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VIOLENCE SPARKS QUEST TO CLOSE DUMAS RESTAURANT

By Patty Wooten/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Friday, December 9, 2005 8:51 AM CST

DUMAS — For years, Debbie Dean’s has offered Dumas residents a late-night place to eat, but, this year, violence has erupted inside and outside the cafe, prompting officials to pursue civil action to close it.

Marvin’s Place, better known to locals as Debbie Dean’s, was the site of three murders this year, according to 10th Judicial District Prosecutor Thomas Deen.

Herman Cobb Jr., 23, of Dumas, was fatally shot there Jan. 22. Stanley D. Jackson, 28, also of Dumas, was charged with capital murder in connection with Cobb’s death.

On April 10, Raymond Jackson, 28, of Dumas, was shot in the head during an argument. Deondrick Galloway, 20, was charged with capital murder, 10th Judicial District Deputy Prosecutor Steven Porch said.

On Nov. 25, 32-year-old Michael Reeves was shot twice in the abdomen after an argument outside. Ron Henderson, 31, of Dumas, has been charged with capital murder in Reeves’ death, Porch said.

Deen plans to file a civil public nuisance action against the cafe, the same action he took against the Monticello Social Club, a private club in Monticello. Circuit Judge Jerry Mazzanti subsequently ordered the social club closed.

The club’s operator, Harold Goffin Sr., and the property owner appealed the decision, arguing that the civil court did not have jurisdiction to issue the abatement of nuisance activities that also constitute a crime. The state Supreme Court last week affirmed Mazzanti’s decision.

Deen also anticipates proceeding under a separate 1995 statute on to gang-related activity.

Deen and Dumas Police Chief Everett Cox say they discussed the possibility of filing a civil nuisance action against the Dumas cafe after the second murder but have had difficulty determining who actually owns the property.

Attempts to reach Marvin or Debbie Dean were not successful.

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