Police: 12-year-old boy tortured to death by grandparents, uncle
Bail was set for the grandparents and uncle of a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and beat to death near West Yellowstone, Montana.
James Sasser Jr., James Sasser III, a juvenile, and Patricia Batts are each charged with felony deliberate homicide for the death of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley. Sasser Jr. and Batts appeared with attorney Ryan Peabody in Gallatin County Justice Court in Bozeman, Montana.
Bail was set at $500,000 for Sasser Jr. and $750,000 for Batts.
Sasser III was seen in Gallatin County District Court on Wednesday before Judge John Brown. He is being held at the Yellowstone Youth Services Center in Billings, Montana, on $500,000 bail.
On Feb. 3, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of Hurley’s death at a home on Buffalo Drive in West Yellowstone. The deputy found that the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death were suspicious and requested the sheriff’s detective division help in the investigation.
Police said in charging documents that the boy had multiple wounds and contusions all over his body. Hurley also had a large gash on the back of his head and other wounds on his back that police said would be difficult for someone to inflict on themselves.
A doctor who performed Hurley’s autopsy said in a preliminary report that Hurley died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head. The doctor said he wanted to wait on a toxicology report to give a final opinion.
Sasser Jr., Batts and Sasser III told detectives that Hurley lived with them for two years after his father died and that his behavior had become problematic during that time, court documents say. The three told detectives that Hurley complained of hearing voices telling him to kill various people and that he tried harming himself and others multiple times.
The family told detectives that Sasser III made a paddle out of wood with a blue-tapped handle, and that Sasser III hit Hurley with it multiple times, court documents say. Batts told detectives she would also use the paddle to punish Hurley.
Sasser III told a detective that he tackled and punched Hurley several times for standing over Batts with a knife, court documents say. The detective noted that Sasser III is about 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Hurley was about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 100 pounds.
Sasser III told detectives that he had multiple fights with Hurley, but denied ever hitting him in the back of the head with the paddle, court documents say. Sasser III said he and Hurley last fought on Feb. 1, but that Jan. 27 “was worse.” Sasser III told detectives he beat Hurley “pretty good” after he found Hurley standing over Batts with a knife.
Batts told detectives that the Jan. 27 fight was a “blood bath” and that Sasser III had punched Hurley in the face. However, she denied that Sasser III used the paddle at that time.
Hurley’s mother, who lives in Texas, told detectives that she tried calling Hurley numerous times, but those attempts were blocked by Batts.
Detectives were unable to find any record of the family reporting Hurley’s behavior to law enforcement or any attempts to get Hurley medical or psychiatric help.
A few days later, detectives searched Sasser Jr.’s, Sasser III’s and Batts’ phones and found videos that showed the family torturing Hurley, according to charging documents. During a search of the home, police said they found food in the house was locked away from Hurley.
In court on Thursday, prosecutor Bjorn Boyer said defendants admitted in interviews that they exaggerated mental health issues of the victim.
“I believe the systematic torture and beatings perpetrated on the victim in this case led to his death,” Boyer said.
He said Sasser III admitted to kicking Hurley’s head multiple times 24 to 36 hours prior to his death.
“The defendant was involved in doing concussion tests on the victim thereafter, but nobody sought medical attention for the victim,” Boyer said.
Boyer requested a higher bail for Batts because he said he believes Batts is more culpable in this case.
“She’s on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” he said. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy, seen hitting the boy.”
Idaho State Journal
Feb. 16, 2020
By FREDDY MONARES Bozeman Daily Chronicle
=====
“Systematic torture,” Sheriff, friends weigh in on West Yellowstone boy’s death
By: Cody Boyer
Three people are behind bars, charged with beating and torturing a 12-year-old boy to death.
12-year-old James Alex Hurley’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., are now behind bars at the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Hurley’s 14-year-old uncle, James Sasser III, is in Billings but also on a $500,000 bond.
Prosecutors said multiple times Thursday morning that they are behind the “systematic torture” that led to Hurley’s death.
