The murder-for-hire case against Flashdancer Cabaret co-owner Ryan Walker Grant could finally be put to rest Jan. 22 if his sentencing takes place as scheduled.
Grant, of Kennedale, pleaded guilty in September of trying to hire hit men last spring to kill Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck and a Dallas attorney who does contract work for the city. He was scheduled to be sentenced in late December, but the date was pushed back at the request of the federal prosecutor who is overseeing the case.
On Dec. 31, meanwhile, U.S. District Judge John McBryde abruptly recused himself from the case after having presided over it from the beginning. It was assigned to U.S. District Judge Terry Means, who moved the sentencing date from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22 at the federal courthouse in Fort Worth.
McBryde's order gave no specific reason for his decision.
"After having reviewed the presentence investigation report pertaining to the defendant, Ryan Walker Grant, the court has concluded that the court should recuse as to the sentencing of the defendant, and from all further proceedings in the case," the order read.
- Patrick M. Walker
