Friday testimony in trial of club president accused in East Texas biker death starts with attorney found in contempt
By Colten Sneed KLTV Dec. 13, 2024 at 11:15 AM EST
https://www.kltv.com/2024/12/13/trial-club-president-accused-east-texas-biker-death-starts-with-attorney-found-contempt/
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Friday’s testimony in the trial for a biker club president accused of ordering the murder of an East Texas motorcyclist began Friday with the judge getting into a verbal dispute with the defense attorney and finding him in contempt of court.
Kevin Dale Higgins, 58, is reported to be the national president of the Ugly Man Cossacks motorcycle club. He was arrested in April in connection with the murder of rival club member Brandon Edwards, of Ben Wheeler, who was shot to death in Arp on May 2, 2020.
Before testimony could begin on Friday, Attorney Erick Platten stepped out to talk to a witness in the hall. Judge Reeve Jackson came into the court and started yelling at Platten in what Platten said was a misunderstanding.
“Mr. Platten don’t say anything else,” Jackson said. “During voir dire, you began with obnoxious, demeaning and disrespectful comments towards this court’s rulings. And I let them go because we weren’t going to deal with moving 90 people in and out to address your behavior. Now I am done. I am Mr. Platten. I am done. I’m going to give you instructions. You’re going to follow them. You can say and think whatever you like about them as soon as you leave. But while you are in here, you will do no more and no less than exactly what you were ordered to do. Is that understood?”
Jackson warned Platten to stop talking but Platten kept responding to Jackson.
“I need to know your orders,” Platten said.
“My order is sit down,” Jackson said. “Stop talking to witnesses who are represented by counsel. That’s three times.”
“You asked me to get them,” Platten said.
Jackson then told Platten he was finding Platten in contempt and he would have to see a judge to address the finding.
“Mr. Platten this court is going to find that you are in contempt,” Jackson said. “This case will be sent over to the presiding judge for appointment of a mutual magistrate to review that contempt proceeding. I suggest you say nothing else.”
Jackson then walked out of the courtroom.
If convicted, Higgins faces up to life in prison.
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