“I’m devastated,” says a woman identifying herself as a past friend of Patricia Batts. “I’m mortified. I’m disgusted to my core.”
Charges of deliberate homicide by accountability.
That’s what the 12-year-old boy’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., now face alongside his 14-year-old uncle.
Although she wants to remain anonymous, the news rocked one of Batt’s close friends.
“Before it was confirmed to me, personally, that it was them, that these were...this was my friend that did this, I couldn’t help but go to what this was like for him and how scared he must have been,” says the woman.
Torture, a word used more than once by Gallatin County Deputy Attorney Bjorn Boyer: “I believe the systematic torture and beatings are perpetrated on the victim in this case that led to his death,” Boyer says.
The extent of the harm done to Hurley’s is part of a series of crimes that Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin says is the worst he’s seen in his career.
“The preliminary report from Doctor Prasher was blunt force trauma to the back of James' head,” Gootkin says. “There are rumors flying around that James had committed suicide. That is absolutely not true. There’s no evidence to support that. As a matter of fact, we have three people in custody for the exact opposite.”
Court documents reveal a horrific timeline.
Detectives found Hurley to be covered with injuries, having lived with Batts and Sasser for about two years.
After Hurley’s father passed away in 2018, his mother tried to call, with documents showing Batts blocked her from reaching him.
Batts' friend says there was a breaking point.
“I knew something was wrong and I encouraged her repeatedly to get him some help and have him put somewhere and she just really expressed that she just did not like him,” says the woman.
Investigators found places in the home where large amounts of blood were cleaned with vinegar.
Then, they found videos.
“She (Batts) is on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” Boyer says. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy.”
“I trusted this woman,” says the anonymous source. “I’ve known her since 2008. I’m just reeling. I’m devastated for this little boy.”
Batts now is held on a $750,000 bond, while Sasser Jr. is held on half a million dollars, along with Hurley’s uncle.
Each could face up to life in prison, something my source says is an answer at a steep cost.
“Everyone involved needs to go...be put somewhere where they can’t hurt anybody like this again,” says the woman. “I was shocked when she did that. There wasn’t any concern. It was like I think she knew because I kept expressing concern for him and him needing help.”
James Sasser III is being held now over in Billings and as stated before could face adult charges.
“We don’t have a juvenile facility in this county so when we do charge somebody with a juvenile, we have to take them someplace,” Gootkin says. “We took him to Billings as of yesterday so he’ll be there until his court hearings.”
In court, the prosecutor says he kicked James Hurley several times in the head.
Meanwhile, counselors and a crisis team from Gallatin County are being made available for students at West Yellowstone schools, where Hurley attended until Batts and Sasser pulled him from class in September, 2019.
“West Yellowstone is a small community and something like this really rocks it so we just want to make sure that we get everybody the help that they need,” Gootkin says. “It’s my understanding that CPS was not involved until we got involved and I can’t tell you how long this has been happening. That’s a part of the investigation.”
Sheriff Gootkin says this case is still heavily under investigation, with more revelations likely to come.
KBZK Bozeman
=====༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻ IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES ༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
James Alexander Hurley, born in Cleveland, Texas, on Sept. 18, 2007, passed away at his home in West Yellowstone, Montana on Feb. 3, 2020.
He is survived by his Mom, Alicia Davis, and Stepdad, Jesse Richardson, his brother, Austin Cameron, his grandparents, Earnest Davis and Tammy Davis, his grandparents, Winnie Cameron and Donald Cameron, and many more uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Tommy Tate. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
He died in Montana and his mom will be bringing his ashes back to Cleveland.
The grandparents of a 12-year-old boy who was beaten to death in West Yellowstone were charged Thursday with deliberate homicide along with the victim’s 14-year-old uncle.
Hurley had been living with his grandparents, two uncles and an aunt in West Yellowstone for about two years, court records said.
After his death, investigators found evidence, including videos, that indicated Hurley’s grandparents and his 14-year-old uncle regularly abused him, including beating him with a wooden paddle and locking up food.
