to the partnership – $1,427,128,38. Jury further found that the harm to Carter resulted from malice, fraud, and gross negligence and assessed exemplary damages in the amount of $2 million.
CAITLIN E. CARPENTER, Ind. And on behalf of W.W., a Minor and LORENZO A. MARQUEZ v. WINGS, LLC d/b/a WINGS ‘N MORE; PEDRO JAIMES SUAREZ; ESPERANZA DURAN; LEO VIERA; MIREYA CRUZ MARQUEZ and JESSICA GUADARRAMA
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-004486
Judge: Cory Liu
Dates: September 22 – 25, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiffs: Robert C. Alden/C. Carson May, Byrd, Davis, Alden & Henrichson LLP (Austin)
Defendants: Esperanza Duran, Leo Viera, Mireya Cruz Marquez and Jessica Guadarrama – Jim Clements, Clements Legal Services, P.C. (Austin)
Defendant: Pedro Jaimes Suarez-Lisa Michaux, Leighton, Michaux & Brown, LLC (Austin)
Defendant: Wings LLC d/b/a Wings ‘N More – Jon Michael Smith (Austin)
Summary: The Plaintiffs claimed that they were injured in an automobile accident in which Pedro Jaimes Suarez was the driver of the other vehicle and was intoxicated. Before the trial, the plaintiff nonsuited Esperanza Duran and Jessica Guadarrama. A unanimous jury found that the following parties were negligent, providing an alcoholic beverage under authority of a license when it is apparent to the provider that the recipient is obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presents a clear danger to himself and others. The allocation was as follows: Wings LLC – 37 percent, Leo Viera – two percent, Mireya Cruz Marquez – one percent, and Pedro Jaimes Suarez – 60 percent. Damages awarded to W.W., a minor: past physical pain and mental anguish – $767,807.75; future physical pain and mental anguish – $11,005,244.42; past disfigurement – $767,807.75; future disfigurement – $11,005,244.42; past physical impairment – $767.807.75; future physical impairment – $11,005,244.42; past medical care expenses – $5,570,320.95; future medical care expenses until W.W. reaches the age of 18 – $23,522,335.09; future loss of earning capacity until W.W. reaches the age of 18 – $2.46 million. Damages awarded to Caitlin Carpenter for her injuries: past physical pain and mental anguish – $1.125 million; future mental anguish – $1.125 million; damages to Caitlin Carpenter for her mental anguish that resulted from being a bystander to the serious injury of W.W., a minor: past mental anguish – $17,659,578.26; future mental anguish – $17,659,578.25. Damages awarded to Lorenzo Marquez for his injuries: past physical pain and mental anguish – $1.125 million; future physical pain and mental anguish – $1.125 million. The jury also found by clear and convincing evidence that the harm to W.W., a minor, was from gross negligence due to the act or omission by Pedro Jaimes Suarez, and that Pedro Jeames Suarez operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated and that the intoxication caused serious bodily injury, but awarded $0 for exemplary damages.
ARNULFO P. ALCORTA et. al. v. KELLY HANCOCK, ACTING TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
Cause No.: D-1-GN-17-006831
Judge: Jessica Mangrum
Dates: September 22 – 25, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiffs: Nicholas S. Bressi, Law Office of Nicholas Bressi (Austin)
Defendant: Jennifer Cook, Attorney General of Texas, General Litigation Division (Austin)
Summary: This case involves a dispute over unclaimed mineral royalties held by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Plaintiffs claim that the comptroller failed to decide their claim to the royalties within the statutory time period. A unanimous jury found that the 48 plaintiffs did not establish that they were legal heirs of a deceased owner of mineral proceeds remitted to the comptroller by the operator or holder of a mineral well.
HUNTER HIGGINS v. DOUGH DADDY, LLC a/k/a SHIPLEY DO-NUTS and AMBER COKINS
Cause No.: D-1-GN-20-000891
Judge: Catherine Mauzy
Dates: September 22- 23, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Joseph Monahan, Law Offices of Joseph Monahan (Laredo)
Defendants: Lucia Ceaser, Hajjar/Peters, LLP (Austin) and Ricardo Pumarejo, Jr., Pumarejo Law (Austin)
Summary: The plaintiff alleges he was assaulted by Defendant Amber Cokins, an employee of Dough Daddy, LLC, and Defendant Dough Daddy had control over the premises and owed certain duties to the plaintiff, which were breached. A unanimous jury found that Defendant Amber Cokins did assault the plaintiff. The jury found that the assault was not justified. Damages awarded are: past mental anguish – $5,000.
GAIL WILHELM v. JOLISA JOHNSON
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-007207
Judge: Laurie Eiserloh
Dates: September 23-25, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Myranda Vaughn, Daniel Stark, LLP (Bryan)
Defendant: Katherine Wyatt, Skelton & Woody, PLLC (Austin)
Summary: Plaintiff claimed that on or around December 2022, a motor vehicle incident caused him physical damage as a pedestrian. A unanimous jury found that the plaintiff was negligent but not the defendant.
CRIMINAL
STATE OF TEXAS v. URIEL LOREDO-TORRES
Cause No.: D-1-DC-24-206265
Judge: Melissa Goodwin
Dates: September 8 – September 10, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Emily Scholten
Defendant: Raymond Espersen
Summary: The defendant was indicted for two separate charges – driving while intoxicated, having been convicted two times or more of being intoxicated while driving, and collision involving personal injury. The jury found the defendant not guilty of driving while intoxicated.
STATE OF TEXAS v. YASEEN NAZ
Cause No.: D-1-DC-25-904062
Judge: Brandy Mueller
Dates: September 15-19, 2025
Attorneys
State of Texas: Jean Sullivan/ Cahal McColgan
Defendant: Angelica Patrice Adel Cogliano
Summary: The defendant was indicted for murder under the influence of sudden passion, which occurred on or about January 2023. A district attorney press release stated the following: “During the investigation, the Austin Police Department found that Mr. Naz and the victim were involved in a physical altercation inside the gas station where Mr. Naz worked. Surveillance footage from the gas station showed that the altercation occurred inside the store prior to the shooting. After the altercation, Mr. Demps tried to leave but was pursued by Mr. Naz and another store employee into the parking lot. Mr. Naz is then seen on video firing multiple rounds into Mr. Demp’s vehicle through his door and window while he was sitting in his vehicle with the door closed. Defendant claimed self-defense, defense of a third person, and defense of a person’s property.” The jury convicted the defendant of murder and gave him five years in prison.
STATE OF TEXAS v. CHRISTIAN ALBA
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-302315
Judge: P. David Wahlberg
Dates: September 10-18, 2025
Attorneys
State of Texas: Jason Rew Hunter
Defendant: Charlie Baird
Summary: The defendant was indicted for murder. A mistrial was declared.
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-19-007803
JUAN DELAPENA, Ind. And As Next Friend of CD, a Minor and KORINA DELAPENA, Ind. And on behalf of the Estate of CD, a Minor Deceased v. HIGHPOINT COMMUNITY MINISTRIES d/b/a HIGH HOPES SUMMER CAMP and GLASHEEN, VALLES & INDERMAN LLP
JUDGE: MARIA CANTU HEXSEL
DATES: August 4 – 7, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Brian Buster, Hajjar\Peters, LLP [Austin]
Intervenors: Kevin Glasheen, Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP [Austin] and Lance Christopher Kassab and David Eric Kassab of the Kassab Law Firm [Houston]
Summary: The breach of contract portion of the case was presented to the jury. The law firm Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP, [‘Glasheen’] presented the underlying facts in their motion for judgment: The plaintiffs retained Glasheen to represent them due to the death of their daughter allegedly caused by the negligence of Highpoint Community Ministries d/b/a High Hopes Summer Camp [‘HHSC’]. Glasheen filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Delapenas and the defendant agreed to a settlement of $2 million. The plaintiffs would not agree to the settlement and requested additional terms, such as suing the City of Cedar Park and having HHSC pay for the attorneys’ fees, in addition to the $2 million. Glasheen did not comply with these requests. The Plaintiffs then retained Hajjar Peters, LLP. Hajjar Peters settled the case for the $2 million with no additional terms, but Glasheen did not receive their alleged portion of the contingency contract. Glasheen intervened in the wrongful death case filed by the plaintiffs, and the plaintiffs filed a counterclaim against Glasheen for breach of fiduciary duty and professional negligence. The plaintiffs’ counterclaims were dismissed by the Court as a directed verdict during the trial. A unanimous jury panel found that Juan and Korina Delapena failed to comply with the written contingency contract with Glasheen. The jury further found that Juan and Korina Delapena did not have good cause to terminate or discharge Glasheen. The jury awarded $801,032.18 to fairly and reasonably compensate Glasheen for damages for failure to comply. The jury further awarded the reasonable necessary attorney fees for the breach of contract claim: trial court representation – $122,605; court of appeals representation – $35,000; petition for review with the Supreme Court of Texas – $15,000; merits briefing – $20,000; oral arguments and completion of proceedings with the Supreme Court of Texas – $10,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-005386
LUANA RIBERIO-WASHINGTON v. RIVERPLACE OBGYN PA, DANA WICKER, NP and JOHN THOPPIL, MD
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: August 4-7, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Rhianon Kelso, Kelso Law, PLLC [Dallas]
Defendants: Stephen A. Mitchell, Steed Dunnill Reynolds Bailey Stephenson LLP [Austin]
Summary: The plaintiff claims that she went in for a well-woman exam to have an IUD inserted by the defendants, which occurred without proper testing to determine that she was pregnant. The lawsuit further claimed that the plaintiff miscarried due to the insertion of the IUD. Ten jurors found the defendants’, Wicker and Thoppil, negligence caused the plaintiff’s miscarriage, Wicker 35 percent and Thoppil 65 percent. The jury awarded damages as follows: Past physical pain – $75,000; past mental anguish – $75,000; past physical impairment – $5,000; past necessary reasonable medical care expenses – $33,232.10.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-007618
ANGELA LEVY v. ANGEL DONUTS & TREATS, LLC
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: August 5- 7, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Israel Medina/Justin Hancock, Melendez Law Firm, PLLC [Austin]
Defendant: Adam Wyma, Law Offices of Fanaff, Gonzales, Baldwin & Cunningham [Austin]
Summary: Plaintiff claimed that on or around August 2023, she ran into a metal table and severely cut her leg at the defendant’s premises. Ten of the jurors found that neither party was negligent. Note: At the time of the trial, Plaintiff had been diagnosed with dementia and did testify, but did not attend some of the trial.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-00034
DAVID VALDEZ v. SARAH ALEXANDER
JUDGE : SHERINE THOMAS
DATES: August 5-8, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Charles Dunn, DC Law, PLLC [Austin]
Defendants: Catherine Kein, Mark Lapidus, Lapidus Knudson, PC [Austin]
Summary: The plaintiff claimed that the defendant rear-ended him on Highway 71 on or about August 2021. Ten of the jurors found that neither party was negligent.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-009090
LEE LEWIS v. ALEJANDRO BUENO
JUDGE: SHERINE THOMAS
DATES: August 18-21, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Jerry Lee, III, Thomas J. Henry Law [San Antonio]
Defendant: James e. Ajay, Witt, McGregor and Bourland, PLLC [Waco]
Summary: On or around March 19, 2022, Plaintiff claims that, as a passenger, he was injured by the defendant’s negligence. The Defendant was found negligent and 11 jurors awarded: Past medical care expenses – $16,959; future medical care expenses – $0; past physical pain and mental anguish – $2,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $0; past physical impairment – $1,000; future physical impairment – $0. In addition, the jury found no gross negligence.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-006930
TIFANNY NICOLE COOK v. TEXAS TOW BOYS, LLC and JOHN DANIEL VASQUEZ
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: August 18-21, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Ernesto Sigmon, Thomas J. Henry Law [San Antonio]
Defendants: Scott Talbot, Hanna & Plautt, LLP [Austin]
Summary: On or around July 8, Plaintiff claims that she was pushed into a third vehicle when she was rear-ended by the defendant, Vasquez, who was driving in the course and scope of employment with Defendant Texas Tow Boys, LLC. The defendant, John Daniel Vasquez, was found negligent and 11 jurors awarded: past physical pain and mental anguish – $50,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $0; past medical care expenses – $43,598.94; past physical impairment – $10,000; future physical impairment – $0.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-003213
LOVELY JOHNSON and WENDELL MACKEY v. JEANNE NAMOSOMA and JEAN KIRAHURA
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: August 18–22, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Martin B. Martinez, Thomas J. Henry Law [San Antonio]
Defendants: Chanel Glasper, Skelton & Woody, PLLC [Austin]
Summary: The lawsuit claimed that Plaintiff Johnson was driving in Comal County, Texas, and Plaintiff, Mackey, was a passenger when they had a tire blow out. As they were waiting for a tow truck, the plaintiffs claim that the defendant negligently failed to keep a proper lookout and hit the right side of the plaintiffs’ vehicle. Eleven jurors found that Defendant Namosoma 25 percent and Plaintiff Johnson 75 percent negligent.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-003413; RYAN WILLIS V RAINIER MANAGEMENT LTD AND BAUSTIN OAK PARK LTD.
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: August 19–28, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Sally Metcalfe, Joe Caputo and Matt Breland [Austin]
Defendants: Ben Broocks and William Broocks [Broocks Law Firm, Austin]
Summary: Plaintiff sued apartment management company Rainier Management Ltd. and landowner Baustin Oak Park Ltd. because a tree fell on him as he was walking on a pedestrian pathway. Plaintiff stated his back was broken in four places, requiring emergency surgery and insertion of two rods and 12 screws. Defendants claimed that the plaintiff was a trespasser, and the tree fell because of the weather (act of God). Eleven jurors found that the plaintiff was an invitee and found Ranier 85 percent and Baustin 15 percent responsible. The jury awarded damages: past Physical pain – $275,000; future physical pain – $1,650,000; past mental anguish – $47,520; future mental anguish – $0; past reasonable necessary medical expenses – $165,000; future reasonable necessary medical expenses – $393,121; past disfigurement – $38,000; future disfigurement – $0; past physical impairment – $337,260; future physical impairment – $2.4 million; no gross negligence was awarded.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-25-904057; STATE OF TEXAS v. ANTONIO LOPEZ ELIZALDE
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: August 4-August 7, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jacob Salinas/Jordan Ninh
Defendant: Raymond Espersen
Summary: The defendant was accused of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. The jury found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 50 years in prison.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-100036; STATE OF TEXAS v. TIMOTHY EMBODY
JUDGE: DAYNA BLAZEY
DATES: August 25-28, 2025
ATTORNEYS
State of Texas: Jacques Roussel
Defendant: Lindsey Richards, Cofer & Connelly, PLLC [Austin]
Summary: The defendant was indicted for sexual assault, which occurred on or about July 2021. A mistrial was declared after an Allen charge was issued to the jury. The State has filed, and the Court granted an amended indictment.
