Defense questions need for cattle values in defacement case

Judge Matthew F.G. Castano has dismissed a motion that would have prevented the jury from hearing the fair market value of the 189 cows and six bulls that Patrick Carroll allegedly marked with bleach with the help of his son, Tucker.

Carroll is accused of using bleach to paint markings, including drawings of penises, to bring his neighbor’s attention to the problem of broken fences that weren’t being fixed quickly enough.

He faces a felony count of property destruction/defacement and a felony count of conspiracy to commit property destruction/defacement.

Attorney Seth Schumacher filed a motion...