Five indicted in Lee County brawl

LEESBURG — Five indictments were handed down in connection to a brawl earlier this year in Lee County that was followed by the death of Kent Adam, 50.

Aric William Lee Cates of Leesburg; Terry James Gravett Jr. of Albany; Alexandrea Marie Cates of Leesburg; Taylor Elaine Lewis of Leesburg and Klaudia Jade Truluck of Oakfield, have been indicted according to Lewis Lamb, chief assistant district attorney for the Southwestern Judicial Circuit.

Reports on the incident said an altercation occurred, in which James Adam, son of Kent Adam, was assaulted on May 10 by visitors to 781 Flowing Well Road in Leesburg, who then left the premises. However, the suspects returned a short time later, officials say, and a second altercation occurred, causing serious injury to both father and son and prompting them to drive themselves to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Both father and son refused treatment and returned to the residence. As required by law, Phoebe notified the Lee County Sheriff’s Office that the victims had left without treatment, but when the deputies arrived at the residence, Kent Adam had lost consciousness, authorities said.

Officials say Kent Adam was transported back to the hospital, but died late on the morning of May 11. James Adam was returned to Phoebe, where he was treated and released.

An investigation into the death determined the 50-year-old did not die from the injuries he sustained, eliminating the basis for a murder charge.

Aric Cates is facing aggravated battery and aggravated assault charges, while the other four individuals are facing two counts each of simple battery in connection to the brawl, Lamb said.

The next court appearance for the defendants will be the arraignment, which has not yet been scheduled. Two juveniles were involved in the incident, and their cases are being handled by the juvenile court, he added.

Herald staff writer Jim West contributed to this report