Motions granted for Lufkin man charged in reservation beating death

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRE) - A judge granted five defense motions during a pretrial hearing for Matthew Battise, who is charged in the beating death of a man on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas' reservation in Polk County. [KLTV Channel 7 News]

A Polk County judge approved all five motions filed by the defense team during a pretrial hearing for Matthew Battise, who faces a manslaughter charge in connection with a 2016 death on tribal lands.

Battise's attorney, Bill Morrian, confirmed the favorable rulings on the defense requests, which included limitations on prosecutorial arguments during jury selection, access to criminal background records of potential jurors from the special prosecutor's office and permission to conduct an independent review of evidence held by the state.

The case involves the April 17, 2016 death of Spencer James Sadler, discovered at a residence on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas' reservation. The current manslaughter charge stems from a previous 2019 trial that ended without a verdict. Battise's former legal representative departed the case in 2024, prompting the shift to new counsel.

Morrian said his representation aims to ensure comprehensive examination of all available evidence. He characterized public perception of the case as shaped by incomplete information, expressing optimism that additional facts reviewed since the initial trial could lead to acquittal.

"There's been a lot of things that have changed since the first trial," Morrian said, "hopefully, the conclusion will be a not guilty verdict."

The defendant's underlying motive for the alleged crime remains undisclosed in court proceedings. A final pretrial conference is scheduled for September 23 to address any remaining legal matters before jury selection and trial proceedings commence on September 28.