Bail was set for the grandparents and uncle of a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and beat to death near West Yellowstone, Montana.
James Sasser Jr., James Sasser III, a juvenile, and Patricia Batts are each charged with felony deliberate homicide for the death of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley. Sasser Jr. and Batts appeared with attorney Ryan Peabody in Gallatin County Justice Court in Bozeman, Montana.
Bail was set at $500,000 for Sasser Jr. and $750,000 for Batts.
Sasser III was seen in Gallatin County District Court on Wednesday before Judge John Brown. He is being held at the Yellowstone Youth Services Center in Billings, Montana, on $500,000 bail.
On Feb. 3, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of Hurley’s death at a home on Buffalo Drive in West Yellowstone. The deputy found that the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death were suspicious and requested the sheriff’s detective division help in the investigation.
Police said in charging documents that the boy had multiple wounds and contusions all over his body. Hurley also had a large gash on the back of his head and other wounds on his back that police said would be difficult for someone to inflict on themselves.
A doctor who performed Hurley’s autopsy said in a preliminary report that Hurley died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head. The doctor said he wanted to wait on a toxicology report to give a final opinion.
Sasser Jr., Batts and Sasser III told detectives that Hurley lived with them for two years after his father died and that his behavior had become problematic during that time, court documents say. The three told detectives that Hurley complained of hearing voices telling him to kill various people and that he tried harming himself and others multiple times.
The family told detectives that Sasser III made a paddle out of wood with a blue-tapped handle, and that Sasser III hit Hurley with it multiple times, court documents say. Batts told detectives she would also use the paddle to punish Hurley.
Sasser III told a detective that he tackled and punched Hurley several times for standing over Batts with a knife, court documents say. The detective noted that Sasser III is about 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Hurley was about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 100 pounds.
Sasser III told detectives that he had multiple fights with Hurley, but denied ever hitting him in the back of the head with the paddle, court documents say. Sasser III said he and Hurley last fought on Feb. 1, but that Jan. 27 “was worse.” Sasser III told detectives he beat Hurley “pretty good” after he found Hurley standing over Batts with a knife.
Batts told detectives that the Jan. 27 fight was a “blood bath” and that Sasser III had punched Hurley in the face. However, she denied that Sasser III used the paddle at that time.
Hurley’s mother, who lives in Texas, told detectives that she tried calling Hurley numerous times, but those attempts were blocked by Batts.
Detectives were unable to find any record of the family reporting Hurley’s behavior to law enforcement or any attempts to get Hurley medical or psychiatric help.
A few days later, detectives searched Sasser Jr.’s, Sasser III’s and Batts’ phones and found videos that showed the family torturing Hurley, according to charging documents. During a search of the home, police said they found food in the house was locked away from Hurley.
In court on Thursday, prosecutor Bjorn Boyer said defendants admitted in interviews that they exaggerated mental health issues of the victim.
“I believe the systematic torture and beatings perpetrated on the victim in this case led to his death,” Boyer said.
He said Sasser III admitted to kicking Hurley’s head multiple times 24 to 36 hours prior to his death.
“The defendant was involved in doing concussion tests on the victim thereafter, but nobody sought medical attention for the victim,” Boyer said.
Boyer requested a higher bail for Batts because he said he believes Batts is more culpable in this case.
“She’s on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” he said. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy, seen hitting the boy.”
Idaho State Journal
Feb. 16, 2020
By FREDDY MONARES Bozeman Daily Chronicle
=====
“Systematic torture,” Sheriff, friends weigh in on West Yellowstone boy’s death
By: Cody Boyer
Three people are behind bars, charged with beating and torturing a 12-year-old boy to death.
12-year-old James Alex Hurley’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., are now behind bars at the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Hurley’s 14-year-old uncle, James Sasser III, is in Billings but also on a $500,000 bond.
Prosecutors said multiple times Thursday morning that they are behind the “systematic torture” that led to Hurley’s death.
“I’m devastated,” says a woman identifying herself as a past friend of Patricia Batts. “I’m mortified. I’m disgusted to my core.”
