Federal Indictment Alleges Brutal Animal Fights and High-Stakes Wagers in Blountsville
A federal grand jury has delivered a serious blow to an alleged illegal cockfighting and gambling ring operating out of Blountsville, Alabama. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona today announced charges against five individuals accused of conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and running an illicit gambling business.
The two-count indictment, filed in U.S. District Court, names 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, as defendants in the high-stakes operation.
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According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly orchestrated multiple cockfighting “derbies” in Blountsville between March and June 2025.
These events, described as brutal contests where roosters fight to the death or until refusal, often involved “weapons” attached to the birds’ legs. Spectators reportedly paid a $40 entry fee to witness the gruesome spectacles, while competitors vying for prize money shelled out between $700 and $1,000 to enter their trained roosters.
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The indictment paints a vivid picture of a clandestine enterprise where financial gain fueled the cruelty. Rooster owners stood to profit not only from their own wagers but also through a predetermined share of derby entry fees for winning, or the increased market value of their victorious birds.
This federal crackdown underscores a commitment to combating animal cruelty and dismantling illegal gambling operations within the state. If convicted, the defendants face significant penalties under federal law. The investigation into the full scope of this alleged ring is ongoing.
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