CIVIL/FAMILY
Texas Enterprises, Inc. v. Judy Akrim
Cause No.: C-1-CV-23-005403
Judge: Eric Shepperd
Dates: July 7, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiffs: Walter V. Williams, Thomas Williams McConnell, PLLC (Austin)
Defendant: Thomas E. Ross, (Houston)
Summary: Plaintiff claims Defendant was driving a vehicle on icy roads, which led her to hitting the gas pump located off the service road due to her negligence in Feb. 2023. The jury of five found that the defendant was negligent and found the reasonable cost to repair the gas pump to the condition it was in immediately before the occurrence: $28,299.15.
Thomas Bednorz v. Noah Daniel Sewell
Cause No.: D-1-GN-21-005284
Judge: Maya Guerra Gamble
Dates: July 7-10, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: John Abramowitz, Bonilla Law Firm, PLLC (Austin)
Defendants: Damon Garcia, Law Offices of Fanaff, Gonzales, Baldwin & Cunningham
Summary: On March 20, 2020, Plaintiff claims that Defendant’s vehicle caused him injury in a car accident due to negligence. A unanimous jury awarded the following damages: past physical pain and mental anguish – $26,500; future physical pain and mental anguish – $75,000; past disfigurement – $20,000; future disfigurement – $25,000; past physical impairment – $30,000; future physical impairment – $53,000; past medical care expenses – $87,1098.82 (agreed by the parties); and future medical care expenses – $200,000.
Amanda Rae Yates v. Alyssa Michelle Ybarra, Yuhosua Ryoo and Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company
Cause No.: D-1-GN-18-007720
Judge: Maria Cantu Hexsel
Dates: July 8-11, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: John Abramowitz, Bonilla Law Firm, PLLC (Austin)
Defendants: Damon Garcia, Law Offices of Fanaff, Gonzales, Baldwin & Cunningham
Summary: Plaintiff claims that she was injured as a passenger in a golf cart owned by Austin ISD and operated by Alyssa Michelle Ybarra when a vehicle driven by Yuhosua Ryoo failed to yield the right-of-way in Austin High School parking lot on or about Dec. 2018. Plaintiff settled with Defendant Ryoo prior to the trial. The Court granted the motion to dismiss Defendant Ybarra with prejudice, but the claim against Farmers continued. A unanimous jury found Plaintiff Yates and Defendants Yuhosua Ryoo and Alyssa Michelle Ybarra negligent – Ryoo – 20 percent, Yates – 10 percent, and Ybarra – 70 percent. Damages awarded: past physical pain and mental anguish – $150,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $75,000; past disfigurement – $20,000; future disfigurement – $25,000; past physical impairment – $30,000; future physical impairment – $53,000; past medical care expenses – $87,1098.82 (agreed by the parties) and future medical care expenses – $200,000.
Walter Schumacher v. City of Austin
Cause No.: D-1-GN-19-000544
Judge: Jessica Mangrum
Dates: July 21-23, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Jack Holtzmann, Dow Law Firm, PLLC (Austin)
Defendants: Hannah Vahl, Isabel Calleja, City of Austin Law Department
Summary: Plaintiff claims he was injured due to an automobile accident with a City of Austin employee on Feb. 2017. A jury of 10 found the Defendant’s employee, Eric Gomez, was negligent. Damages awarded: past physical pain – $0; future physical pain – $0; past mental anguish – $0; future mental anguish – $0; past reasonable and necessary medical care – $69,044.05 and future medical care expenses – $706,995.59; past physical impairment – $0 and future physical impairment – $0. (Final judgment verdict reduced to $250,000 due to the Tort Claims Act limitations.)
In The Interest of A.R-B And M R-B., Children
Cause No.: D-1- FM-24-001890
Judge: Maya Guerra Gamble
Dates: July 21-24, 2025
Attorneys:
Petitioner/State of Texas: Bridget O’Shaughnessy
Children Attorney Ad Litem: Leslie Strauch, CRC (Austin)
Children Guardian Ad Litem: Casa
Mother, B.B Attorney: Elizabeth Schwartz
Father, E.R. Attorney: Lisa Mims
Summary: The State filed a petition to terminate the parental-child relationship. The State took possession of the children on March 11, 2024, alleging immediate danger to the physical health or safety of the children. Guardian Ad Litem and Attorney Ad Litem were appointed for the children and attorneys were appointed for both adults. The mother, B.B., requested a jury, and the father, E.R., waived a jury, and, therefore, all questions of fact and law were submitted to the Court only. A unanimous jury found by clear and convincing evidence that B.B. knowingly or willingly allowed conditions or surroundings that endangered the physical or emotional well-being of both children; the termination of the parent-child relationship between B.B. would be in the best interest of both children.
CRIMINAL
State of Texas v. Steven Ahlberg
Cause No.: D-1-DC-21-100003
Judge: Mike Denton
Dates: July 7-10, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Yasmeen Aboellhasan
Defendant: Charles Baird, Baird Law Firm PLLC (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by contact allegedly on or about Dec. 2017. The jury acquitted the defendant of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child/sexual contact.
State of Texas v. Quincy Punch
Cause No.: D-1-DC-24-904117
Judge: Jon Wisser
Dates: July 14-16, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Dominic Selvera
Defendant: Pro Se
Summary: Defendant was indicted for intentionally and knowingly threatening a person with imminent bodily harm and exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault on or about March 2023. In addition, the defendant, a previously convicted felon for murder, was indicted for unlicensed possession of a firearm before the fifth anniversary of Defendant’s release. The jury found the defendant guilty of unlicensed possession of a firearm and sentenced to 10 years in prison and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to 15 years in prison. (The sentences run concurrently.)
State of Texas v. Joshua Trezaaratti
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-208343
Judge: Julie Kocurek
Dates: July 15-17, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Emily Scholten
Defendant: Amber Vazquez, Vazquez Law Firm (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was indicted for knowingly causing the death of a person with a firearm on or about Oct. 2023. The jury found the defendant guilty of murder and sentenced him to 18 years in prison, although they did not find that he was under the immediate influence of sudden passion.
State of Texas v. David Jonathon Hardman
Cause No.: C-1-CR-24-500502 Judge: Carlos Barrera
Dates: July 22, 202
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Jonathan Ramirez
Defendant: Joseph Aragon, Aragon Law Firm (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was charged with assault family violence, which allegedly occurred on or about March 2, 2024. The jury found the defendant not guilty of assault family violence.
State of Texas v. Vincente Munoz-Guerrero
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-302169 Judge: David Wahlberg
Dates: July 22-25, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Yasmeen Aboellhasan
Defendant: Charles Baird, Baird Law Firm PLLC (Austin)
Summary: Defendant was indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by contact, allegedly on or about April 2023. The jury acquitted the defendant of continued sexual assault of a minor child and indecency with a child, but were not able to reach a verdict on aggravated sexual assault, penetration by sexual organ, and aggravated sexual assault, penetration by finger.
CIVIL/FAMILY
CAUSE NO: D-1-FM-22-005482; IN THE INTEREST OF L.P., A CHILD
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: June 2-6, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Petitioner: Gracie Wood Shepherd, Friday Milner Lambert Turner [Austin]
Respondent: Rob Frazer, Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC [Austin]
SUMMARY: Petitioner Erikka Walor filed a motion to modify the parent-child relationship, requesting that she be appointed sole managing conservator. Respondent Frederick Pevar, filed a counter-petition to modify the parent-child relationship. A jury of 10 found that the joint managing conservatorship should be replaced by a sole managing conservatorship and awarded the sole managing conservator of L.P. to Petitioner Erikka Walor.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-004840; JOHN LEWIS MCCARDLE v. JOSEPH JEFFERSON JOHNSON
JUDGE: CORY LIU
DATES: June 3-4, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Price Ainsworth, Lorenz and Lorenz PLLC [Austin]
Defendants: Lauren Lewis, Mehaffy Weber, P.C. [Beaumont]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle driven by the defendant. Plaintiff claimed Defendant was the cause of the accident, which occurred in October 2019. A jury of nine found Defendant 60 percent and Plaintiff 40 percent responsible. Damages awarded: Past physical pain and mental anguish – $0; future physical pain and mental anguish – $0; past physical impairment – $15,000; past reasonable medical care expenses – $7,000; past loss wages – $5,000; past disfigurement – $30,000; and future disfigurement – $30,000.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-20-005096; MERLE DAPITON FRIZELL v. ALFONSO J. CALVEART HERNANDEZ
JUDGE: ERIC SHEPPERD
DATES: June 10, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Thomas Pronske, Lorenz and Lorenz, LLP [Austin]
Defendant: Jenny Forehand, Meynier, Liber, Matte, Hofland & Del Valle [San Antonio]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claimed she was injured when she entered the intersection after stopping at a flashing red light in March 2019. A jury of five found the plaintiff responsible for the accident.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-22-003511; JOHNSON-POWER CONSTRUCTION, INC. v. PAIGE MYCOSKIE
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: June 24 – 26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Brian Bishop, Law office of Brian W. Bishop [Austin]
Defendant: Brian Buster, Hajjar Peters, LLP [Austin]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff sued the defendant due to a dispute over payments for residential construction and remodel of the plaintiff’s home in Austin, Texas. A unanimous jury found that the defendant failed to pay the plaintiff promptly for properly performing construction work, services, and/or materials. The jury awarded money to the plaintiff to fairly and reasonably compensate for the unpaid amount – $213,358.01. The jury also found that the plaintiff performed compensable work for which the plaintiff was not compensated in the amount of $304,797.16. The jury then awarded attorney’s fees: Representation through trial and completion of proceedings in the trial court – $193,208.00; in the court of appeals – $50,000; in the Supreme Court of Texas – $25,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-000923; DAMARIS PAYNE v. ISABELLE MARIE WILLI
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: June 24 – 27, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Nathan Kennedy/Alexander Maxwell Caruso, The Carlson Law Firm PC [Austin]
Defendant: David Plaut/Scot Talbot, Hanna and Plaut, LLP [Austin]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff was traveling in Buda, Hays County, Texas, and the defendant was coming out of a parking lot when the accident occurred in June 2022. A unanimous jury found that Defendant 95 percent and Plaintiff five percent responsible. Damages awarded: Past physical pain and mental anguish – $120,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $15,000; past physical impairment – $30,000.00; future physical impairment – $30,000; necessary medical care expenses – $263,512.98.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-003243; DESTINY MAYFIELD v. GITONGA BUNDI
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: June 23-26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: C, Brooks Schuelke, Schuelke Law Firm, PLLC [Austin]
Defendants: Sean Hoffman, Skelton & Woody, PLLC [Austin]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claimed she was injured due to Defendant’s negligence in 2022. A unanimous jury awarded the following damages: Past physical pain – $1,000; past mental anguish – $2,000; past physical impairment – $1,000; past medical care expenses – $11,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-006523; MARSH DEEPAK THANKIAH, VINCENT, BEENA LAL BABU JAMAL
LAL and ARUL MICHAEL v. JOSEPH CROSS RAJA and RASHITHA RAJA.
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: June 24-30, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Dov Preminger, Preminger PLLC [Austin]
Defendants: Jason Sheffield, Naman Howell Smith and Lee, PLLC [Austin]
SUMMARY: Plaintiffs claimed that Defendants made fraudulent representations regarding a restaurant investment. A jury of 11 found the following: Defendants failed to comply with a material term of the agreement; Plaintiffs Raja substantially relied upon Defendants’ promise to their detriment, and the reliance was foreseeable by Defendants, but awarded $0 in reliance damages; Defendants failed to comply with a material term of the agreement; Plaintiff Arul Michael substantially relied upon Defendant, Joseph Raja’s promise to his detriment, and the reliance was foreseeable by Defendant, but awarded $0 in reliance damages. In addition, the jury found no actual damages for the amount of money paid by Plaintiffs to Defendant as a result of Defendants’ fraudulent actions. The jury further found that Defendants did not commit fraud against Plaintiff Arul Michael. The jury awarded attorney fees: Representation in trial court -$63,000; in the court of appeals – $25,000; representation for petition at the review stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $20,000; and for representation for oral argument and the completion of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Texas – $15,000.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-25-904036; STATE OF TEXAS v. MAURYS MADRUGA-MESA
JUDGE: BRAD URRUTIA
DATES: June 20-25, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Kate Hall
Defendant: Raymond Espersen
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for aggravated kidnapping and sexual abuse, which allegedly occurred in May 2024. The jury found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to five years community supervision. In addition, he was required to register as a sex offender. [Note: A previous jury trial was declared a mistrial on June 2, 2025].
CAUSE NO: C-1-CR-23-211904; STATE OF TEXAS v. ANTHONY THOMPSON
JUDGE: MARY ANN ESPIRITU
DATES: June 23-24, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Brooks Lachowsk
Defendant: Robin Baessler
SUMMARY: A complaint was filed against the defendant for operating a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. The jury acquitted the defendant.
ADDITIONAL MAY CASES:
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-23-004014; ADONIS ADRANA v. BRIAN ALEXUS AVILA-VELAZQUEZ
JUDGE: TODD WONG
DATES: May 19-21, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Carolyn Brown, Lorenz and Lorenz, PLLC [Austin]
Defendant: Danny Barber, Keramidas Law Firm [Richardson]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle and claims the defendant’s negligence caused her injury in November 2022. A jury of five found that the defendant was responsible for the accident. The jury awarded the following damages: Past physical pain and mental anguish – $650; past physical impairment – $650; reasonable expenses of necessary medical care – $8,209.80; and past loss of earning capacity – $0.
CAUSE NO: C-1-CR-24-211242/211243; STATE OF TEXAS v. SAMUEL PERKINS
JUDGE: BIANCA GARCIA
DATES: May 13-14, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Trevor Mathes
Defendant: Miguel Aguilera
SUMMARY: Defendant was allegedly charged with criminal trespass as of Oct. 2024. The jury found the defendant guilty of trespass but not guilty of evading arrest.
CIVIL/FAMILY
In The Interest Of C.S.P and J.A.P., Children
Cause No.: D-1-FM-22-006640
Judge: Jessica Mangrum, 200th Civil District Court
Dates: May 5 – 9, 2025
Attorneys:
Petitioner: Andrea St. Leger, Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant, LLP [Austin]
Respondent: D. Micah Royer, III, Coldwell/Bowes, LLP [Austin]
Summary: Petitioner filed a petition to modify the parent-child relationship. She requested that the geographic restriction be modified to allow the residence of the children to be Alabama, all communications be through OFW, and monthly child support be increased. The respondent filed a counter-petition and requested that, if the petitioner moves to Alabama, he be appointed the conservator with exclusive right to designate residence of the children and his support obligations be terminated; if the respondent does not relocate, then the possession schedule be modified for equal possession schedule. A jury of 10 found that the petitioner could modify the children’s primary residence to Alabama, and the respondent was not designated as the conservator with the exclusive right.
Kathy Dotzler As Trustee Of Kathy Dotzler Living Trust v. Terry Welker, T. Welker and Son, LLC, John Hagy Custom Homes, LLC, DSS HC, LLC D/B/A Dynamic Site Solutions N/K/A True Dynamic Site Solutions, Inc.
