Elderly couple charged in yearlong cat fight

A yearlong feline fracas in Bartlett has led to the arrest of an elderly couple and their daughter and son-in-law on an array of charges, including stalking, trespassing and vandalism — all in a battle over keeping their cat out of a neighbor’s yard.

The cat conniption has led to shouting, threats and numerous visits by family members to City Hall and police headquarters claiming they didn’t have to control their cat. Authorities say the neighbors were not the aggressors in the tabby tantrums that apparently began when the cat in question “urinated on and destroyed the victim’s patio furniture,” according to court documents.

“They just wouldn’t quit,” Insp. Steve Todd, head of the Bartlett police investigative services division, said of the suspects, adding that the stalking charge is because the situation escalated recently and because the length of time it has continued.

Mary Jane Gullett, 82, and her husband, Clifton, 84, of 2680 Charles Bryan Road, along with their daughter, Janet Davis, 55, and son-in-law, Bruce Davis, 58, both of Memphis, face charges of stalking and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor (stalking). Everyone but Mary Jane Gullett also is charged with criminal trespass and vandalism, according to affidavits in the case.

All four appeared in court Monday. Preliminary hearings have been reset for August 26.

“(The Gulletts) have stalked, harassed, threatened and caused undue emotional distress on the (neighboring) family,” the affidavit of complaint against Mary Jane Gullett states.

The neighbors — Tony and Lori Harrington — moved to the residence next door to the Gulletts about a year ago. Since then the cat situation has led to court, police reports filed and other complaints.

At one point, Tony Harrington was bitten by the cat. leading the Gulletts’ insurance company to pay $1,639 in medical bills.

According to affidavits, Mary Jane Gullett is also accused of threatening to burn down the Harrington’s house.