Charges of deliberate homicide by accountability.
That’s what the 12-year-old boy’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., now face alongside his 14-year-old uncle.
Although she wants to remain anonymous, the news rocked one of Batt’s close friends.
“Before it was confirmed to me, personally, that it was them, that these were...this was my friend that did this, I couldn’t help but go to what this was like for him and how scared he must have been,” says the woman.
Torture, a word used more than once by Gallatin County Deputy Attorney Bjorn Boyer: “I believe the systematic torture and beatings are perpetrated on the victim in this case that led to his death,” Boyer says.
The extent of the harm done to Hurley’s is part of a series of crimes that Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin says is the worst he’s seen in his career.
“The preliminary report from Doctor Prasher was blunt force trauma to the back of James' head,” Gootkin says. “There are rumors flying around that James had committed suicide. That is absolutely not true. There’s no evidence to support that. As a matter of fact, we have three people in custody for the exact opposite.”
Court documents reveal a horrific timeline.
Detectives found Hurley to be covered with injuries, having lived with Batts and Sasser for about two years.
After Hurley’s father passed away in 2018, his mother tried to call, with documents showing Batts blocked her from reaching him.
Batts' friend says there was a breaking point.
“I knew something was wrong and I encouraged her repeatedly to get him some help and have him put somewhere and she just really expressed that she just did not like him,” says the woman.
Investigators found places in the home where large amounts of blood were cleaned with vinegar.
Then, they found videos.
“She (Batts) is on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” Boyer says. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy.”
“I trusted this woman,” says the anonymous source. “I’ve known her since 2008. I’m just reeling. I’m devastated for this little boy.”
Batts now is held on a $750,000 bond, while Sasser Jr. is held on half a million dollars, along with Hurley’s uncle.
Each could face up to life in prison, something my source says is an answer at a steep cost.
“Everyone involved needs to go...be put somewhere where they can’t hurt anybody like this again,” says the woman. “I was shocked when she did that. There wasn’t any concern. It was like I think she knew because I kept expressing concern for him and him needing help.”
James Sasser III is being held now over in Billings and as stated before could face adult charges.
“We don’t have a juvenile facility in this county so when we do charge somebody with a juvenile, we have to take them someplace,” Gootkin says. “We took him to Billings as of yesterday so he’ll be there until his court hearings.”
In court, the prosecutor says he kicked James Hurley several times in the head.
Meanwhile, counselors and a crisis team from Gallatin County are being made available for students at West Yellowstone schools, where Hurley attended until Batts and Sasser pulled him from class in September, 2019.
“West Yellowstone is a small community and something like this really rocks it so we just want to make sure that we get everybody the help that they need,” Gootkin says. “It’s my understanding that CPS was not involved until we got involved and I can’t tell you how long this has been happening. That’s a part of the investigation.”
Sheriff Gootkin says this case is still heavily under investigation, with more revelations likely to come.
KBZK Bozeman
=====༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻ IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES ༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
James Alexander Hurley, born in Cleveland, Texas, on Sept. 18, 2007, passed away at his home in West Yellowstone, Montana on Feb. 3, 2020.
He is survived by his Mom, Alicia Davis, and Stepdad, Jesse Richardson, his brother, Austin Cameron, his grandparents, Earnest Davis and Tammy Davis, his grandparents, Winnie Cameron and Donald Cameron, and many more uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Tommy Tate. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
He died in Montana and his mom will be bringing his ashes back to Cleveland.
The grandparents of a 12-year-old boy who was beaten to death in West Yellowstone were charged Thursday with deliberate homicide along with the victim’s 14-year-old uncle.
Hurley had been living with his grandparents, two uncles and an aunt in West Yellowstone for about two years, court records said.
After his death, investigators found evidence, including videos, that indicated Hurley’s grandparents and his 14-year-old uncle regularly abused him, including beating him with a wooden paddle and locking up food.
Police: 12-year-old boy tortured to death by grandparents, uncle
Bail was set for the grandparents and uncle of a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and beat to death near West Yellowstone, Montana.
