Honor Flag Tribute For Slain Kaufman County Prosecutor
KAUFMAN COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) - Kaufman County authorities paused their investigation for a few moments today to honor slain prosecutor Mark Hasse.
The U.S. Honor Flag arrived at the Kaufman County Courthouse at noon, escorted by Dallas County Sheriff's Deputies and Texas DPS Officers.
Hasse's friends and colleagues and local residents watched the somber ceremony closely, as honor guards placed the flag on the flagpole in front of the Kaufman County Courthouse.
The flag travels across the country honoring fallen heroes and is protected by officers at all times.
Hasse was a certified peace officer and also served in the Navy before he became an attorney.
"This is for one nation, all heroes," said Chris Heisler, President and C.E.O. of U.S. Honor Flag. "This flag represents everything this community has lost."
Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland said his fallen colleague would have enjoyed the ceremony.
"He would appreciate this tremendously. He would get a big kick out of this," he said.
McLelland confirmed that the Kaufman County Courthouse reopened for the first time since the murder took place.
Over the weekend, prosecutors from the Dallas County District Attorney's office had offered to volunteer their services in the wake of Hasse's murder, but McLelland declined the offer.
"We are floating our own boat. We don't need anybody's help," he said.
McLelland said investigators have finished looking through Hasse's Kaufman County cases and now searching through cases he prosecuted in Dallas County and in Gregg County in East Texas, where he worked for a short time.
Hasse was murdered yards aware from the Kaufman County Courthouse, where he worked, as he walked to his office.
Police say he was approached, had a brief confrontation with his killer, and was shot multiple times.
Police are searching for 2 men in connection with the murder and their getaway vehicle, which is described as a light colored silver or gray, late model, 4 door sedan.
Despite, several witness interviews, the killers and a clear description of what they look like, continue to evade authorities.
Investigators have been working around the clock in search of more clues and there are no plans to stop until the killers are found.
"It will be the same pace and maybe even pick up, depending on what develops," said Kaufman County Sheriff David Byrnes.
A memorial service for Hasse is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9th at the Terrell Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m.
Investigators are still asking for tips in the case and encourage that anyone with information contact Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPSKCC (847-7522) or send a text to 274637.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the Mark Hasse reward fund can send a contribution to:
Kaufman County Sheriff's Department
PO Box 849
Kaufman, Texas 75142
Contributions to the Mark Hasse Fund are also being accepted at American National Bank of Texas locations.
Currently, the reward stands at more than $72,000.