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-003749
Judge: Jan Soifer, 345th Civil District Court
Dates: May 5 – 9, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Nick Bressi [Austin]
Defendants: Michael Spike and Aileen Glaeser, Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, LLP [Dallas] for Welker, Greg Godkin, Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey, PC [Austin] for Hagy and Paul Garcia, Paul Garcia and Associates [San Antonio] for Dynamic Site Solutions [DSS]
Summary: Plaintiff owned property on Barton Creek Blvd. and Defendant Welker owned property adjacent to the plaintiffs. Defendant Welker hired Defendant Hagy to construct a structure on his property. Plaintiff claimed that the construction activities caused damage to her property. A unanimous jury found that the defendants were not negligent, the conduct did not cause a private nuisance, and the defendants did not trespass on the plaintiff’s property. Further, the jury found that Welker and Hagy complied with the Rule 11 agreement. The jury did find that Defendant DSS failed to comply with the restrictive covenants, declarations, and bylaws of the Barton Creek North Property Owners Association, Inc. The jury awarded $100 for loss of use and enjoyment due to vibration, dust, lights, odors, and and/or noise.
Maria Reyes v. Caritino Valdovinos, Jr.
Cause No: D-1-Gn-23-007269
Judge: Aurora Martinez Jones, 126th Civil District Court
Dates: May 6 – 7, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Martin Martinez, Law Offices of Thomas J. Henry [San Antonio]
Defendant: Keith Dorsett, Fulbright Winniford [Waco]
Summary: Plaintiff claims she was injured due to the defendant’s negligent actions in a car accident on Nov. 30, 2022. The unanimous jury found that both parties were negligent and assigned fault to Maria Reyes, 40 percent, and Caritino Valdovinos, Jr., 60 percent. Damages awarded: Past physical pain and mental anguish – $0; future physical pain and mental anguish – $0; past physical impairment – $0; future physical impairment – $0; past medical care expenses – $3,140; and future medical care expenses – $0.
Christa Renaie Day v. Timpro, Inc. and Cooper Thomas Rancatore
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-001303
Judge: Sherine Thomas
Dates: May 7 – 8, 2025
Attorneys:
Petitioner: Charles Dunn/Christy Londregan, DJC Law, PLLC [Austin]
Respondent: Katherine Wyatt/Tabor Dorsey, Skelton & Woody PLLC [Austin]
Summary: This case arises from a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Oct. 7, 2021. The defendant, Cooper Thomas Rancatore, was in the course and scope of employment with Timpro, Inc. Plaintiff claims various personal injuries resulting from the accident. The jury of 11 only answered damages questions. Damages awarded were: Past physical pain and mental anguish – $50,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $30,000; past physical impairment – $25,000; future physical impairment – $25,000; past medical care expenses – $30,000; and future medical care expenses – $10,000.
Jessica Willis v. Denise Rodriguez, Ruben Rodriguez
Cause No.: D-1-GN-22-006783
Judge: Jan Soifer, 345th Civil District Court
Dates: May 19 – 22, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Ard Ardalan, Ardalan Law Firm PLLC [Austin]/F. Steeves Hopson, III, Hopson Injury Attorneys PLLC
Defendants: Represented themselves
Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was injured when a boxer mix dog attacked and injured her. A unanimous jury found that the defendants owned or possessed a dog that had dangerous propensities abnormal to its class and injured the plaintiff. Defendants filed an answer and represented themselves the entire time of the case. The defendants contended that they did not own the boxer and alleged trespass, contributory negligence and assumption of risk. The jury found that the plaintiff did not trespass on the defendants’ property. The jury assigned fault to Defendant Denis Rodriguez, 40 percent, and Ruben Rodriguez, 60 percent. Damages awarded: Past physical pain and mental anguish – $50,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $36,500; past loss of earning capacity – $15,000; future loss of earning capacity – $0; past disfigurement – $28,000; future disfigurement – $40,000; past physical impairment – $8,500; future physical impairment – $0; past medical care expenses – $10,201.07; and future medical care expenses – $10,000.
905, Ltd., Nelsen, Inc. D/B/A Nelsen Partners V. H. Dalton Wallace and 909 Congress, Ltd
Cause No.: D-1-GN-23-001981
Judge: Jessica Mangrum, 200th Civil District Court
Dates: May 20 – 27, 2025
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Santosh Aravind and John Ellis, Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP [Austin]
Defendants: H. Dalton Wallace and 909 Congress, Ltd.: Matthew Powers and Rudy Metayer, Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody, PC [Austin]
Summary: Plaintiffs claimed that, due to years of neglect and refusal to maintain the property, the defendants were responsible for the damage caused to the plaintiff’s property due to a fire. The petition further stated that the fire was caused by a vagrant who accessed the defendants’ property because the defendants failed to secure the property. A jury of 10 made the following findings: Defendants’ H. Dalton Wallace and 909 Congress. Ltd. negligence caused the damage to the plaintiffs’ property before the fire. Fault was assigned: H. Dalton Wallace was found 90 percent and 909 Congress, Ltd. 10 percent.Damages assessed: Reasonable and necessary in Travis County to repair, fix, or restore the property due to damages suffered before the fire in March 2023 – $25,000. The jury further found that Defendants. H. Dalton Wallace, 909 Congress, Ltd. And John Banks were negligent due to the fire in March 2023 and such negligence caused injury to the property. Defendants H. Dalton Wallace was found 25 percent, 909 Congress, Ltd. 25 percent, and John Banks 50 percent responsible for the damage to the property. Damages assessed are: Reasonable and necessary in Travis County to repair, fix or restore the property due to damages caused by the fire in March 2023 for 905 Ltd. – $4,378,393.10; reasonable and necessary to compensate for the loss of use of the property during the time reasonably required to repair the property – 905 Ltd. – $1,345,091.00 and Nelsen Partners – $759,153.88; market value of the property immediately before and immediately after the fire in March 2023 – $4,378,393.10. The following parties trespassed on the property – H. Dalton Wallace, 909 Congress, Ltd., and John Banks; the percentages of responsibility due to trespass finding: H. Dalton Wallace – 40 percent, 909 Congress, Ltd. – 20 percent, and John Banks – 40 percent. Both H. Dalton Wallace and 909 Congress, Ltd., maintained a common nuisance at the Granberry Building. Jury did not answer the question that, by clear and convincing evidence, the harm to the plaintiffs resulted from gross negligence because the answer to negligence was not unanimous. Attorneys’ fees: Representation through trial and completion of proceedings in the trial court – $272,653.40; through appeal to the Court of Appeals – $50,000; review stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $30,000; merits briefing stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $20,000; oral argument and completion of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Texas – $20,000.
In The Interest of O.G., A Child
Cause No: D-1-FM-23-007793
Judge: Sherine Thomas
Dates: May 21 – 23, 2025
Attorneys:
Petitioner: Alicia Kay Glenny, Self Represented Litigant
Respondent: James Gilbreath/Samantha Rosen, Walters Gilbreath PLLC [Austin]
Summary: Petitioner filed motion to modify the parent-child relationship requesting that she be appointed sole managing conservator. Respondent filed a counter-petition requesting divorce and a disproportionate share of the parties’ estate due to various reasons, including fault in the breakup of the marriage. Respondent filed a counter-petition requesting that the court render standard possession order. A unanimous jury declined to appoint Alicia Glenny the sole managing conservator of OG, the parties would remain joint managing conservators, but Jeremy Epperson would have the exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child with a geographic restriction of Travis County and contiguous counties. Further, the jury found a reasonable fee for necessary services for each party’s attorney fees: Representation in the trial court – $65,000; court of appeals – $30,000; petition for review stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $10,000; merits briefing stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $10,000; oral argument and completion of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Texas – $10,000.
CRIMINAL
State of Texas v. John Arnold
Cause No: D-1-DC-20-301211
Judge: Tamara Needles, 427th Criminal District Court
Dates: April 7-9, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: TJ Harris
Defendant: Mark Pryor, Cofer & Connelly, PLLC [Austin]
Summary: Defendant was indicted for sexual assault, which allegedly occurred May 2020. The jury found the defendant guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
State of Texas v. Harry Claude James, III
Cause No: D-1-DC-23-209650
Judge: Selena Alvarenga, 460th Criminal District Court
Dates: May 6 – 12, 2025
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Elizabeth Phillips
Defendant: Meril ‘Gene’ Anthes, Jr., Gunter, Bennett & Anthes, PC [Austin]
Summary: Defendant was indicted for allegedly committing the offenses of assault by impeding breath or circulation and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on or about December 2023. The jury acquitted the defendant on all counts.
Editor’s Note: Samer Chaban v. Kathy Mobarra, Arman Eshraghi in the June 2025 issue of Austin Lawyer mistakenly said plaintiff’s lawyer Michael Navarre was with the Law Office of Thomas J. Henry. This has been corrected to Beatty Navarre Strama, PC.
CIVIL/FAMILY
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-24-000300; SAMER CHABAN VS. KATHY MOBARRA, ARMAN ESHRAGHI
JUDGE: TODD WONG
DATES: April 22, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Michael Navarre, Beatty Navarre Strama, PC
Defendants: Brian McGiverin, Austin Community Law Center (Austin)
SUMMARY: The defendants appealed the eviction judgment entered on Jan. 8, 2024. A unanimous jury found that the plaintiff was entitled to possession of the home as of Nov. 30, 2023. Reasonable and necessary legal fees awarded as follows: Representation in justice of the peace court and county court at law – $65,000; court of appeals – $15,000; petition for review with the Supreme Court of Texas – $0; merits briefing stage with the Supreme Court of Texas – $2,500; representation through oral argument and the completion of proceedings with Supreme Court of Texas – $5,000.
EDIT June 12, 2025: A previous version of this case said Michael Navarre was with the Law Office of Thomas J. Henry. This has been corrected to Beatty Navarre Strama, PC.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-001795; MICHAEL CODA v. PAUL LIST and TEMPERATURE PRO AUSTIN
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: April 22 – 24, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Joseph Barrientos, Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys (San Antonio)
Defendants: Andrew Neal/Tabor Dorsey, Skelton & Woody, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: The plaintiff claims injury because of a vehicular accident in Oct. 2021. A jury of 10 found Michael Coda and Paul List each 50 percent negligent. Jury awarded: Past medical care expenses – $17,765; past physical pain and mental anguish – $7,500; future physical pain and mental anguish – $2,500; future physical pain and mental anguish – $2,500.
CAUSE NO: D-1-FM-23-008164; IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF ERIKA MARIE SOTO VS. JORGE ADRIAN SOTO AND IN THE INTEREST OF O.S., A CHILD
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: April 22-28, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Petitioner: Slave Talavera/Valeria Lozano-Muncy, Slav Law PC (Austin)
Respondent: Marshall Sales/John Hennan, Hennan/Culp PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: Petitioner filed for divorce, requesting a disproportionate share of the parties’ estate due to various reasons, including fault in the breakup of the marriage. Respondent filed a counter-petition. A jury of 10 named Erika Soto as the joint managing conservator with exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child with a geographic restriction of Travis County.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-302250; 302260; STATE OF TEXAS v. JAVONTE DAVIS
JUDGE: KAREN SAGE
DATES: April 7-9, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Katherine West, Assistant District Attorney
Defendant: Raymond M. Espersen (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in July 2023. The jury found the defendant guilty and confined to 14 years in TDCJ prison.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-24-202066; STATE OF TEXAS v. ADAM RAY BROWN
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: April 7-17, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jacob Salinas, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Charles Baird (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for a murder that occurred on or about March 23, 2024. The defendant was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in TDCJ by the jury.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-24-904076; STATE OF TEXAS v. OMAR CORTES-CASTILLO
JUDGE: BRAD URRUTIA
DATES: April 14-16, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Kathyrn Moynahan Hall, Assistant District Attorney
Defendant: Gilbert Martinez (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted on two counts of sexual assault and attempt to commit sexual assault in October 2022. The defendant was found guilty on all counts. His confinement of 10 years was suspended, and the jury ordered him to serve eight years of probation.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-25-904008; STATE OF TEXAS v. JUVENTINO LOPEZ-DOLORES
JUDGE: MIKE DENTON
DATES: April 21-25, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Tamara Marshall, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Brian Burns, (Conroe) and Christopher Warren, Cowboy Law Group, PLLC (Woodlands)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for continuous sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and indecency with a child. A mistrial was declared after an Allen charge. Case reset for jury trial on May 28, 2025.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-20-900078; STATE OF TEXAS v. JERRIS HARRIS
JUDGE: P. DAVID WAHLBERG
DATES: April 21-24, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: TJ Harris, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Jessica Shaye Freud/Michael Watson (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for aggravated sexual assault on or about Aug. 18, 2018. The jury found the defendant guilty of aggravated sexual assault but did not find that the defendant used or exhibited a deadly weapon. The court sentenced the defendant to 25 years in TDCJ.
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-005768; JUDITH KENT v. TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS, INC. DBA TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: March 24 – 31, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Michael R. Cowen/Sonia M. Rodriguez, Cowen, Rodriguez, Peacock (San Antonio)
Defendants: Weston L. Hall, Chamblee Ryan, PC (Dallas)
SUMMARY: The plaintiff claims injury as a result of a fall into a 10-foot shipping container at the Eco Depot, a solid waste transfer station in Bee Cave, Texas, on June 5, 2021. A unanimous jury found the following parties caused or contributed to the injury: Judith Kent – 10 percent; Texas Disposal Systems Landfill, Inc. – five percent; Texas Landfill Management, LLC – 65 percent; Texas Disposal Systems, Inc – 20 percent; and Brittany Hammer – 0 percent. The jury awarded: past physical pain and mental anguish – $2 million; future physical pain and mental anguish – $1 million; past disfigurement – $0; future disfigurement – $0; past physical impairment – $2 million; future physical impairment – $1 million; and future medical care expenses – $2.5 million.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-004548; PAUL J. CRUZ v. DASH EXPRESS, LLC and MIGUEL M. BAEZA
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: March 24 – 26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Jerry D. Lee III, Law Office of Thomas J. Henry
Defendants: Adrian ‘A.C.’ Ciechanowicz/Sean Swords, Chamberlain McHaney, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case involves a motor-vehicle accident, which occurred on Nov. 25, 2020. A unanimous jury awarded: past reasonable medical care – $21,100; past physical pain and mental anguish – $4,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $0; past physical impairment – $4,000; future physical impairment – $0. (Defendant’s summary judgment motion led to Defendant Dash Express, LLC, being dismissed.)
