Garfield County Associate Judge Brian Lovell finds himself on the other side of the law, facing serious felony charges for allegedly firing a gun at his brother-in-law’s home. The incident, which took place in February 2023 in Bison, Oklahoma, has sent shockwaves through the legal community.
Image of a courtroom
According to the indictment, Lovell is accused of driving by his brother-in-law’s home and firing multiple shots, damaging a window, a wall, and an oven. Lovell’s brother-in-law, Kenneth Marx, reported that his son was inside the house at the time of the shooting and narrowly escaped being hit by a bullet.
Adding to the bizarre nature of the case, two days after the alleged shooting, Lovell reported his firearm stolen. This incident is not Lovell’s first encounter with the law. He also faces several felony counts in Texas for a similar incident that occurred in Austin in September 2023.
Image of police lights
In the Texas case, Lovell is accused of firing his weapon at parked vehicles while driving and then crashing into at least one of them. According to the probable cause affidavit, police responding to the scene found several vehicles with bullet holes and recovered three 40-caliber shell casings. Lovell was identified as the driver of a SUV with Oklahoma plates that matched witness descriptions.
During an interview with police, Lovell allegedly claimed he did not remember firing his gun or any part of the shooting incident. He admitted to rear-ending another vehicle after being cut off in traffic but denied the collisions were intentional.
Image of a gavel
These allegations have raised serious questions about Lovell’s fitness to serve as a judge. Attorney and retired judge Fan Rucker, while acknowledging that judges are human and capable of making mistakes, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He stated that if the allegations are proven true, Lovell should be held accountable for his actions and removed from his position.
Lovell’s defense attorney has indicated that they will challenge the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses. They plan to argue that there is not enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lovell committed the crimes.
Image of a jail cell
The prosecution, on the other hand, will likely present the physical evidence, including the bullet casings and damage to the vehicles, as well as witness testimonies. They may also investigate Lovell’s background for any previous incidents or allegations that could support their case.
The outcome of these cases remains uncertain. If convicted, Lovell could face a significant prison sentence. The charges against him have tarnished the reputation of the judiciary and left the community grappling with the possibility that one of their own could be capable of such actions.
