Redistricting bill sent to Abbott; lawsuit challenges it

A Grand Jury convened at the Hemphill County Courthouse on Thursday, August 21, and returned with four felony indictments.

• Jackie Eugene Byrum, 37, was indicted on two third-degree felony charges of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury. The charges were based on a July 3, 2025 incident in which Byrum intentionally and knowingly caused bodily injury to a child 14 years of age or younger by hitting him in the chin and in the head. Byrum’s bond was set at $40,000. 

Misdemeanor Arrests

• Octavio Pantoja, 18, Canadian; traffic offense Class C/operating a vehicle in unsafe mechanical condition, traffic offense Class C/failure to signal, fleeing police officer causing serious bodily injury, traffic offense Class C/no front plate, traffic offense Class C/window tint violation; 08/20/25; HCSO

• Guillermo Carrasco, 44, Canadian; assault causing bodily injury to family member; 08/25/25; HCSO