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-001746; ICRAMUL JALIL v. ARUNA RUWAN DEDIGAMA
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: March 25 – 27, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Ashley Leonard, Law Office of Thomas J. Henry
Defendant: Melanie Brahm, Germer Beaman & Brown, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case arises from a motor-vehicle accident, which occurred on Sept. 3, 2022. A jury of 10 found that Defendant Aruna Ruwan Dedigama did not cause the occurrence in question.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-19-301573; STATE OF TEXAS v. DAVERN FOYE
JUDGE: BOB PERKINS
DATES: March 3-6, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Kathryn Hall, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Jason Katims (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with sexual assault, which occurred Oct. 12, 1997. The jury found the defendant not guilty. (This is the second jury trial; the previous one resulted in a mistrial on Sept. 11, 2024.)
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-303220; STATE OF TEXAS v. MOSES MOHINGA
JUDGE: BRAD URRUTIA
DATES: March 3-6, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Emily Scholten, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Kleon Andreadis (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for murder, which occurred on or about Sept. 23, 2023. The defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 65 years in TDCJ by the jury.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-24-205023; STATE OF TEXAS v. JOSE ARAIZA ROSAS
JUDGE: BRENDA KENNEDY
DATES: March 25-26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Emily Scholten, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Jason Katims (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for third-degree driving while intoxicated on July 7, 2024. The defendant was found guilty and sentenced to four years in TDCJ by the jury.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-22-300474; STATE OF TEXAS v. MAURICIO VALERIO-LOO
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: March 24-27, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Andrea Austin/Jacques Roussel, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Jamie Morrison/Marcos Hull (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted on two counts of sexual assault on or about Dec. 9, 2021. The jury found the defendant not guilty on both counts.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-21-900131; STATE OF TEXAS v. TOD STEHLING
JUDGE: BRANDY MUELLER
DATES: March 31-April 3, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: John Castro, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Dan Dworin (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for sexual assault of a child on or about March 30, 2020. Judge Mueller declared a mistrial.
CIVIL/FAMILY
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-002369; DENA SESSIONS v. ABBY ARGO, CHAMPAGNE CAMPAIGN, LLC; AMAZING REALTY, LLC, JACOB SOLIZ, GENA CARTER; KW ATX BROKER, LLC
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: Feb. 10 – 18, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: R. Alex Conant/Walter Williams/Hayden Prosise, Amini & Conant, LLP (Austin)
Defendant: Kevin F. Lee, Thompson Coe Cousins & Irons, LLP (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case arises from the sale of residential property located in the 78736 zip code. Defendant Champagne Campaign LLC was the seller, Plaintiff Dena Sessions was the buyer, Defendant Amazing Realty LLC was the listing broker firm, and Defendant Abby Argo was the listing associate. Plaintiff claims that the Defendants misrepresented the condition of the home in several aspects.
A jury of 11 found that the Defendant Argo committed fraud against the Plaintiff, but the Defendants Soliz and Carter did not commit fraud. For this specific charge, jury awarded: Past loss of benefit of the bargain – $642,000; future loss of benefit of the bargain – $0; past out-of-pocket damages – $0; future out-of-pocket damages – $0; past loss of use of the property – $0; future loss of use of the property – $0; past loss of use of funds – $0; future loss of use of funds – $0; past mitigation expenses – $23,500; future mitigation expenses – $0.
Further, the jury found Argo was acting within the scope of her agency relationship with Champaign Campaign, LLC and Amazing Realty, LLC; Argo engaged in false, misleading/deceptive acts that Sessions relied on to her detriment by causing confusion to the source, sponsorship, approval, or certification of goods/represented that goods/services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, which they do not have; represented that goods/services are of a particular style when they are of another; failed to disclose information concerning goods/services that was known at the time of the transaction with the intention to induce Plaintiff into a transaction into which Plaintiff would not have entered had the information been disclosed; made a false representation of a past or existing material fact when the false representation was made to Plaintiff for the purpose of inducing Plaintiff to enter into a contract and was relied upon by Sessions in entering the contract.
For the previous charges, jury awarded: past loss of benefit of the bargain – $642,000; future loss of benefit of the bargain – $0; past out-of-pocket damages – $0; future out-of-pocket damages – $0; past loss of use of the property – $0; future loss of use of the property – $0; past loss of use of funds – $0; future loss of use of funds – $0; past mitigation expenses – $23,500; future mitigation expenses – $0; past lost time – $70,000; future lost time – $0; past diminished marked value – $642,000; future diminished market value – $0.
Defendants Soliz, Carter, and Slusher Group did not engage in false, misleading/deceptive acts that Plaintiff relied on to her detriment by causing confusion to the source, sponsorship, approval, or certification of goods/did not represent that goods/services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, which they do not have; did not represent that goods/services are of a particular style when they are of another; did not fail to disclose information concerning goods/services that was known at the time of the transaction with the intention to induce Plaintiff into a transaction into which Plaintiff would not have entered had the information been disclosed; did not make a false representation of a past or existing material fact when the false representation was made to Plaintiff for the purpose of inducing Plaintiff to enter into a contract and was relied upon by Plaintiff in entering the contract.
Argo was acting with the scope of her agency relationship with Champaign Campaign, LLC and Amazing Realty, LLC. Argo engaged in conduct knowingly; Soliz, Carter, and Slusher Group did not engage in conduct knowingly; damages for the knowingly conduct: $100,000; Argo committed fraud against Sessions by making a material misrepresentation; failed to disclose a material fact within the knowledge of that party; damages for those specific charges: past loss of benefit of the bargain – $642,000; future loss of benefit of the bargain – $0; past out-of-pocket damages – $0; future out-of-pocket damages – $0; past loss of use of the property – $0; future loss of use of the property – $0; past loss of use of funds – $0; future loss of use of funds – $0; past mitigation expenses – $23,500; future mitigation expenses – $0.
Argo was acting with the scope of her agency relationship with Champaign Campaign, LLC and Amazing Realty, LLC. Plaintiff relied upon negligent misrepresentation by Argo but not Soliz and Carter. Difference between the value of what Plaintiff received in the transaction and the purchase price given – $642,000; past economic loss suffered as a consequence of Sessions’ reliance on the misrepresentation – $23,500; future economic loss suffered as a consequence of Sessions’ reliance on the misrepresentation; Argo was acting with the scope of her agency relationship with Champaign Campaign, LLC and Amazing Realty, LLC; the negligent supervision of Amazing Realty, LLC caused the occurrence in question; past loss of benefit of the bargain – $642,000; future loss of benefit of the bargain – $0; past out-of-pocket damages – $0; future out-of-pocket damages – $0; past loss of use of the property – $0; future loss of use of the property – $0; past loss of use of funds – $0; future loss of use of funds – $0; past mitigation expenses – $23,500; future mitigation expenses – $0;
Champagne Campaign, LLC did fail to comply with the agreement One to Four Family Residential Contract; past loss of benefit of the bargain – $642,000; future loss of benefit of the bargain – $0; past out-of-pocket damages – $0; future out-of-pocket damages – $0; past loss of use of the property – $0; future loss of use of the property – $0; past loss of use of funds – $0; future loss of use of funds – $0; past mitigation expenses – $23,500; future mitigation expenses – $0.
Argo was 100% responsible for the damages to the Plaintiff; Argo, Amazing Realty, LLC did not by clear and convincing evidence harm the Plaintiff which resulted from malice, or gross negligence. (Jury Charge was 36 pages).
CAUSE NO.: D-1-FM-21-000977; IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF BRIAN R. FOLLETT and BERNICE FOLLETT et. al.
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: Feb. 10 – 19, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Petitioner: Richel Rivers/Mary Evelyn McNamara, Rivers-McNamara, PLLC (Austin)
Respondent: Deanna B. Hogan/Caroline McClimon, Tuck McClimon, PLLC (Bastrop)
SUMMARY: The petitioner filed for divorce and conservatorship of the children. The Respondent filed a counter-petition requesting divorce and asserted the grounds of cruel treatment. A unanimous jury found that grounds exist for no-fault divorce but not due to cruelty by Brian Follett toward Bernice Follett. The jury further found that Brian Follett should be appointed the managing conservator for the children – two boys and one girl; Brian Follett could designate primary residence with a geographic restriction of Travis County and contiguous counties.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-001607; STEVEN THOMPSON v. BRAYLON JAMES
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: Feb. 11 – 13, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: David Round, Law Office of Thomas J. Henry
Defendant: J. Hampton Skelton, Skelton and Woody, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case involves a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on Feb. 11, 2022. A unanimous jury found that neither party was responsible for the occurrence.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-004572; PHILIP D. EDWARDS vs. LIBERTY COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
JUDGE: MARIA CANTU HEXSEL
DATES: Feb. 11 – 18, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: J.R. ‘Rusty’ Phenix/Ryan Haun, Phenix and Crump, PLLC (Henderson)
Defendants: Catherine Hanna/Jessica Bigbie, Hanna and Plaut, LLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: The plaintiff claimed that the defendant refused to abide by the insurance policy and pay for the repairs to the vehicle by declaring the vehicle a total loss. A jury of 10 found that Liberty did comply with the policy, Liberty did not engage in unfair and deceptive practice that was the producing cause of damage to the Plaintiff but did make misrepresentation relating to the policy and awarded $19,500.96 for this specific finding; Liberty did not engage in unfair or deceptive practice knowingly, nor did Liberty fail to pay Edwards all of the proceeds due to him within 60 days; Liberty did not fail to timely pay Edwards claim. Attorney’s fees awarded for Plaintiff: trial court – $29,541.76; court of appeals – $25,000; review stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $15,000; merits briefing stage in the Supreme Court of Texas – $10,000; oral argument and completion of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Texas – $10,000.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-23-000363; EMILY LEVENE v. STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
JUDGE: TODD WONG
DATES: Feb. 24 – 26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Jarrett Stone, Stone Firm, PLLC (Dallas)
Defendant: Lily Wilson, Skelton and Woody, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case involves an underinsured claim due to a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on May 20, 2021. The underlying insurance policy was $30,000. A unanimous jury of six found for the plaintiff and awarded the following damages: past physical pain – $72,000; future physical pain – $72,000; past physical impairment – $72,000; future physical impairment – $36,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-000873; MARIA CAMPBELL v. VIRGILIO HINOJOSA III BRAYLON JAMES
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: Feb. 24 – 26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: David Donnel, Law Office of Thomas J. Henry (San Antonio)
Defendant: Mark Siefken, Siefken & Associates (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case arises from a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on Sept. 20, 2021. A unanimous jury found that negligence from the defendant, Virgilio Hinojosa, did not cause the occurrence in question.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-003770; PRAVIN REDDY, MD and BROOKHAVEN AESTHETICS INSTITUTE LLC d/b/a REDDY AESTHETICS INSTITUTE v. HIGH TECH DESIGN SAFETY LLC d/b/a DBS PROTOTYPES LLC
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: Feb. 24 – 27, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Brian Smith/Cooper Fyfe, Dunn Smith LLP (Austin)
Defendant: Artie Pennington, Artie Pennington Law Offices, PLLC (Kyle)
SUMMARY: The plaintiffs claim that the defendant breached agreement, committed fraud, violated the Texas Theft Liability Act, and wrongfully exercised dominion over the plaintiffs’ money regarding the design and production of a pill sorter and dispenser. A jury of 10 found the following: Defendant failed to comply with the agreement, awarded $84,500 (difference between the amount the plaintiffs paid to defendant and the value of the work and services defendant provided), to compensate the plaintiffs; defendant’s failure to comply with the agreement was not excused by modifications or ratifications, defendants committed fraud and jury awarded $92,250; plaintiffs’ acts/omissions did contribute to the damages – 20 percent and Defendants 80%; and defendant’s fraud was not excused by plaintiffs’ acceptance of the benefits of the agreement after the plaintiffs’ full knowledge of defendant’s fraud.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-000304; JOANNE ANTRIM, Ind. and Executor of the Estate of PAUL ANTRIM, Deceased v. TEXAS ONCOLOGY, P.A.; JOHN NEAL RUTLEDGE, M.D.; and AUSTIN RADIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: Feb. 24 – March 4, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Mark McLean/Meredythe Heaton, Heaton McLean, PLLC (Austin)
Defendants: Paula Hale/Terri Harris, Steed Dunnill Reynolds Bailey Stephenson, LLP represented Texas
Oncology, P.A.
Todd Allen/Peter Anderson, Kershaw Anderson King, PLLC, represented John Rutledge, MD and ARA.
SUMMARY: The plaintiff brought a health care liability claim against the defendants alleging that the negligent care caused the death of Paul Antrim on Jan. 21, 2020. A unanimous jury found that Texas Oncology, P.A., by and through the acts of Kimberly Brooks, MSN, AGCNS-BC, AOCNS, and John Neal Rutledge, MD, were not negligent in the death of Paul Antrim.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-001549; RAUL GARCIA v. D.A. ROGERS ENTERPRISE, INC. and EDGAR M. HERNANDEZ
JUDGE: AURORA MARTINEZ JONES
DATES: Feb. 25 – March 3, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Courtney Graham/Brad Bonilla, Bonilla Law Firm, PLLC (Austin)
Defendant: Samantha Jeffers, Germer Beaman & Brown, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: This case involved a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on May 1, 2019. A unanimous jury found Edgar Hernandez 20 percent and D.A. Rogers Enterprises, Inc. 80 percent responsible for the occurrence. Jury awarded: past physical pain and mental anguish – $75,000; future physical pain and mental anguish – $25,000; past physical impairment – $5,000; future physical impairment – $5,000; and past medical care expenses – $100,000. The jury did not find by clear and convincing evidence that the harm to Raul Garcia was from the gross negligence of D.A. Rogers Enterprises, Inc.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-23-200830; D-1-DC-23-301142; D-1-DC-23-900109; D-1-DC-24-900025; STATE OF TEXAS v. MIGUEL DIAZ
JUDGE: KAREN SAGE
DATES: Feb. 4 – 11, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Matthew Foye, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Charles Baird (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with accident involving the death of two persons; accident involving injury to one person; reckless injury to a child; and aggravated assault to two persons. The jury was not able to reach a unanimous decision on the six counts, so a mistrial was declared. (The jury deliberated until 8 pm)
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-300864; STATE OF TEXAS v. JUAN WILKINSON
JUDGE: MIKE DENTON
DATES: Feb. 24 – 25, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Dominic Selvera, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Eric McDonald (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for criminal mischief, damaging or destroying property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. The jury was not able to reach a verdict; an Allen charge was given; the jury again could not reach a verdict, so a mistrial was declared. The case is reset for March 20, 2025.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-25-904012; STATE OF TEXAS v. BARTY SHARP
JUDGE: CHANTALL ELDRIDGE
DATES: Feb. 24 – 26, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jacques A. Roussel, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Geoffrey Puryear, Cofer & Connelly (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with three counts of sexual assault. The jury found the defendant not guilty in all counts.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-900029; STATE OF TEXAS v. HENRY HOUSTON
JUDGE: BRENDA KENNEDY
DATES: Feb. 4 – 25, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Brenda Gann, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Christopher Holub (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged bail jumping on or about Jan. 5, 2021. The jury found the defendant guilty of the offense of bail jumping – failure to appear. The jury assessed the punishment of eight years and six months in TDCJ and a $10,000 fine.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-20-600066; C-1-CR-24-004963; STATE OF TEXAS v. CHAD EDWARD LYNDEEN
JUDGE: KIM WILLIAMS
DATES: Feb. 24, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Trevor Mathes, Asst. County Attorney
Defendant: Juan Val Antonio (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with theft of property valued at greater than $100 and less than $750. A jury of six convicted the defendant, and he was confined to 90 days in jail.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-21-0004045; CITY OF AUSTIN, Condemnor v. LADIES OF THE EIGHTIES, INDEPENDENT BANK n/k/a INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL, AMARILLO NATIONS BANK, Condemnees
JUDGE: TODD WONG
DATES: Jan. 27 – 30, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Condemnor: Kristina W. Silcocks/Angela Rodriguez, Phelps Dunbar LLP (Houston)
Condemnee: Matthew Harrier/Brent Hamilton, Brady and Hamilton, LLP (Austin)
SUMMARY: On Aug. 25, 2021, the City of Austin filed the petition for condemnation to acquire fee simple title to property. A unanimous jury of six found that the difference between the fair market value of the property as of March 14, 2022, and the fair market value of the remainder property as of March 14, 2022, immediately after the city’s acquisition of the property – $500,000.
