By Kathee Baird
August 2, 2015
![Anthony Zarro SCSO mug shot]()
- Anthony Joseph Zarro (mug shot SCSO)
Galena, MO.- A teenager accused of murdering an elderly couple near Lampe in January 2013 is facing new assault charges.
Authorities say Anthony Joseph Zarro, 19, allegedly assaulted an inmate in the Stone County jail where is being held while awaiting his murder trial. Court documents say Zarro punched Brion Hendricks "twice in the head and threatened him not to say anything," in late June.
A nurse discovered the injuries after Hendricks was called into her office. Hendricks told the nurse he didn't say anything "because he was in fear of his family and himself being hurt."
Hendricks underwent surgery for a broken nose after the injuries were discovered by a mobile X-Ray unit, according to Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader. He also had a black eye and numerous contusions to his head and face.
Video surveillance at the jail allegedly recorded the jail assault, according to the probable cause statement.
Zarro, and his co-defendant Christopher James Allen, were charged with murder, armed criminal action, burglary, robbery, tampering with evidence, tampering with a motor vehicle and property damage connected to the deaths of Paul and Susan Brooks, who were vacationing at their sons home near Lampe.
![Susan and Paul Brooks]()
- Susan and Paul Brooks
The boys had run away from the from Lives Under Construction, a rehabilitative ranch for troubled boys, about a week before the double homicide.
Authorities say Zarro, of Spring, Texas, and Allen, of Nashville, Tennessee hid in a vacant cabin next door to the Brookses and watched the elderly couple come and go before allegedly killing them. An autopsy determined the couple died from blunt force trauma and stab wounds.
Zarro is scheduled to stand trial for the double homicide next March in Newton County, where it was moved on a change of venue.
![Christopher James Allen (mug shot SCSO)]()
- Christopher James Allen (mug shot SCSO)
Allen, 18, who pleaded guilty in April to burglary charges connected to the Brookses murders, is scheduled to stand trial later this month for his alleged part in the murders in Boone County, where it was moved on a change of venue. That is expected to be delayed due to a motion filed in June requesting that he undergo a mental evaluation.
Zarro is scheduled to appear in court on the assault charges tomorrow (08-03-15) afternoon in Stone County associated circuit court.