Alleged shooter appears in court

Published 10:28 pm Tuesday, September 20, 2011

After turning himself in to authorities Tuesday, Jamane Butler appeared before District Judge Bob Armstrong to determine his bond on charges of attempted murder and assault second degree.

The circumstances surrounding his alleged charges caused Armstrong set bonds at $1 million for each charge. Armstrong said because of Butler’s crime and his possible gang ties, he felt he needed to remain off the streets.

“What you did is outrageous,” Armstrong told Butler. “It is unbelievable. It is but by the grace of God that there were no other people hurt.”

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Authorities issued warrants for Butler’s arrest, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Mike Granthum said, in connection to a shooting at Club Neon on Dallas County Road 309 between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.

The shots left 20-year-old Raphael Clark with multiple gunshot wounds and serious injuries and 19-year-old Jazmin Thomas with gunshot wounds to her stomach.

Clark has been moved to a room.

Butler’s defense argued the bonds were too high because he turned himself in and did not have a history of violent crime. However, Armstrong said he will continue to set high bonds for alleged violent criminals to prevent further incidents.

Butler was originally asked to leave the club when he and his brother, Cedric were breaking bottles. Another fight took place outside and Butler opened fire.

The weapon is thought to be a handgun, but has not been recovered.

Clark, Granthum said, named Butler specifically as the shooter and patrons of the club were able to pick him out of a photo lineup. Thomas was unable to positively identify Butler.

Assistant district attorney Lloria James originally sought no bond because Butler fired into a crowd.

“We’re talking about someone that was shooting into a crowded club,” she said. “This could have been a lot worse. We feel it is important to protect people.”

A preliminary hearing will be held Oct. 13.
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