CIVIL/FAMILY
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-000634; BRADFORD CLEMENTS vs. ANNE CAGNIART-SINGH, HARBIR SINGH
JUDGE: AMY CLARK MEACHUM
DATES: Jan. 13 - 17, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Brad Clements, Pro Se Plaintiff Attorney [Texas Licensed]Defendants: Anthony Icenogle, Icenogle & Boggins, PLLC [Austin]
SUMMARY: This case is a residential lease dispute. A unanimous jury found that the defendants failed to comply with the lease regarding the security deposit but that the conduct was not in bad faith. The jury further found that the parties agreed to modify the lease, but the defendants failed to comply with the modified lease terms. The plaintiff was awarded security deposit that was withheld and not refunded - $7,879.84; rent payment - $596.77; necessary legal services for representation in the trial court - $3,500.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-000168; ALIJHA RIZO V. DAVID KAPSNER
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: Jan. 14 - 17, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Thomas D. Flanagan, Lee, Gober & Reyna, PLLC [Austin]Defendant: Adam H. Wyma, Law Offices of Fanaff, Gonzales, Baldwin & Cunningham
SUMMARY: This case is a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on Feb. 2022. A jury of 10 found the plaintiff proximately caused the occurrence.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-002595; DOMINC MONROE v. CITY OF MANOR
JUDGE: MARIA CANTU HEXSEL
DATES: Jan. 27 - 30, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: David G. Gutierrez, The Law Firm of Oscar A. Garza, PLLC [San Antonio]Defendant: Blair J. Leake, Wright & Greenhill, P.C. [Austin]
SUMMARY: This case is a motor vehicle accident, which occurred in November 2021. A jury of 10 awarded the following damages to the plaintiff: past physical pain and mental anguish - $500; future physical pain and mental anguish - $0; past physical impairment - $0; future physical impairment - $0; past reasonable medical care expenses - $2,500; past disfigurement - $0.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-001012; NICOLE SHELBY-KING v. NANCY SWENSON SMITH
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: Jan. 28 - 31, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Myranda Vaughn, Daniel Stark, P.C, [Bryan]Defendant: Alexandra C. Yamron, Law Offices of Fanaff, Gonzales, Baldwin & Cunningham
SUMMARY: This case is a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on Oct. 24, 2021. A jury of 10 found both the plaintiff [15 percent] and defendant [85 percent] proximately caused the occurrence. The jury awarded the following damages: past medical care expenses - $57,796; future medical care expenses - $20,000; past physical pain and mental anguish - $0; future physical pain and mental anguish - $0; past physical impairment - $20,000; future physical impairment - $0.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-20-003118; JULIUS KADIA v. TEXAS HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: Jan. 28 – Feb. 6, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Corinna Chandler, Chandler & Shavin, PLLC [Dallas]Defendant: Drew Harris, Attorney General of Texas
SUMMARY: This case is an employment discrimination case. A jury of 10 found that the plaintiff’s national origin was not a motivating factor to refuse to promote for 7 positions. The jury further found that the defendant did not engage in adverse employment actions because the plaintiff filed complaints of discrimination and retaliation for two positions but did find that adverse actions were taken for 10 various positions. The jury awarded damages as follows: Back pay - $150,000; past compensatory damages - $300,000; future compensatory damages - $0; legal Services for representation in the trial court - $930,000; representation in court of appeals - $99,000; representation at the petition for review stage in the Supreme Court of Texas - $27,500; representation at the merits briefing stage in the Supreme Court of Texas - $27,500; representation through oral arguments and completion of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Texas - $16,500.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-24-000486; BLANCA CHAVEZ v. LAM LOU THANH
JUDGE: ERIC SHEPPERD
DATES: Jan. 27-28, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Carolyn Brown, Lorenz and Lorenz, PLLC [Austin]Defendant: Ariana M. Perez, Law Offices of Fanaff, Gonzales, Baldwin & Cunningham
SUMMARY: This case is a motor vehicle accident, which occurred in May 2023. A jury of five found that the defendant was responsible for the accident and awarded the following damages: past physical pain and mental anguish - $500; future physical pain and mental anguish - $0; past physical impairment - $500; future physical impairment - $0; past reasonable necessary medical care - $5,500; future reasonable necessary medical care - $0.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-20-005096; MERLE FRIZZELL v. ALFONSO CALVEART HERNANDEZ
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: Jan. 30, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Thomas Pronske, Lorenz and Lorenz, PLLC [Austin]Defendant: Jenny Forehand, Meynier, Reese Liber & Matte [San Antonio]
SUMMARY: This case is a motor vehicle accident, which occurred in March 2019. A mistrial was declared by the court.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-20-202275; STATE OF TEXAS v. MITZY LOPEZ
JUDGE: BIANCA GARCIA
DATES: Jan. 6, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Trevor Mathes, Asst. County Attorney
Defendant: Alfonso C. Hernandez [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with Assault with Bodily Injury. A jury of six was chosen, the defendant then pled nolo contendere and received 12 months supervision including no victim contact, anger management classes, counseling, and AA meetings.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-24-212024; STATE OF TEXAS v. EZRA TESSEMA
JUDGE: NANCY HOHENGARTEN
DATES: Jan. 8 - 9, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Trevor Mathes, Asst. County Attorney
Defendant: Scott Constantine, Public Defenders Office
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with Criminal Trespass. The jury of six found the defendant guilty. The defendant was sentenced to 180 days in Travis County Jail by the court.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-24-904086; STATE OF TEXAS v. DOUGLAS BIRDEN
JUDGE: BOB PERKINS
DATES: Jan. 13 - 17, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Efrain DeLaFuente, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Jeremy Shane Sylestine [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, pertaining to a 1993 cold case. The jury of 12 found the defendant guilty in two separate counts. The jury sentenced the defendant to 30 years in TDCJ.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-23-501185; STATE OF TEXAS v. ALEXANDER BRIONES
JUDGE: DIMPLE MALHOTRA
DATES: Jan. 14 - 16, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Max Shaps, Asst. County Attorney
Defendant: Joseph Aragon [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with Assault Family Violence. The jury of six found the defendant guilty. The defendant agreed to the following punishment after the jury's finding: 12 month probation, $4,000 fine, counseling classes, and no victim contact.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-300864; STATE OF TEXAS v. ABEL BERMUDEZ-ORNELAS
JUDGE: BRANDY MUELLER
DATES: Jan. 14 - 28, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jean Sullivan, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Charles Baird [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted on two counts of Murder because two males were found shot inside a vehicle in Elgin, TX. The jury of 12 found the defendant guilty in each count. The jury sentenced the defendant to 60 years in TDCJ.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-22-501587; STATE OF TEXAS v. CHRISTOPHER BRAY
JUDGE: MARY ANN ESPIRITU
DATES: Jan. 28, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Elsie Aton, Asst. County Attorney
Defendant: Jessica Bernstein [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with Indecent Assault. The jury of six found the defendant guilty. The court sentenced the defendant to 24 days' confinement in the County Jail.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-500048; STATE OF TEXAS v. AFIF HIDVELASCO
JUDGE: BRENDA KENNEDY
DATES: Jan. 27 - 30, 2025
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jamie Liu, Asst. District Attorney
Defendant: Angelica Patrice Adel [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted on Sexual Assault, which occurred in 2016. The jury of 12 found the defendant guilty. The jury sentenced the defendant to six years in TDCJ and is required to register as a sex offender.
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-008110, FRATRIS CLEARLEAF, LLC, FA RETREAT, LLC, FRATRIS MIDTOWN, LLC and FRATRIS 603, LLC vs. RPM LIVING, LLC
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: Dec. 10 - 18, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Michael Navarre, Beatty Navarre Strama PC [Austin]
Defendant: Lindsey Wyrick, Cobb Martinez Woodward, PLLC [Dallas]
SUMMARY: This case is a property management dispute. Plaintiffs own several multifamily communities and sued Defendant for breach of contract, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty, claiming that Defendant’s fraud included the knowing falsification of financial and operating records. Defendant filed a counterclaim. Jury was reduced from 12 to 10 due to illness. All 10 of the remaining jurors found that Defendant RPM did not commit fraud in the inducement to enter into an agreement. The jury did find that RPM committed fraud against all Plaintiffs. The jury found that RPM did not comply with its fiduciary duties. The jury also found that the Defendant failed to comply with each of the Plaintiff’s agreements and that each Plaintiff failed to comply with their agreement with the Defendant. The jury also found that the Defendant failed to comply with the agreement first. Damages awarded: Fratris Clearleaf - reasonable and necessary expenses in attempting to mitigate business losses - $248,300; past lost profits - $219,816; FA Retreat – difference between the value of business upon execution of the agreement and upon disposition by Defendant - $4,693,384; reasonable and necessary expenses in attempting to mitigate business losses - $100,000; past lost profits - $563,206; Fratris Midtown - reasonable and necessary expenses in attempting to mitigate business losses - $460,600; past lost profits -$287,876; Fratris 603 - Difference between the value of business for execution of the agreement and upon disposition by Defendant - $1,965,342; reasonable and necessary expenses in attempting to mitigate business losses - $55,000; past lost profits - $261,635. The jury further found by clear and convincing evidence that the fraud resulted in damages and awarded exemplary damages as follows: Fratris Clearleaf - $1,250,000; FA Retreat - $1,250,000; Fratris Midtown - $1,250,000; Fratris 603 - $1,250,000.
The jury further awarded damages against each Plaintiff for failure to comply with the agreements: Fratris Clearleaf - $47.850.33; FA Retreat - $47,850.32; Fratris Midtown -$47,850.32; Fratris 603 - $47,850.32.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO: C-1-CR-24-203326; STATE OF TEXAS v. FRANCISCO PENA
JUDGE: BIANCA GARCIA
DATES: Dec. 9, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Miguel Gutierrez
Defendant: Alfonso Hernandez, Alfonso C. Hernandez Law, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Defendant entered a plea in another case and this case was dismissed after the jury was chosen.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-300583; STATE OF TEXAS v. FRANCISCO GODINEZ BUENROSTRO
JUDGE: CLIFFORD BROWN
DATES: Dec. 9 – 16, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: John Castro
Defendant: Charles Baird, Baird Law Firm, PLLC (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for sexual assault of a minor child. A mistrial was declared.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-21-500171; STATE OF TEXAS v. OLOLADE SHOETAN
JUDGE: CHANTAL ELDRIDGE
DATES: Dec. 9 – 12, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jaime Liu
Defendant: William B Mange, Dunham & Jones, PC (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. The jury found the Defendant not guilty of sexual assault, guilty of attempted sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. Defendant elected for the Court to assess punishment.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-200560; STATE OF TEXAS v. MANOLO GONZALEZ
JUDGE: BOB PERKINS
DATES: Dec. 9 – 12, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Rebekah Mata, Sam Henry
Defendant: Rhett Braniff (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for knowingly shooting an individual with a firearm resulting in death. The jury found the Defendant guilty of murder and assessed a punishment of 40 years.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-302141; STATE OF TEXAS v. TAJAURAE JONES
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: Dec. 9 – 12, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Habon Yassin Mohammed
Defendant: David B. Frank (Austin)
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for knowingly shooting an individual with a firearm resulting in death. The jury found the Defendant guilty of murder and assessed a punishment of 30 years.
