On Monday, September 3rd, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a physical disturbance at the Handi Mart on Hwy 71 north. Upon arrival, deputies determined from witness statements and in-store video, that Darla Christine Layton had started the incident by making racial statements and striking the victims, Tory and Shiranda Brown. Layton also threw coffee on the victims.
Layton had left the scene before deputies arrived. Deputies searched for Layton, including her residence, but was unable to locate her.
An arrest warrant was applied for and the arrest warrant was received by the Sheriff’s office Tuesday morning September 11th. After a short search Layton was located at her residence on Rehberg Lane and arrested without incident. Layton was transported to the Jackson County Correctional Facility to await first appearance.
Arrestee: Darla Christine Layton, age 57.
Charge: Battery ( intentionally selected victims because of perception or knowledge of race) 3rd degree felony