James Sasser Jr., James Sasser III, a juvenile, and Patricia Batts are each charged with felony deliberate homicide for the death of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley. Sasser Jr. and Batts appeared with attorney Ryan Peabody in Gallatin County Justice Court in Bozeman, Montana.
Bail was set at $500,000 for Sasser Jr. and $750,000 for Batts.
Sasser III was seen in Gallatin County District Court on Wednesday before Judge John Brown. He is being held at the Yellowstone Youth Services Center in Billings, Montana, on $500,000 bail.
On Feb. 3, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of Hurley’s death at a home on Buffalo Drive in West Yellowstone. The deputy found that the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death were suspicious and requested the sheriff’s detective division help in the investigation.
Police said in charging documents that the boy had multiple wounds and contusions all over his body. Hurley also had a large gash on the back of his head and other wounds on his back that police said would be difficult for someone to inflict on themselves.
A doctor who performed Hurley’s autopsy said in a preliminary report that Hurley died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head. The doctor said he wanted to wait on a toxicology report to give a final opinion.
Sasser Jr., Batts and Sasser III told detectives that Hurley lived with them for two years after his father died and that his behavior had become problematic during that time, court documents say. The three told detectives that Hurley complained of hearing voices telling him to kill various people and that he tried harming himself and others multiple times.
The family told detectives that Sasser III made a paddle out of wood with a blue-tapped handle, and that Sasser III hit Hurley with it multiple times, court documents say. Batts told detectives she would also use the paddle to punish Hurley.
Sasser III told a detective that he tackled and punched Hurley several times for standing over Batts with a knife, court documents say. The detective noted that Sasser III is about 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Hurley was about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 100 pounds.
Sasser III told detectives that he had multiple fights with Hurley, but denied ever hitting him in the back of the head with the paddle, court documents say. Sasser III said he and Hurley last fought on Feb. 1, but that Jan. 27 “was worse.” Sasser III told detectives he beat Hurley “pretty good” after he found Hurley standing over Batts with a knife.
Batts told detectives that the Jan. 27 fight was a “blood bath” and that Sasser III had punched Hurley in the face. However, she denied that Sasser III used the paddle at that time.
Hurley’s mother, who lives in Texas, told detectives that she tried calling Hurley numerous times, but those attempts were blocked by Batts.
Detectives were unable to find any record of the family reporting Hurley’s behavior to law enforcement or any attempts to get Hurley medical or psychiatric help.
A few days later, detectives searched Sasser Jr.’s, Sasser III’s and Batts’ phones and found videos that showed the family torturing Hurley, according to charging documents. During a search of the home, police said they found food in the house was locked away from Hurley.
In court on Thursday, prosecutor Bjorn Boyer said defendants admitted in interviews that they exaggerated mental health issues of the victim.
“I believe the systematic torture and beatings perpetrated on the victim in this case led to his death,” Boyer said.
He said Sasser III admitted to kicking Hurley’s head multiple times 24 to 36 hours prior to his death.
“The defendant was involved in doing concussion tests on the victim thereafter, but nobody sought medical attention for the victim,” Boyer said.
Boyer requested a higher bail for Batts because he said he believes Batts is more culpable in this case.
“She’s on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” he said. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy, seen hitting the boy.”
Idaho State Journal
Feb. 16, 2020
By FREDDY MONARES Bozeman Daily Chronicle
=====
“Systematic torture,” Sheriff, friends weigh in on West Yellowstone boy’s death
By: Cody Boyer
Three people are behind bars, charged with beating and torturing a 12-year-old boy to death.
12-year-old James Alex Hurley’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., are now behind bars at the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Hurley’s 14-year-old uncle, James Sasser III, is in Billings but also on a $500,000 bond.
Prosecutors said multiple times Thursday morning that they are behind the “systematic torture” that led to Hurley’s death.
“I’m devastated,” says a woman identifying herself as a past friend of Patricia Batts. “I’m mortified. I’m disgusted to my core.”