CIVIL/FAMILY
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-004645; CENTEX CDB, LLC v. LONESTAR FARMS LLC
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: Nov. 4 – 14, 2024
Plaintiff: Matt Lighfoot and Abigail Ventress, VBPena Law, PLLC
Defendant: Lisa Pittman and Michelle Garcia Shaw, Pittman Legal
SUMMARY: Plaintiff sued Defendant for breach of contract, fraud and deceptive trade practices claiming Defendant delivered mislabeled and incorrect gum drops - consumable hemp products. The jury charge contained 26 questions. A unanimous jury found for the Plaintiff, that Defendant engaged in deceptive trade practice. Further that the Defendant engaged in unconscionable acts, knowingly failed to comply with the warranty. The jury awarded the Plaintiff the following damages: Fair and Reasonable compensable damages - loss of the benefit of the bargain-$9,994; Out of pocket expenses-$3,400 and loss profits-$6,594. Damages for knowingly finding are: $95,722. The jury further found that the Defendant committed constructive fraud and awarded the following damages: loss of the benefit of the bargain-$9,994; Out of pocket expenses-$3,400 and loss profits-$6,594. In addition, the jury found that the Defendant failed to comply with its agreement with the Plaintiff and awarded damages: loss of the benefit of the bargain-$9,994; Out of pocket expenses-$3,400 and loss profits-$6,594. Damages were also awarded due to the Plaintiff’s reliance on the Defendant: loss of the benefit of the bargain-$9,994; Out of pocket expenses-$3,400 and loss profits-$6,594. The jury also found that Lonestar did not own a trade secret in the formula, pattern, etc.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-002484; HARTFORD UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY v. TARA EDMONDSON, IND. and A/N/F of M.E. and S.E. MINORS and BENEFICIEARIES OF BRANDON EDMONDSON, DECEASED
JUDGE: Jessica Mangrum
DATES: Nov. 4 – 6, 2024
Plaintiff: Mike Donovan, Burns, Anderson, Jury, Brenner, LLP [Austin]
Defendant: Michael Wadler, Wadler Law [Houston]
SUMMARY: This case is a workers’ compensation de novo appeal. Brandon Edmondson was killed in a single vehicle accident in which he was the driver. Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation [DWC] awarded workers’ compensation benefits to the survivors of Brandon Edmondson. A unanimous jury found that Brandon Edmondson was in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the fatal car crash and his death was not caused by his willful attempt to injure himself. Further the jury awarded attorneys fees incurred by Tara Edmondson: Trial Court representation - $272,000; Court of Appeals - $30,000; Supreme Court - $10,000; Oral argument/completion of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Texas - $10,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-CV-22-003040; JOSE VELASQUEZ v. KYLE TURPIN
JUDGE: ERIC SHEPPERD
DATES: Nov. 6 – 7, 2024
Plaintiff: Mason Allenger [Austin]
Defendant: Catherine Wilson, Martinez, Dieterich & Zarcone Legal Group [Edinburg]
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claims that on or about April 2022, he was stopped at an intersection when a person driving a Tacoma turning was hit by the Defendant who drove through a red light, therefore forcing the Tacoma into the Plaintiff’s vehicle. The Court declared a mistrial on the 2nd day of trial.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-FM-24-000506; IN THE INTEREST OF D.S.M.R., A CHILD
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: Nov. 18 – 19, 2024
Petitioner, Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Service: Jannice Joseph
Respondent, Jose Martinez-Argueta: Daniella Salazar [Manor]
Intervenor, Liliam Moncada: Jesus Sifuentes, Sifuentes & Drummond [Austin]
Attorney Ad Litem: Jaymi Furniss-Jones, Jorgeson Pittman, LLP [Austin]
SUMMARY: The Respondent was incarcerated because he was charged with the murder of the minor’s mother. The state claimed that the minor was in danger and requested termination of the parental rights of the Respondent. The Respondent requested a jury trial and the jury heard testimony on Nov. 18-19, 2024. Then the Respondent waived the jury trial and voluntarily relinquished his parental rights.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-000643; SHAUN THOMAS, IND. and A/N/F of A.T. and A.T. , Minors V. JULIO MALDONADO and JUSTI TRAUERNICHT
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: Nov. 19 – 20, 2024
Plaintiff: Joseph Barrientos, Law Office of Thomas J. Henry [San Antonio]
Defendant: Anthony Icenogle, Icenogle & Boggins, PLLC [Austin]
SUMMARY: The adult Plaintiff claims that he was driving with 2 minor passengers when Defendant, Julio Maldonado, under the influence of alcohol and distracted by his phone traveling in front of the Plaintiffs in the same direction, swerved and damaged the guardrail. The other Defendant, Justi Trauernicht stopped suddenly to avoid the guardrail and the Plaintiff hit the back of the Trauernicht’s vehicle. 11 jurors voted that Plaintiff, Shaun Thomas was 60% negligent and Defendant, Julio Maldonado was 40% negligent. The Plaintiff nonsuited the Defendant Justi Trauernicht on Nov. 19, 2024.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-23-008696; CIRILIO SANCHEZ III v. STEPHANIE SANCHEZ
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: Nov. 19 – 21, 2024
Plaintiff: Ard Ardalan and Kelly Garemko, Ardalan Law Firm PLLC
Defendant: Michelle Garcia Shaw and Catherine Wilson, Martinez, Dietrich & Zarcone Legal Group
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claims he was injured when his trailer was rear-ended by the Defendant’s vehicle while the Plaintiff was stopped in left lane. Defendant contended she was side-swiped by a “ghost car” which caused her to lose control and rear-end Plaintiff’s trailer. 10 jurors voted that the Defendant was not negligent.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-FM-19-001893; IN THE INTEREST OF I.K.R.S., A CHILD
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: Nov. 19 – 22, 2024
Petitioner, Andrea Redmond Stickney : Kurt D. Metscher, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC [Austin]
Respondent, Isaac Stickney: Tiffany Bartlett [Austin]
SUMMARY: Petitioner requested to be designated the sole managing conservator and in the alternative Joint Managing Conservator with the right to designate the primary resident of the child within Travis/Williamson Counties. 10 jurors voted that both the Petitioner and Respondent should be appointed joint managing conservators but that the Petitioner, Andrea Redmond-Stickney should have exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child. Further the jury awarded both the Petitioner and Respondent reasonable attorney’s fees of $77,000.00.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-21-300413; STATE OF TEXAS v. ADRIEAN BENN
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Erik Nielsen
Defendant: Amber Vazquez, Vazquez Law Firm, PLLC [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was arrested for murder from somebody being shot inside of a club located on E. 7th Street. A mistrial was declared due to a hung jury. PreTrial is set for 2025.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-904034; STATE OF TEXAS v. SERGIO CARCES-HERRERA
JUDGE: BRAD URRUTIA
DATES: Nov. 4, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jason Rew-Hunter
Defendant: Jackson F. Gorski and Raymond Esperson [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for aggravated assault of a minor. A mistrial was declared. Case is reset for 2025.
CAUSE NO: C-1-CR-23-400444; STATE OF TEXAS v. MICHAEL MARIOS LAMNISSOS
JUDGE: MICHAEL KEASLER, visiting judge
DATES: Nov. 4 - 7, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Edward Jaramillo
Defendant: Michael Watson [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was arrested for violating Texas Penal Code Section 25.11 – Continuous Violence Against the Family. Jury found the Defendant guilty for Assault causing Bodily Injury. Jury assessed punishment of 365 days in jail and $4,000.00 fine. The jury further agreed to probate the sentence and $3,999.00 of the fine.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-20-302098; STATE OF TEXAS v. WYNLI HERNANDEZ
JUDGE: MICHAEL KEASLER
DATES: Nov. 18 – 21, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Andrea Richter
Defendant: Geoffrey Puryear, Cofer Connelly [Austin]
SUMMARY: Defendant was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor when she was 6 years old. The Defendant rented a room in the apartment where the minor lived. The jury found the Defendant not guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
CAUSE NO: D-1-CR-23-008392; STATE OF TEXAS v. LAURA CHEE-GAY
JUDGE: KIMBERLY WILLIAMS
DATES: Nov. 18-19, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Afton Washbourne, Travis County Attorney’s Office
Defendant: Jessica Bernstein
SUMMARY: Defendant was arrested for intentionally harassing, annoying, tormenting or embarrassing another person after Defendant was asked to cease communications. The jury found the Defendant guilty. Sentencing is pending.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-904072/904073; STATE OF TEXAS v. CHARLES ALLEN
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: Nov. 18 - 22, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Danielle Tierney
Defendant: Daniel Betts/Ray Espersen
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Burglary of Habitation, Robbery and Kidnapping. The jury found the Defendant guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault and Burglary of a Habitation. Defendant was convicted to life in prison.
CIVIL/FAMILY
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-19-002982; 5005 SSR LLC v. LASZLO HERCZEG
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETTA LYTTLE
DATES: October 8 - 10, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Michael Smith, The Fowler Law Firm PC
Defendant: Self Represented
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claims that the Defendant’s actions interfered with the Plaintiff’s ability to improve its property resulting in damage to the Plaintiff. A unanimous jury found that the Defendant interfered with the Plaintiff’s ability to use the easement despite having a written document creating the easement which provided the Plaintiff the right to work or improve the road. Further the jury found that the Plaintiff incurred $125,000 in attorneys’ fees.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-21-005772; ASHLEY GALLARDO ET. AL. v. CITY OF AUSTIN ET. AL.
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: October 7 - 9, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: J. Luke Dow, Dow Law Firm, PLLC
Defendant: Elissa Hogan, City of Austin Law Department
SUMMARY: Plaintiffs claim that an Austin/Travis County EMS vehicle hit the back of the Plaintiffs vehicle causing damage and injury. A unanimous jury of 11 awarded the following damages: Ashley Gallardo - Past physical pain and mental anguish - $120,000; Future physical pain and mental anguish- $25,000; Future medical care expenses - $20,000; Past disfigurement - $10,000; Future disfigurement - $0; Past physical impairment - $120,000; Future physical impairment - $125,000; Brittaney Gallardo – Past physical pain and mental anguish- $70,000; Future physical pain and mental anguish - $40,000; Future medical care expenses - $20,000; Past disfigurement - $0; Future disfigurement - $0; Past physical impairment - $35,000; Future physical impairment - $40,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-FM-23-008574; IN THE INTEREST OF L.L.T.H., A CHILD
JUDGE: MAYA GUERRA GAMBLE
DATES: Oct. 21 - 24, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Petitioner: Brian Walters, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC
Respondent: Courtney Hatchett, Law Office of Courtney Hatchett
Ad Litem: Sherita Lynch, Advocate for All, LLC
SUMMARY: Petitioner father filed the Original Petition in Suit affecting the parent-child relationship. Respondent mother filed counter-petition. A unanimous jury awarded exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child to the Respondent mother.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-FM-21-006301; IN THE INTEREST OF L.D., A CHILD
JUDGE: MARIA CANTU HEXSEL
DATES: Oct. 22 - 25, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Petitioner: David Kazen, Law Office of David A. Kazen, PLLC
Respondent: Christopher M, Kirker, Kirker Davis LLP
SUMMARY: A unanimous jury found that the joint manage conservatorship should continue and not be replaced with one of the parents as sole managing conservator.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-19-900111; STATE OF TEXAS v. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
JUDGE: DAYNA BLAZEY
DATES: Sept. 23 – Oct. 5, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Rod Drummond
Defendant: Ken Ervin
SUMMARY: The amended indictment claimed that Christopher Taylor, a police officer intentionally caused the death/serious bodily injury of Mauris Desliva and discharged a firearm in the direction of Mauris Desliva. The jury found the Defendant guilty of the offense of Deadly conduct as stated in the indictment. [Sentencing phase is in process]
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-24-904075; STATE OF TEXAS v. AHMED AL-KHAZAALI
JUDGE: BRANDY MUELLER
DATES: Oct. 7 – 11, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Dominic Selvera
Defendant: David Deblanc
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for aggravated robbery, deadly conduct by discharging a firearm. The Court sentenced the Defendant of 10 years at TDCJ.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-21-301914; STATE OF TEXAS v. KYLE POWERS
JUDGE: BRENDA KENNEDY
DATES: Oct. 14 – 17, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jamie Liu
Defendant: Christoper Perri
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for sexual assault. A mistrial was declared due to a hung jury.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-202459; STATE OF TEXAS v. DARION GATES
JUDGE: SELENA ALVARENGA
DATES: Oct. 14 - 16, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Faisal Sheikh
Defendant: Michael Watson
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for the offense of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The jury found the Defendant guilty and sentenced him to 2 years.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-24-904089; STATE OF TEXAS v. CHRISTOPHER MCDAVID
JUDGE: BRANDY MUELLER
DATES: October 21 – 24, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Dominic Selvera
Defendant: Jesus Gabriel Hernandez
SUMMARY: Defendant was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury found the Defendant not guilty for the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The Defendant was found guilty of the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and the jury sentenced the Defendant to 9 years in TDCJ.
CAUSE NO: D-1-DC-23-301060; STATE OF TEXAS v. STEVEN BRYANT
JUDGE: MELISSA GOODWIN
DATES: Oct. 28 - 31, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Brandy Gann
Defendant: Michael Watson
SUMMARY: The indictment stated that on or about March 18, 2023, the Defendant did knowingly cause the death of Barry Charles Dockery by shooting with a firearm. The jury found the Defendant guilty of Murder. Defendant was sentenced to 40 years.
CIVIL
Robert Lindsay Duncan and Molly Duncan v. Estate of Cheryl Wheeler Sanders and Estate of Robert Reed Sanders
Cause No: D-1-GN-16-002071
Judge: Amy Clark Meachum, 201st Civil District Court
Dates: September 9 - 13, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiffs: Cory W. Smith, Cory W. Smith, PLLC
Defendants: Damon A. Goff, Goff Law Firm, PLLC
Case Summary: Plaintiffs claim that the Defendant, Cheryl Sanders, wrote a malicious letter that stated the Plaintiffs committed corporate fraud and sent the correspondence to various persons/organizations. The petition further claims, after an investigation, Cheryl Sanders recanted her story. Both Defendants tried to extort money from the Plaintiffs. Sometime during the pendency of the lawsuit, both Defendants died.
A unanimous jury found that the Defendants committed an assault against the Plaintiffs. The jury further found that the Defendant, Cheryl Sanders did not maliciously prosecute the Plaintiff, Robert Lindsay Duncan. The damages awarded: Cheryl Wheeler Sanders to Robert Lindsay Duncan – past physical pain and mental anguish - $2 million; future physical pain and mental anguish - $450,000; to Molly Duncan – past physical pain and mental anguish - $3 million; future physical pain and mental anguish - $600,000; Robert Reed Sanders to Robert Lindsay Duncan – past physical pain and mental anguish - $1.5 million; future physical pain and mental anguish - $300,000; to Molly Duncan – past physical pain and mental anguish - $3 million; future physical pain and mental anguish - $1 million.
Overlook at Lewis Mountain Community, Inc. v. John Speer and Sara Souerbry
Cause No: D-1-GN-22-001344
Judge: Jan Soifer, 345th Civil District Court
Dates: September 9 - 13, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Gregory Cagle, Cagle Pugh
Defendants: Ben and William Broocks, Broocks Law Firm
Case Summary: Plaintiffs claim that Defendants’ fence as constructed deviated materially from the location and design as approved by the architectural committee.
A jury of 10 found that the Defendants Speer/Souerbry did not fail to comply with the declaration by construction a fence on the Defendants’ property without the prior written approval of the Architectural committee. The jury further found that the architectural committee did not determine that the fence at the Defendants’ property materially deviated from the fence as approved by the architectural committee.
Margaret Lischka v. Joel Salinas and MV Transportation
Cause No: D-1-GN-24-002137
Judge: Maya Guerra Gamble, 459th Civil District Court
Dates: September 10 - 13, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Nick Wooten, DJC Law, PLLC
Defendants: Jacqueline A. Gerber, Mayer LLP
Case Summary: This case was transferred from county court to district court. The Plaintiff claims that on or about Feb. 2020, she was driving in downtown Austin when the Defendant Joe Salinas driving a Capital Metro bus rear-ended the Plaintiff.
Unanimous jury found that the Defendants were negligent. Damages awarded: Past physical pain - $50,000; future physical pain - $0; Past mental anguish - $90,000; future mental anguish - $10,000; past physical impairment - $50,000; future physical impairment - $0; past disfigurement - $0; future disfigurement - $0.
Rodrigo Lopez v. Althea Simon, Ind. and MV Transportation
Cause No: D-1-GN-22-003133
Judge: Jessica Mangrum, 200th Civil District Court
Dates: September 23 - 27, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Nicholas Wooten, DJC Law, PLLC
Defendants: Jacqueline A. Gerber, Mayer LLP
Case Summary: Plaintiff claims he was a passenger in a Capital Metro bus and was injured when the driver failed to stop at a red light and hit another vehicle.
A jury of 10 found that the Defendants were negligent. They awarded the following damages: Past physical pain - $25,000; future physical pain - $0; past mental anguish - $25,000; future mental anguish - $0; past physical impairment - $25,000; future physical impairment - $0; past medical care expenses - $50,000; future medical care expenses - $0. The jury did not find gross negligence.
In The Interest of C.A.G., A Child
Cause No: D-1-FM-24-000594
Judge: Daniella Dysetta Lyttle, 261st Civil District Court
Dates: September 24 - 27, 2024
Attorneys:
Petitioner: Perry Minton, Minton, Bassett, Flores and Carsey, P.C.
