One Person Dead at Illegal Cockfight in Van Zandt County

VAN ZANDT Co. – A shooting at an illegal cockfight in Van Zandt County has left one person dead.

Henderson County Sheriff’s office responded to a call at East Texas Medical Center in Athens in reference to a 21 year old who male who was brought in with a fatal gunshot wound.

Investigators determined the victim, Luis Rodriguez was shot during an argument at a chicken fight on FM 1861 in Van Zandt County.

Numerous roosters along with fighting paraphernalia were seized at the location with assistance of the S.P.C.A of Texas.

The Texas Rangers are assisting Van Zandt County Authorities with the investigation. No arrest have been made.

TYLER – A Smith County Man has been sentenced on federal drug and gun violation charges.

30 year old Gary Anderson who pleaded guilty October of last year was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $50,000 in cash.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 9, 2011, Anderson possessed more than 15 kilograms of cocaine, which he distributed in the Smith County area.  He also admitted to possessing two pistols while in possession of the drugs.  Anderson admitted to purchasing from 2 to 4 kilograms of cocaine per week from a source in Houston, paying approximately $24,000 per kilo and was in possession of over $50,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.  Law enforcement officers seized ½ kilogram of crack cocaine, marijuana, cocaine powder, cash, body armor and firearms at Anderson’s residence.  Anderson had the highest criminal history points possible under the federal sentencing guidelines.  Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2011, along with four co-defendants.

AUSTIN - The filing period for candidates planning to run in the May 29th Texas primary begins today and closes on March 9th. A three judge panel in San Antonio issued the schedule two days after releasing political maps for Texas to use in the 2012 elections.

MARSHALL — Amtrak and Texas transportation officials are studying passenger rail service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Shreveport-Bossier City in Louisiana. Amtrak already runs its San Antonio-to-Chicago Texas Eagle service on the Union Pacific route from Fort Worth to Marshall with stops in Longview, Mineola and Dallas.