Charges of deliberate homicide by accountability.
That’s what the 12-year-old boy’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., now face alongside his 14-year-old uncle.
Although she wants to remain anonymous, the news rocked one of Batt’s close friends.
“Before it was confirmed to me, personally, that it was them, that these were...this was my friend that did this, I couldn’t help but go to what this was like for him and how scared he must have been,” says the woman.
Torture, a word used more than once by Gallatin County Deputy Attorney Bjorn Boyer: “I believe the systematic torture and beatings are perpetrated on the victim in this case that led to his death,” Boyer says.
The extent of the harm done to Hurley’s is part of a series of crimes that Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin says is the worst he’s seen in his career.
“The preliminary report from Doctor Prasher was blunt force trauma to the back of James' head,” Gootkin says. “There are rumors flying around that James had committed suicide. That is absolutely not true. There’s no evidence to support that. As a matter of fact, we have three people in custody for the exact opposite.”
Court documents reveal a horrific timeline.
Detectives found Hurley to be covered with injuries, having lived with Batts and Sasser for about two years.
After Hurley’s father passed away in 2018, his mother tried to call, with documents showing Batts blocked her from reaching him.
Batts' friend says there was a breaking point.
“I knew something was wrong and I encouraged her repeatedly to get him some help and have him put somewhere and she just really expressed that she just did not like him,” says the woman.
Investigators found places in the home where large amounts of blood were cleaned with vinegar.
Then, they found videos.
“She (Batts) is on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” Boyer says. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy.”
“I trusted this woman,” says the anonymous source. “I’ve known her since 2008. I’m just reeling. I’m devastated for this little boy.”
Batts now is held on a $750,000 bond, while Sasser Jr. is held on half a million dollars, along with Hurley’s uncle.
Each could face up to life in prison, something my source says is an answer at a steep cost.
“Everyone involved needs to go...be put somewhere where they can’t hurt anybody like this again,” says the woman. “I was shocked when she did that. There wasn’t any concern. It was like I think she knew because I kept expressing concern for him and him needing help.”
James Sasser III is being held now over in Billings and as stated before could face adult charges.
“We don’t have a juvenile facility in this county so when we do charge somebody with a juvenile, we have to take them someplace,” Gootkin says. “We took him to Billings as of yesterday so he’ll be there until his court hearings.”
In court, the prosecutor says he kicked James Hurley several times in the head.
Meanwhile, counselors and a crisis team from Gallatin County are being made available for students at West Yellowstone schools, where Hurley attended until Batts and Sasser pulled him from class in September, 2019.
“West Yellowstone is a small community and something like this really rocks it so we just want to make sure that we get everybody the help that they need,” Gootkin says. “It’s my understanding that CPS was not involved until we got involved and I can’t tell you how long this has been happening. That’s a part of the investigation.”
Sheriff Gootkin says this case is still heavily under investigation, with more revelations likely to come.
KBZK Bozeman
=====༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻ IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES ༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
James Alexander Hurley, born in Cleveland, Texas, on Sept. 18, 2007, passed away at his home in West Yellowstone, Montana on Feb. 3, 2020.
He is survived by his Mom, Alicia Davis, and Stepdad, Jesse Richardson, his brother, Austin Cameron, his grandparents, Earnest Davis and Tammy Davis, his grandparents, Winnie Cameron and Donald Cameron, and many more uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Tommy Tate. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
He died in Montana and his mom will be bringing his ashes back to Cleveland.
The grandparents of a 12-year-old boy who was beaten to death in West Yellowstone were charged Thursday with deliberate homicide along with the victim’s 14-year-old uncle.
Hurley had been living with his grandparents, two uncles and an aunt in West Yellowstone for about two years, court records said.
After his death, investigators found evidence, including videos, that indicated Hurley’s grandparents and his 14-year-old uncle regularly abused him, including beating him with a wooden paddle and locking up food.
Bail was set for the grandparents and uncle of a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and beat to death near West Yellowstone, Montana.