Respondent: Rob Frasier, Goranson, Bain, Ausley, PLLC
Case Summary: Petitioner father filed the Original Petition in Suit affecting the parent-child relationship. Respondent mother filed counter-petition. A jury of 11 awarded exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child to the Respondent mother.
CRIMINAL
State of Texas v. Frank Estrada, III
Cause No: D-1-DC-24-904077
Judge: Karen Sage, 299th Criminal District Court
Dates: Aug. 27 - Sept. 3, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Katherine West
Defendant: Shara McDonald Dixon
Case Summary: In 1997, the Defendant was indicted for aggravated sexual assault of the victim in concert with two other individuals. The jury found the Defendant guilty of Violation of Protective Order. [This case consolidated 3 separate felony cases and 1 misdemeanor case]
State of Texas v. Daverne Foy
Cause No: D-1-DC-19-301573
Judge: Jon Wisser
Dates: Sept. 9 - 11, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Kate Hall
Defendant: Jason Katims, Law Office of Jason Katims, PLLC
Case Summary: In 1997, the Defendant was indicted for aggravated sexual assault of the victim in concert with 2 other individuals. The jury found the Defendant not guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault.
State of Texas v. Montavian Carlysle
Cause No: D-1-DC-22-301556
Judge: Brenda Kennedy
Dates: Sept. 16 – 19, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Jason Rew-Hunter
Defendant: Bristol Myers
Case Summary: Defendant was indicted for shooting the victim in the head with a firearm. Jury convicted Defendant of aggravated assault with serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon. The jury sentenced the Defendant to four years in prison and declined to place him on community service.
State of Texas v. David Polonia Trinidad
Cause No: D-1-DC-24-904004
Judge: Mike Denton
Dates: Sept. 16 – 20, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: John D. Castro
Defendant: Luis Ortiz, Travis County Public Defender’s Office
Case Summary: Defendant was indicted for causing serious bodily injury to a child. The Defendant pled out after the jury informed the Court that they hit an impasse, 8-4, and did not believe they could reach a unanimous decision. The Court convicted the Defendant of five years at TDCJ.
State of Texas v. Jason Liss
Cause No: D-1-DC-22-500412
Judge: Chantal Eldridge, 331st Criminal District Court
Dates: Sept. 16 – 19, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Misa Mujevic Dzodic
Defendant: Kleon Constatine Andreadis
Case Summary: Defendant was indicted for causing bodily injury to a member of the Defendant’s family. He was convicted of assault family violence and was sentenced to 20 years in TDCJ.
State of Texas v. David Ontiveros
Cause No: D-1-DC-22-202634
Judge: Selena Alvarenga, 460th Criminal District Court
Dates: Sept. 16 – 24, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Jazmine Smith
Defendant: Krista Chacona
Case Summary: Defendant was indicted for shooting his wife and stepson. Defendant claimed self-defense. He was convicted of capital murder of multiple persons and was sentenced to life in TDCJ.
State of Texas v. Dublais Vasquez
Cause No: D-1-DC-23-302899
Judge: Melissa Goodwin
Dates: Sept. 24 - 26, 2024
Attorneys:
State of Texas: Robb Sheperd
Defendant: Kate Hall
Case Summary: Defendant was indicted for kidnapping an individual, hiding her then inflicting bodily injury on the individual. Defendant was convicted of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of sexual assault. Defendant was sentenced to at least 60 years in TDCJ.
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-002136; FORTUNATE PAYNE and JOSSELYN MARTINEZ v. CYNTHIA OWENS
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: August 5 - 7, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Kacie Starr, Brylak & Associates, LLC
Defendant: Jacob Perez, Martinez, Dieterich & Zarcone Legal Group
SUMMARY: Motor Vehicle Accident that occurred on May 30, 2021. 10 of the jurors found no negligence on either party.
CAUSE NO:D-1-GN-22-006776; ERIC WILLIAMS v. THE CARPENTER HOTEL, LLC and CARP 2020 HOLDINGS, LLC.
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: August 5 - 8, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Cole Gumm, Zinda Law Group, PLLC
Defendant: Matthew Walker/Beasia Dozier, Litchfield Cavo, LLP
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claimed that on Sept. 25, 2022, he was injured when he stepped into a overgrown area and fell 3-4 feet. 11 jurors found that the Plaintiff was an invitee and was 5% negligent and Defendant was 95% negligent. Damages awarded: Past medical care - $75,467,69; Future medical care - $10,000; Past physical pain - $50,000; Future physical pain - $5,000; Past physical impairment - $50,000; Future physical impairment - $10,000; Past disfigurement - $1,000. The jury also found that gross negligence occurred and awarded $200,000 in exemplary damages.
CAUSE NO:D-1-GN-22-002514; STEVE LOPEZ v. ABRAMS INTERNATIONAL LLP; ABRAMS MANAGEMENT COMPANY; ABRAMS INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED, J.D. ABRAMS, INC.
JUDGE: MADELINE CONNOR
DATES: August 6 - 12, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Guilherme Vasconcelos DJC Law, PLLC
Defendant: Rodney P. Geer, Fee, Smith & Sharp, L.L.P.
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claimed that on May 4, 2021, he was injured when logs fell from the construction site as he went under Highways 183 and 35. 10 jurors found that the Defendant, J.D. Abrams, L.P. was negligent. Damages awarded are: Past physical pain and mental anguish - $300,000; Future physical pain and mental anguish - $900,000; Future loss of earning capacity - $780,000; Past physical pain - $150,000; Future physical impairment - $650,000; Past reasonable expenses of necessary medical care - $727,000; Future reasonable expenses of necessary medical care - $1,000,000.
CAUSE NO:C-1-CV-23-005264; GEORGE PATE v. PRISCILLA MAZARIEGOS
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: August 20 - 21, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Chris Self, KPA LAW, PLLC
Defendant: Isaac Liou, Regency Law Associates
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claimed that on Nov. 9, 2022, he was injured in a motor vehicle accident. Unanimous jury of 6 found the Plaintiff was negligent.
CAUSE NO:D-1-GN-23-000676; AARON MCNEIL v. TEXAS REGIONAL LANDFILL CO., LP
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: August 20 - 23, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Charles Dunn/Mark Pierce and Christine Londergan, DJC Law, PLLC
Defendant: John Plumlee/Bret Sanders, Fee Smith & Sharp, L.L.P.
SUMMARY: Premises liability case against D, who owns and operates landfill, for personal injuries by P, an invitee who fell while balancing on a horizontal post because of the absence of a catwalk or warnings at the scale (trying to get to the scale office and get a receipt). 10 jurors found that the Defendant was 100% negligent. Damages totaled $3,962,887.05: Past physical pain and mental anguish - $1,000,000; future physical pain and mental anguish - $2,000,000; past loss of earning capacity - $50,000; past disfigurement - $8,000; future disfigurement - $8,000; past physical impairment - $100,000; future physical impairment - $500,000; past medical expenses - $96,887.05; future medical expenses - $200,000.
CAUSE NO:D-1-GN-18-000153; JON WELDON and RHONPDA WELDON v. ROD PROTHERO, Ind. and d/b/a K.R.P. CONSTRUCTION
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: August 20 - 26, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Sally Metcalfe, Metcalfe Law, PLLC
Defendant: Thomas A. Mailloux, II, Brock Guerra Strandmo Dimaline Jones, P.C.
SUMMARY: Plaintiffs claimed that they entered an agreement with the Defendant to construct a home. The Plaintiffs found several defects in the home including water leaks. 10 jurors found that the Defendant engaged in false, misleading or deceptive practices. The Jury determined that the Plaintiffs should have discovered the misleading acts in 2019 and that the Defendant knowingly engaged in deceptive conduct but such conduct was not unconscionable. Damages awarded: Reasonable and necessary expense for laboratory testing, engineering and consulting fees - $35,915; Past reasonable and necessary expense to repair and construct home: $356,140; Reasonable and necessary expense for temporary housing - $0; Past mental anguish - $0; Future mental anguish - $0. Attorneys Fees are pending.
CAUSE NO:D-1-GN-21-002734; JACK SWANSON v. FARMERS INSURANCE EXCHANGE
JUDGE: LAURIE EISERLOH
DATES: August 20 - 23, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Daniel Smith/David Wenholz, Law Office of Joel A. Levine, PLLC
Defendant: Angela Hahn/Scot G. Doyen, Doyen Sebesta & Poelma, LLLP.
SUMMARY: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident on or about July 25, 2019. Plaintiff sued Defendant based on the policy of insurance in force and effect at the time of the accident. 10 of the jurors awarded damages: Past physical pain - $300,000; Past physical impairment - $305,000; Future physical pain/Past mental anguish/Future mental anguish/Future physical impairment/Past physical disfigurement/Future physical disfigurement/Future medical care - $0.
CAUSE NO:D-1-GN-19-004763; ROBERT PUETZ v. DR. SCOTT SPANN
JUDGE: KARIN CRUMP
DATES: August 19 - 23, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: George Parker, Dewhurst & Dolven, LLC
Defendant: Christopher Henderson, Ballard & Simmons, LLP
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claimed that the Defendant was negligent when he performed healthcare treatments. 10 of the jurors found that Scott Spann, MD was negligent. Damages: Past physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish - $18,750; Future physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish - $18,750; Past physical impairment - $18.750; and Future physical impairment - $18,750.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO:D-1-DC-24-203260; STATE OF TEXAS v. TARA CHO
JUDGE: LEON GRIZZARD
DATES: August 5, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Amanda Reid
Defendant: Michael Watson
SUMMARY: Defendant, Tara Cho was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jury trial was only to determine if the Defendant was mentally competent to stand trial. Jury found that Defendant, Tara Cho was mentally competent to stand trial.
CAUSE NO:D-1-DC-24-904061; STATE OF TEXAS v. JASON NASSOUR
JUDGE: KAREN SAGE
DATES: August 12- 15, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Holly Taylor
Defendant: Joseph Turner, Joseph A. Turner, P.C., Keith Hampton
SUMMARY: Defendant, Jason Nassour was indicted for fabrication/tampering of physical evidence with intent to impair and conspiracy to fabricate/tamper of physical evidence with intent to impair. Jury was empaneled but the State of Texas Motion to Stay was granted. The case is presently on appeal.
CORRECTION
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-20-007621; FRENRICK LAMONT CATHEY et. al. v. KALAHARI RESORTS, MARIO MARTINEZ BUENROSTRO, SR. et. al.
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: July 9 – July 16, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Travis E. Venable, Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys
Defendants: Efrain Cantu/Zach Mayer, Mayer LLP, Trey Laidlaw/Brent Anderson, Taylor Anderson, LLP
SUMMARY: Dram shop case. The Plaintiffs petition states that they were pedestrians working in a construction zone replacing a damaged guardrail on Mopac and were struck by a drunken driver who was working for Kalahari Resorts as a bartender. The Kalahari bartender driver was killed in the accident [Case settled prior to verdict.]
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-004436; MARY HAMMER v. CARL JOSEPH FIELDS
JUDGE: KARIN CRUMP
DATES: July 8 –July 10, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Kevin Johnson, KLJ Law PLLC
Defendants: W. Paul Miller/Samantha Jeffers, Germer Beaman & Brown, PLLC
SUMMARY: This is a motor vehicle accident that occurred on or about Oct. 12, 2020. 10 jurors awarded damages – Past physical pain and suffering - $4k, Past medical and necessary medical expenses - $18k, Past/future physical impairment - $0.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-19-001088; MIKE JOHANNS and KATHY JOHANNS v. MACAPSIL REALTY ASSOCIATES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, D/B/A STORAGE TOWN USA
JUDGE: MADELEINE CONNOR
DATES: July 9 –July 11, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: John F. Melton, The Melton Law Firm, PLLC
Defendants: Stephen A. Mitchell
SUMMARY: The Plaintiff claims that the Defendant wrongfully sold property housed in the self-service rental unit. 10 jurors found the Defendant engaged in false, misleading or deceptive acts and such acts were unconscionable but not knowingly. Damages awarded– Reasonable and necessary cost to replace property - $5k, Sentimental value of property - $5k, Value of property - $5k, Attorneys Fees for trial court - $19,488.00,
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-20-007621; FRENRICK LAMONT CATHEY et. al. v. KALAHARI RESORTS, MARIO MARTINEZ BUENROSTRO, SR. et. al.
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: July 9 – July 16, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Travis E. Venable, Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys
Defendants: Efrain Cantu/Zach Mayer, Mayer LLP, Trey Laidlaw/Brent Anderson, Taylor Anderson, LLP
SUMMARY: This is a wrongful death case. The Plaintiffs petition states that they were pedestrians working in a construction zone replacing a damaged guardrail on Mopac and were struck by a drunken driver who was working for Kalahari Resorts as a bartender. [Case settled prior to verdict.]
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-19-006807; AUSTIN ARNOLD v. OMNI HOTELS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: July 9–July 18, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Robert Melendez, Melendez Law Firm, PLLC
Defendants: B. Kyle Briscoe, Peavler/Briscoe and Brian S. Rawson, Rawson Law PLLC
SUMMARY: The Plaintiff claims that on or around Feb. 18, 2018, a golf cart he was driving locked up and threw him to the ground and the golf cart crushed him. 10 jurors found that the Defendant was 100% responsible and awarded damages – Future medical expenses - $2,367,000, Past physical pain and mental anguish - $125,000, Future physical pain and mental anguish - $650,000, Past physical impairment - $3,700 and future physical impairment - $21,300.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-FM-23-01227; IMMO DANIEL URBAN and VICTORIA VAN BUREN
JUDGE: AMY CLARK MEACHUM
DATES: July 22 –July 24, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Petitioner, Daniel Urban: Christopher Kirker
Respondent Victoria Vanburen: Scott Dalrymple, Law office of Willie and Dasher
SUMMARY: 10 jurors found that grounds exist for the annulment of a marriage. [Respondent represented herself until July 26, 2024.]
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-22-006008; LEE ROY SALINAS and VIVIANA FRONTINO v. TAVERA YAHIR
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: July 22–July 25, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiffs: Christine Londergan/Charles Dunn
Defendant: Natalie Nicole Garcia, Martinez, Dieterich & Zarcone Legal Group
SUMMARY: This is a motor vehicle accident that occurred on or around May 26, 2022. 11 jurors awarded damages – Lee Roy Salinas: Past medical care expenses - $31,369.50 and $0.00 for all other damages; Viviana Frontino: Past medical care expenses - $17,624.81 and $0.00 for all other damages.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-GN-17-003747; KRYSTLE HERNANDEZ v. 80th GROUP LLC d/b/a CONCRETE COWBOW ET. AL.
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: July 23–July 26, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Daniel Sheppard, Morrow & Sheppard
Defendant: Ryan M. Owen, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
SUMMARY: On or around June 24, 2017, Plaintiff claims that she was injured when she fell from the 2nd floor of a building due to the Defendant’s negligence.
