Three Arrested on Homicide Charges For Death of 12-Year-Old Boy

The information below was provided in a press release from the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office arrested James Sasser Jr., Patricia Batts, and a juvenile male (uncle of the victim) for the offense of Deliberate Homicide.

The charges are in reference to the death of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley outside of West Yellowstone, Montana, on or about February 3, 2020.

The defendants’ initial appearances in Justice Court will be on February 13th at 10:30 am. The investigation is ongoing and Sheriff Gootkin can only comment on the information covered in the Affidavit of Probable Cause, which is public information.

Sheriff Gootkin will be available to talk to reporters at noon on Thursday, February 13, at the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Update: Bail has been set at $500,000 for Sasser Jr. and $750,000 for Batts. Preliminary hearings are set for Friday, March 6th at 8:00.

Photo of James Hurley courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.