Federal grand jury indicts five in Alabama cockfighting and gambling case. What we know
Between March 2025 and June 2025, James Murphree, Kasten Murphree, Kelby Murphree, Danny Gonzalez-Guzman and Kimberly Evans allegedly organized multiple cockfighting derbies in Blountsville, according to the indictment. Spectators paid $40 to attend, while competitors paid entry fees ranging from $70 to $1,000 to enter their roosters. Winners took home a share of the prize money.
The long-term investigation was conducted by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
What is cockfighting?
Cockfighting is a contest in which two roosters are forced to fight, often to death, while spectators place bets on the outcome. The events are also known as "derbies," and they're held in arenas called "pits," while referees supervise the fights.
The roosters are often fitted with weapons, such as sharp blades or spurs, on the back of their leg to make the match bloodier.
What is the Animal Welfare Act?
The Animal Welfare Act, first passed in 1966, was the first federal law regulating the treatment of animals in research. Today, it also covers animal breeders, dealers, handlers, carriers and exhibitors. The law sets minimum standards for essential services, including housing, food, sanitation, veterinary care and protection from extreme weather.
What are the penalties for cockfighting?
According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Alabama has the weakest penalties for cockfighting in the nation. Under state law, it's just a misdemeanor, punishable by a $50 fine.
In contrast, federal law treats cockfighting as a serious felony, with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000. Even attending a cockfight can carry a one-year prison sentence and bringing a child under 16 to a derby can lead to jail time.
Alabama cockfighting empire included arena, weapons sales and bird breeding
In December 2022, seven Alabama residents were sentenced for a large-scale illegal cockfighting operation. Between 2018 and 2021, members of the Easterling family operated one of the most significant known cockfighting operations in the country, according to court records.
Their Alabama arena hosted paid-entry fights with bladed roosters and seating for 150 spectators. The family also ran two large breeding farms, selling high-priced birds for fighting. The arena was torn down as part of a plea deal.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What is cockfighting? Alabama ring leads to federal charges. What to know
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