The Defendant was found negligent, and 10 jurors awarded – Past physical pain - $75,000, Future physical pain - $520,000, Past mental anguish - $75,000, Future mental anguish - $75,000, Past disfigurement - $1,500, Future disfigurement - $3,000, Past Physical impairment - $65,000, Future physical impairment - $250,000, Past medical care expenses - $62,025.32, Future reasonable expenses of necessary medical care - $300,000.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-21-302187; STATE OF TEXAS v. NORA LOPEZ
JUDGE: MELISSA GOODWIN
DATES: June 24-July 10, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jean Sullivan/Guillermo Gonzalez
Defendant: Laurie Drymalla/Douglas O’Connell/Jessica Freud
SUMMARY: This is the ‘bounce house’ case. The Defendant was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years. In addition, the jury found that the Defendant did not prove sudden passion by a preponderance of the evidence.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-23-904032; STATE OF TEXAS v. RIESE PANTER
JUDGE: JULIE KOCUREK
DATES: July 8 – 11, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Andrea Richter
Defendant: Amber Vazquez
SUMMARY: The jury found the Defendant not guilty of the offense of sexual assault.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-23-203069; STATE OF TEXAS v. DENIS RAMIREZ-BARAHONA
JUDGE: CHANTAL ELDRIDGE
DATES: July 15 – 17, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Jamie Liu
Defendant: Raymond Esperson
SUMMARY: The jury found the Defendant not guilty of the offense of aggravated sexual assault, guilty of offense of sexual assault as a lesser included offense and guilty of prohibited sexual conduct. Defendant was sentenced to 20 years.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-500165; STATE OF TEXAS v. ELLIOTT HORN
JUDGE: MIKE DENTON
DATES: July 16 – 18, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Yasmeen Aboellhasan
Defendant: Lance N. Stott
SUMMARY: The jury found the Defendant not guilty of the offense of sexual assault of a child.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-24-904039; STATE OF TEXAS v. DENZEL HARDMAN
JUDGE: Selena Alvarenga
DATES: July 29 – August 1, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Habon Mohamed
Defendant: Justin Fischer, Dunham and Jones, P.C.
SUMMARY: Jury found the Defendant guilty of the offense of Aggravated Assault in which the Defendant intentionally, knowingly and recklessly cause bodily injury to victim by shotting the victim and use and exhibit a firearm and not guilty of the offense of Aggravated Assault in which the Defendant intentionally and knowingly threaten the victim with imminent bodily injury and exhibit a firearm during the commission of the said assault. The jury also assessed a 5-year prison term but suspended the sentence and the Defendant was placed on community service because the Defendant had never been convicted on a felony.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-20-600051; STATE OF TEXAS v. KENDRIC KNATTE
JUDGE: Brenda Kennedy
DATES: July 29 – Aug. 2, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
State of Texas: Victor Erbring
Defendant: Rick Cofer, Cofer & Connelly, PLLC
SUMMARY: Defendant was found guilty of the offense of tampering with evidence but a mistrial was granted on the charge of murder.
SUPPLEMENTAL MAY JURY TRIAL:
CAUSE NO.: ANTONIO MONROE v. JD ABRAMS, L.P., JORGE A. SANTANA, SR., & JORGE A. SANTANA, JR.
JUDGE: JAN SOIFER
DATES: May 13 – 21, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Jack Morrison, Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC
Defendants: Rodney Geer, Fee, Smith & Sharp, LLP
SUMMARY: Plaintiff claims he was injured due to his vehicle being struck with electric or utility wiring from roadside construction. Jurors found that the Defendants Jorge Santana Sr. was 5% and JD Abrams, LP was 95% negligent. 10 jurors awarded damages as follows: Past physical pain and mental anguish - $50,000, Future physical pain and mental anguish - $10,000, Past loss of earning capacity - $12,096, Past medical expenses - $36,047 and Future medical expenses - $5,000.
CIVIL
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-20-003717; CITY OF AUSTIN v. LASZLO HERCZEG
JUDGE: ERIC SHEPPERD
DATES: June 3-4, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Phillip B. Arnold, Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP
Defendant: Laslo Herczeg, Pro Se
SUMMARY: Five jurors awarded the fair-market value of the property in a condemnation case.
Total amount: $13,347.62.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-22-004092; THE STATE OF TEXAS v. TEXAS SBA, INC., TEXAS CERTIFICATION AGENCY, INC. d/b/a TEXAS SBA BUSINESS CERTIFICATION, INC., and JAMIE DEMERICAS
JUDGE: CATHERINE MAUZY
DATES: June 3-5, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Monica Wadleigh, Texas Attorney General
Defendant: Roger Borgelt, Borgelt Law
SUMMARY: The unanimous jury found that the defendants engaged in 6,208 false, misleading, and deceptive acts and awarded damages against defendants, Texas SBA, Inc. and Texas SBA Business Certification, Inc. for $3,104,000.00 each and Jamie Demericas in the amount of $18,624,000.00.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-21-004734; STEVEN GAMBLER v. HUBER JAVIER TINOCO, ALL PRO RESTORATION INC. d/b/a SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION BY ALL PRO, SERVICEMASTER CLEAN/RESTORE SPE LLC, AND ERICK MONDRAGON JAIMES
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: June 4-10, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Cole Gumm, Zinda Law Group, PLLC
Defendant: J. Hampton Skelton, Skelton & Woody, PLLC
SUMMARY: Eleven jurors awarded damages incurred due to an automobile accident in a parking lot that occurred on or about July 31, 2021. Only damages were submitted to the jury. Damages awarded: Past physical pain - $83,360; future physical pain - $64,240; past mental anguish - $64,240; future mental anguish - $32,120; past physical impairment - $83,360; future physical impairment - $64,240; future disfigurement - $0; past reasonable/necessary medical care expenses - $90,000; and future reasonable/necessary medical care expenses - $110,000.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-20-005761; GLENN LOFGREN v. RICHARD GREEN
JUDGE: TODD WONG
DATES: June 24-28, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Garrett Wilson, Lorenz & Lorenz, L.L.P.
Defendant: Shaunte Collins, Germer, Beaman & Brown, PLLC
SUMMARY: The unanimous jury awarded the plaintiff damages as a result of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Dec. 13, 2019: Past physical pain - $10,000.00; past mental anguish - $3,000; past physical impairment - $4,100; past reasonable/necessary medical care - $8,953.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-19-004253; MAJORIE DRAKE V. TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
JUDGE: DANIELLA DESETA LYTTLE
DATES: June 25-July 2, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Lenore R. Shefman, Shefman Law Group
Defendant: Jose L. Valtzar, Texas Attorney General
SUMMARY: The unanimous jury found that on or about Feb. 18, 2018, the plaintiff was riding a bicycle that was hit by a vehicle driven by an employee of Texas Health and Human Services. Damages awarded are as follows: Past physical pain and mental anguish - $800,000; future physical pain and mental anguish - $600,000; past disfigurement - $450,000; future disfigurement - $400,000; past physical impairment - $400,000; future physical impairment - $700,000.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-19-002195; SAUL TIRADO v. LAUREN CHAMBERS
JUDGE: KARIN CRUMP
DATES: June 25-26, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: David Round, Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC
Defendant: Lisa Michaux, Leighton, Michaux & Brown, PLLC
SUMMARY: The unanimous jury found that neither the defendant nor the plaintiff was responsible for the motor vehicle accident that occurred on or about Sept. 9, 2018.
CAUSE NO: D-1-GN-20-001950; ARELY MONTOYA v. MICHAEL WEBLEY
JUDGE: JESSICA MANGRUM
DATES: June 25-27, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Alberto de la Torre-Law Office of Joel A. Levine, PLLC
Defendant: Jose Silva-Martinez, Dieterich & Zarcone Legal Group
SUMMARY: Ten jurors found that the defendant caused the motor vehicle accident that occurred on or about May 10, 2019. Damages awarded: Past physical impairment - $1,000; past medical care expenses - $3,730.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CV-24-001228; KENSINGTON APARTMENTS AUSTIN, LP d/b/a KENSINGTON APARTMENTS v. MARK CAVE AND ALL OCCUPANTS
JUDGE: TODD WONG
DATES: June 27, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Allison Matlocks, Agent
Defendant: Mark Cave, Pro Se
SUMMARY: A unanimous jury found that the defendant, Mark Cave, failed to comply with the apartment lease contract. Damages awarded to plaintiff: Rent - $15,751.91; attorney fees (including appeals) - $26,365.
CRIMINAL
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-301215; STATE OF TEXAS v. JASON LATZKO
JUDGE: CLIFF BROWN
DATES: June 3-5, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Defendant: Richard Seale Gentry
State of Texas: Shannon White
SUMMARY: The defendant was found not guilty of the charge of Assault - Family Violence - Strangulation. The defendant was found guilty of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and a lesser-included offense of Assault. The defendant was sentenced to two years.
CAUSE NO.: C-1-CR-22-210086; STATE OF TEXAS v. DANIEL J. MCDONALD
JUDGE: MARY ESPIRITU
DATES: June 3– 4, 2024
ATTORNEYS
Defendant: Ryan Church, Dunham & Jones, P.C.
State of Texas: Jaime Flores
SUMMARY: The defendant was found not guilty of the charge of indecent exposure.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-23-200543; STATE OF TEXAS v. BRIAN SCOTT
JUDGE: BOB PERKINS
DATES: June 10, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Defendant: Leslie Boykin
State of Texas: Andrea Austin
SUMMARY: After the jury was chosen, the defendant pled guilty to Assault Causing Bodily Injury and was sentenced to eight years of community supervision.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-22-204226; STATE OF TEXAS v. LINDSAY SMITH
JUDGE: JULIE KOCUREK
DATES: June 10-13, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Defendant: Lisa Mims, Michael Price, James Twine
State of Texas: Danny Smith
SUMMARY: The defendant was found guilty of the charge of Intoxication Manslaughter, sentenced to 18 years, and fined $10,000.
CAUSE NO.: D-1-DC-23-904083; STATE OF TEXAS v. BLAKE JONES
JUDGE: BOB PERKINS
DATES: June 24-28, 2024
ATTORNEYS:
Defendant: Alexander L. Calhoun
State of Texas: Kyle Smith
SUMMARY: The defendant was found guilty of the charge of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury and that the defendant used a deadly weapon (hot water) during the commission of the offense. The defendant was sentenced to 30 years and fined $6,000.
CIVIL
Ramos v. Regan
Cause No.: D-1-GN-22-007206
Judge: Jessica Mangrum, 200th Civil District Court
Trial Date(s): May 13-15, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Casey Archer and Guilherme Vasconcelos, DJC Law, PLLC
Defendant: J. Hampton Skelton and Sean Hoffman, Skelton and Woody, PLLC
Case Summary: Motor vehicle accident that occurred on June 12, 2022 in downtown Austin. Ramos and third-party defendant found responsible for accident. No damages awarded.
Amezquita v. Evans
Cause No.: D-1-GN-22-001572
Judge: Daniella Deseta Lyttle, 261st Civil District Court
Trial Date(s): May 14-16, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Anthony Icenogle, Icenogle and Boggins, PLLC
Defendant: William Gammon and Benjamin Schmerle
Case Summary: Plaintiffs claimed ownership of property located in Austin through adverse possession. Court granted directed verdict that plaintiffs failed to establish adverse possession of the property.
Monroe v. JD Abrams LP
Cause No.: D-1-GN-22-003097
Judge: Jan Soifer, 345th Civil District Court
Trial Date(s): May 14-21, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Jackson Morrison, Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC
Defendant: Rodney P. Geer, Fee, Smith, & Sharp, L.L.P.
Case Summary: Motor vehicle accident that occurred on March 31, 2021 on IH-35 in Austin. Defendants were found responsible for the accident. Ten jurors awarded $113,143.00 in damages.
Goodman v. Ascension Seton
Cause No.: D-1-GN-22-002558
Judge: Karin Crump, 250th Civil District Court
Trial Date(s): May 14-23, 2024
Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Matthew Caponi and Austin Kaplan, Kaplan Law Firm, PLLC; Peter Kennedy, Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody, P.C.
Defendant: John Scully and John Faubion, Cooper and Scull
Case Summary: Ten jurors found that the defendants defamed the plaintiffs, which resulted in her employment being terminated. The non-unanimous jury awarded $2,038,000.00 in total damages.
CRIMINAL
State v. Sanchez
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-202636
Judge: Julie Kocurek, 390th Criminal District Court
Trial Date(s): May 7-8, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Tara Lynn Witt
State: Kate Hall
Case Summary: Defendant found guilty of assault against a member of the family or household with previous conviction and sentenced to 20 years.
State v. Barahona
Cause Nos.: D-1-DC-24-904046, D-1-DC-24-904047
Judge: Brandy Mueller, 403rd Criminal District Court
Trial Date(s): May 7-13, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Carlos Armando Rodriguez
State: Dominic Selvera
Case Summary: Defendant found guilty of murder and sentenced to 35 years.
State v. Perez-Zeledon
Cause No.: D-1-DC-24-904054
Judge: Brad Urrutia, 450th Criminal District Court
Trial Date(s): May 6-9, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Leonard Martinez
State: Jason Rew-Hunter
Case Summary: Defendant charged with sex abuse of child under 14, aggravated sexual assault of child, indecency with a child, et. al. Mistrial declared then negotiated plea entered.
State v. Carlysle
Cause No.: D-1-DC-22-301556
Judge: Bob Perkins
Trial Date(s): May 6-10, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Bristol Myers
State: Jason Rew-Hunter
Case Summary: Defendant charged with aggravated assault with deadly weapon. Mistrial declared.
State v. Hernandez
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-904061
Judge: Tamara Needles, 427th Criminal District Court
Trial Date(s): May 13, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Thomas Fagerberg
State: Kathryn Arnold
Case Summary: Defendant charged with aggravated sexual assault. Jury discharged after motion filed for defendant to be examined for competency.
State v. Lopez
Cause No.: D-1-DC-20-100024
Judge: Karen Sage, 299th Criminal District Court
Trial Date(s): May 13-16, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Amber Vazquez
State: Brandy Gann
Case Summary: Defendant convicted of murder and sentenced to 28 years.
State v. Kim
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23-900103
Judge: Melissa Goodwin
Trial Date(s): May 20-24, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Krista Chacona
State: Kiera Lay Kilday
Case Summary: Defendant convicted of murder; sentenced to 50 years for count one and 60 years for count two.
State v. Carbajal-Jaimes
Cause No.: D-1-DC-17-302115
Judge: Jon Wisser
Trial Date(s): May 20-23, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Mark Anthony Chavez
State: Erik Nielsen
Case Summary: Defendant convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years.
State v. Lanza
Cause No.: D-1-DC-23- 300266
Judge: Bob Perkins
Trial Date(s): May 20-23, 2024
Attorneys:
Defendant: Raymond Espersen
State: Tamera Marshall
Case Summary: Defendant found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to 27 years.