DA’s office authorized to apply for grant funding that offsets cost of capital murder trials

RUSK – County leaders authorized a request that permits the local district attorney’s office to apply for funds that – if awarded – will help offset costs of two capital murder cases scheduled for trial in 2025. 

The Cherokee County Commissioners’ Court met Dec. 10, considering this and other agenda items.

The DA’s office will apply for funds through Texas’ County Essential Services Program for cases related to the 2021 quadruple murders in New Summerfield. 

County Clerk Laverne Lusk said officials told the court that the funds are for “extraordinary costs for the investigation and prosecution of capital murder cases.”

In separate action regarding legal cases, the court adopted a resolution establishing a civil court alternative dispute resolution system that will retain all civil case filing fees collected from all new district, county and justice court case filings. 

According to Lusk, the funds collected prior to now have been turned over to the state, but as of Dec. 10, will remain within Cherokee County to allow for research, development and ultimate operation of the county’s alternative dispute resolution. 

During Tuesday’s meeting, county leaders also:

• Accepted the resignation of County Surveyor Kristopher Morgan

• Accepted a $250 donation to the sheriff’s office from Marcia Mason for CCSO reserves working the Reklaw Fly-in

• Granted a request that extends traffic rules applicable to Cherokee County roads to also be applicable to privately maintained roads within the Lakewood POA subdivision at Lake Palestine

• Approved a Precinct 4 request for the purchase of a new rubber tire wheel loader

• Awarded a contract to Dimension Imaging for document imaging services requested by the sheriff’s department. The contract is financed through ARPA funding requested by the department

• Approved the purchase of jury system software – also funded through an ARPA allotment – for the District Clerk’s office. The purchase will be made through Tyler Technologies
• Approved a consent agenda that includes the final plat that creates Lots 1-12 of Windy Lane Estates and a 1.892-acre private road for the benefit of said lots and tract to north of Lots 7 and 8, with the private road to be maintained by homeowner’s association.