Ripley County Jail inmate found guilty of battery
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

A Ripley County Jury found Douglas D. Selby, 47, of Milan, guilty on a Battery charge, after they heard evidence in a two-day trial in Ripley County Circuit Court.

The trial began on Tuesday, April 13, where jurors heard evidence and saw a video showing Selby beating another inmate, a 53-year-old Osgood man, while both were incarcerated in the Ripley County Jail last November.

The victim was taken to Margaret Mary Community Hospital and treated for a broken nose, broken cheekbone, broken finger, and received approximately 12 stitches caused by the attack.

Det. Sgt. Randy Holt, who arrived on the scene just minutes following the attack, described the victim as a "bloody mess."

Prosecutor Ric Hertel told the jury that the victim was lying on his bunk covered up when the attack occurred. Mark Jones, attorney for the defendant, said that the victim had provoked the attack and pretty much "got what he deserved."

Selby was sentenced to 312 days with some credit in another criminal action. Ripley County Circuit Court Judge Carl Taul heard the proceedings.

Deputy Herbert Houseworth III was the investigating officer in the case.