Former Kaufman County JP's Wife Charged With Murder
KAUFMAN (CBSDFW.COM) - The wife of a former Kaufman County Justice of the Peace was taken into custody early Wednesday morning and charged with capital murder. This is believed to be in relation to the deaths of Mike and Cynthia McLelland and Mark Hasse. Kim Lene Williams was arrested just before 3:00 a.m. and is now being held on a $10 million bond.
Her husband, Eric Williams, was arrested on Saturday morning for allegedly making terroristic threats against city officials. Court documents stated that, a day after the McLellands were gunned down in their home, Williams sent an email to an unspecified official saying that another attack would occur unless his demands were met. The email was sent from his personal computer. The documents did not elaborate on those alleged demands.
Eric Williams is being held behind bars on a $3 million bond. Sources previously told CBS 11 News that Williams is also expected to be charged with capital murder in relation to the Hasse and McLelland deaths.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse was shot and killed on January 31 near the Kaufman County Courthouse where he worked. District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife were shot and killed on March 30 in their home. The murders have left other county officials on edge and residents all across North Texas frightened for their safety.
Investigators on Friday had served a search warrant at the homes of Eric Williams and his in-laws. Then, on Saturday, officials searched a Seagoville storage facility which was rented out to Eric Williams. Inside, they found 20 guns and a white Ford Crown Victoria that matched the description of a vehicle spotted near the McLelland home on the night of their murders.
Eric Williams had been questioned and tested for gunpowder in relation to the January murder of Hasse, and then again after the McLellands were killed in March. Hasse and McLelland prosecuted and secured a conviction against Williams in 2012 after surveillance cameras captured him taking computer equipment from a county building.
CBS 11 News talked to Eric Williams earlier this month, and he denied any involvement with the murders. "My heart goes out to all the families that have been affected by this tragedy, and especially the people that work in the courthouse," he said.
Also Check Out:
- Irving Bus Crash Leaves 2 Dead & Dozens Hurt
- JP To Be Charged With Murders In Kaufman County
- Texas Airman Reunited With Puppy Met Overseas
- Firearms Company Relocating To North Texas
- Deadly Dallas Shooting Leads To Police Chase & Standoff
MOST VIEWED GALLERIES
- PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
- PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade
- PHOTOS: Pope Francis I
