Multiple people were indicted as a result of a long-term investigation of cockfighting and gambling in Blountsville.
The Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), conducted the investigation from March to June this year. According to an indictment, investigators found evidence of an illegal cockfighting ring where attendees paid $40 to watch and competitors paid up to $1,000 to enter.
James Shawn Murphree, 48, of Blountsville; Denny Gonzalez-Guzman, 30, of Albertville; Kasten Finis Murphree, 22, of Blountsville; Kelby Shawn Murphree, 27, of Blountsville; and Kimberly Ann Evans, 48, of Hayden, were charged with conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act and the prohibition on illegal gambling businesses.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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