James Sasser Jr., James Sasser III, a juvenile, and Patricia Batts are each charged with felony deliberate homicide for the death of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley. Sasser Jr. and Batts appeared with attorney Ryan Peabody in Gallatin County Justice Court in Bozeman, Montana.
Bail was set at $500,000 for Sasser Jr. and $750,000 for Batts.
Sasser III was seen in Gallatin County District Court on Wednesday before Judge John Brown. He is being held at the Yellowstone Youth Services Center in Billings, Montana, on $500,000 bail.
On Feb. 3, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of Hurley’s death at a home on Buffalo Drive in West Yellowstone. The deputy found that the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death were suspicious and requested the sheriff’s detective division help in the investigation.
Police said in charging documents that the boy had multiple wounds and contusions all over his body. Hurley also had a large gash on the back of his head and other wounds on his back that police said would be difficult for someone to inflict on themselves.
A doctor who performed Hurley’s autopsy said in a preliminary report that Hurley died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head. The doctor said he wanted to wait on a toxicology report to give a final opinion.
Sasser Jr., Batts and Sasser III told detectives that Hurley lived with them for two years after his father died and that his behavior had become problematic during that time, court documents say. The three told detectives that Hurley complained of hearing voices telling him to kill various people and that he tried harming himself and others multiple times.
The family told detectives that Sasser III made a paddle out of wood with a blue-tapped handle, and that Sasser III hit Hurley with it multiple times, court documents say. Batts told detectives she would also use the paddle to punish Hurley.
Sasser III told a detective that he tackled and punched Hurley several times for standing over Batts with a knife, court documents say. The detective noted that Sasser III is about 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Hurley was about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 100 pounds.
Sasser III told detectives that he had multiple fights with Hurley, but denied ever hitting him in the back of the head with the paddle, court documents say. Sasser III said he and Hurley last fought on Feb. 1, but that Jan. 27 “was worse.” Sasser III told detectives he beat Hurley “pretty good” after he found Hurley standing over Batts with a knife.
Batts told detectives that the Jan. 27 fight was a “blood bath” and that Sasser III had punched Hurley in the face. However, she denied that Sasser III used the paddle at that time.
Hurley’s mother, who lives in Texas, told detectives that she tried calling Hurley numerous times, but those attempts were blocked by Batts.
Detectives were unable to find any record of the family reporting Hurley’s behavior to law enforcement or any attempts to get Hurley medical or psychiatric help.
A few days later, detectives searched Sasser Jr.’s, Sasser III’s and Batts’ phones and found videos that showed the family torturing Hurley, according to charging documents. During a search of the home, police said they found food in the house was locked away from Hurley.
In court on Thursday, prosecutor Bjorn Boyer said defendants admitted in interviews that they exaggerated mental health issues of the victim.
“I believe the systematic torture and beatings perpetrated on the victim in this case led to his death,” Boyer said.
He said Sasser III admitted to kicking Hurley’s head multiple times 24 to 36 hours prior to his death.
“The defendant was involved in doing concussion tests on the victim thereafter, but nobody sought medical attention for the victim,” Boyer said.
Boyer requested a higher bail for Batts because he said he believes Batts is more culpable in this case.
“She’s on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” he said. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy, seen hitting the boy.”
Idaho State Journal
Feb. 16, 2020
By FREDDY MONARES Bozeman Daily Chronicle
=====
“Systematic torture,” Sheriff, friends weigh in on West Yellowstone boy’s death
By: Cody Boyer
Three people are behind bars, charged with beating and torturing a 12-year-old boy to death.
12-year-old James Alex Hurley’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., are now behind bars at the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Hurley’s 14-year-old uncle, James Sasser III, is in Billings but also on a $500,000 bond.
Prosecutors said multiple times Thursday morning that they are behind the “systematic torture” that led to Hurley’s death.
“I’m devastated,” says a woman identifying herself as a past friend of Patricia Batts. “I’m mortified. I’m disgusted to my core.”
Charges of deliberate homicide by accountability.
