Sign: 29 Arrested In Huge Dog Fighting Ring Involving Drugs And Guns

Published: July 16, 2024 at 07:09 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

Mobile, AL – The authorities also discovered drugs, guns, money, and 32 dogs who were being exploited for money in the deplorable blood sport.

Authorities involved in the raid describe a gruesome scene at the residence…a fight ring was set up with chairs around the perimeter offering spectators a front row seat as dogs were pitted against one another in a bloody fight to the death. One of the dogs found at the scene was so grievously injured that he was not expected to survive.

Evidence found on the property included heavy chains, discarded collars, dilapidated cages, and suspected graves where deceased dogs had been buried.

The person believed to be responsible for setting up the dog fighting event is identified as Jeff Marks Jr. Marks fled the scene but was later apprehended.

The people publicly named in the raid include:

• Curtis Lavern Audrew, 68
• Jamarcus Jerone Gray
• Demetrus Ward, 61
• Anishka Ronnita Jones, 31
• Damon Hatch, 51
• Darrell Lyvon Lynch, 57
• Makayla Janae Jones, 26
• Kenneth Williams Jr., 32
• Darrell Chaney, 62
• James Yomato Williams, 39
• Demetrious Lamorris Denson, 49
• Justin J. Jackson, 50
• David Glover, 41
• Jeffrey Wilson Beesley, 50
• Kendarlus Keonta Gandy, 26
• Lejarvis Deantoine Henry, 33
• Maurkeeus Keaontae McLaughin, 23
• Wilford Cortezz Roberts, 59
• Kendrick K. Hill, 19
• Mayaka Shywon Jones, 27
• Jamar Wendall Taylor, 42
• Nikeria Chantakke Trotter, 26
• Shateria Laverette, 37
• Jeff Marks Jr.

Dog fighting has no place in our society. It is barbaric and sadistic – knowing that people willingly attend these “events” for pleasure is abhorrent. Please add your name to the petition today and help Animal Victory fight to keep these people behind bars for as long as possible!

Alabama Animal Protection Laws

Note: The court date has not yet been assigned to this case, per the Superior Court. The District Attorney assigned to this case is Travis Page.

TARGET: Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS:

We the undersigned demand the individuals identified as participants in this dog fighting operation face the maximum punishment allowable by law for the charges stemming from their involvement in dogfighting, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and illegal gun possession. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for the maximum penalty allowed by law. 

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: The 32 dogs rescued from the dog fighting operation were taken to the Mobile County Animal Shelter.

News:

WKRG

KATU

Fox 10

My NBC 15

UPDATE 9/18/2026: Animal Victory previously reported that the defendants in this case were indicted and that their cases moved to Mobile County Circuit Court. We have not yet verified sentencing information or the current status of each individual case. One earlier news report stated that some unnamed defendants pleaded guilty, but it did not identify them or report their sentences. Please continue signing while we request official court records. Your signatures support strong, lawful penalties for every person convicted, including appropriate incarceration, fines, and restrictions on possessing animals.

Update 7/25/2025: Animal Victory was able to find out that Jeff Marks and the other 28 defendants were indicted by the Grand Jury on May 16, 2025. All of the cases were moved from the District Court to the Circuit Court. We are now trying to discover the Circuit Court Case numbers to track each defendant.

Update 2/26/2025: Animal Victory sent petition and signatures to the District Attorney.