That’s what the 12-year-old boy’s grandparents, Patricia Batts and James Sasser Jr., now face alongside his 14-year-old uncle.
Although she wants to remain anonymous, the news rocked one of Batt’s close friends.
“Before it was confirmed to me, personally, that it was them, that these were...this was my friend that did this, I couldn’t help but go to what this was like for him and how scared he must have been,” says the woman.
Torture, a word used more than once by Gallatin County Deputy Attorney Bjorn Boyer: “I believe the systematic torture and beatings are perpetrated on the victim in this case that led to his death,” Boyer says.
The extent of the harm done to Hurley’s is part of a series of crimes that Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin says is the worst he’s seen in his career.
“The preliminary report from Doctor Prasher was blunt force trauma to the back of James' head,” Gootkin says. “There are rumors flying around that James had committed suicide. That is absolutely not true. There’s no evidence to support that. As a matter of fact, we have three people in custody for the exact opposite.”
Court documents reveal a horrific timeline.
Detectives found Hurley to be covered with injuries, having lived with Batts and Sasser for about two years.
After Hurley’s father passed away in 2018, his mother tried to call, with documents showing Batts blocked her from reaching him.
Batts' friend says there was a breaking point.
“I knew something was wrong and I encouraged her repeatedly to get him some help and have him put somewhere and she just really expressed that she just did not like him,” says the woman.
Investigators found places in the home where large amounts of blood were cleaned with vinegar.
Then, they found videos.
“She (Batts) is on a lot of the videos that show the torture to this young boy,” Boyer says. “She’s in the videos seen strangling the boy.”
“I trusted this woman,” says the anonymous source. “I’ve known her since 2008. I’m just reeling. I’m devastated for this little boy.”
Batts now is held on a $750,000 bond, while Sasser Jr. is held on half a million dollars, along with Hurley’s uncle.
Each could face up to life in prison, something my source says is an answer at a steep cost.
“Everyone involved needs to go...be put somewhere where they can’t hurt anybody like this again,” says the woman. “I was shocked when she did that. There wasn’t any concern. It was like I think she knew because I kept expressing concern for him and him needing help.”
James Sasser III is being held now over in Billings and as stated before could face adult charges.
“We don’t have a juvenile facility in this county so when we do charge somebody with a juvenile, we have to take them someplace,” Gootkin says. “We took him to Billings as of yesterday so he’ll be there until his court hearings.”
In court, the prosecutor says he kicked James Hurley several times in the head.
Meanwhile, counselors and a crisis team from Gallatin County are being made available for students at West Yellowstone schools, where Hurley attended until Batts and Sasser pulled him from class in September, 2019.
“West Yellowstone is a small community and something like this really rocks it so we just want to make sure that we get everybody the help that they need,” Gootkin says. “It’s my understanding that CPS was not involved until we got involved and I can’t tell you how long this has been happening. That’s a part of the investigation.”
Sheriff Gootkin says this case is still heavily under investigation, with more revelations likely to come.
KBZK Bozeman
=====༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻ IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES ༺✿ڰۣڿ✿༻
James Alexander Hurley, born in Cleveland, Texas, on Sept. 18, 2007, passed away at his home in West Yellowstone, Montana on Feb. 3, 2020.
He is survived by his Mom, Alicia Davis, and Stepdad, Jesse Richardson, his brother, Austin Cameron, his grandparents, Earnest Davis and Tammy Davis, his grandparents, Winnie Cameron and Donald Cameron, and many more uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Tommy Tate. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
He died in Montana and his mom will be bringing his ashes back to Cleveland.
The grandparents of a 12-year-old boy who was beaten to death in West Yellowstone were charged Thursday with deliberate homicide along with the victim’s 14-year-old uncle.
Hurley had been living with his grandparents, two uncles and an aunt in West Yellowstone for about two years, court records said.
After his death, investigators found evidence, including videos, that indicated Hurley’s grandparents and his 14-year-old uncle regularly abused him, including beating him with a wooden paddle and locking up food.
