ROCKWALL, Texas — The state rested its case mid-day Wednesday in the punishment phase of a former Kaufman County justice of the peace Eric Williams who jurors found was guilty in the capital murder of Cynthia McLelland, the wife of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland who was also killed.
ROCKWALL, Texas — The state rested its case mid-day Wednesday in the punishment phase of a former Kaufman County justice of the peace Eric Williams who jurors found was guilty in the capital murder of Cynthia McLelland, the wife of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland who was also killed.
During the punishment phase, the state also introduced evidence of a third killing, the shooting death of Mark Hasse who was a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office. Prosecutors allege the three killings were revenge for the prosecution of Williams which resulted in theft charges, the loss of his law license, and the loss of his post as justice of the peace.
The state is seeking the death penalty — arguing Williams is, was, and has been a continued threat to society. To help paint that picture, the state introduced a woman formally involved in a relationship with Williams and a Kaufman area attorney — who were both threatened by Williams.
Janice Gray, who met Williams at a court coordinator conference in Huntsville in the early 1990s, was in a brief relationship with Williams. After she called off the relationship, the two saw each other at another conference where Gray says Williams threatened her with a gun if she refused to talk with him.
“I have a gun and, if you walk away, I’ll use it. I have nothing to lose,” Williams told Gray, according to her testimony.
Years later, while serving as a mediator in a Kaufman County real estate case, Williams allegedly threatened to kill John Burt, a Kaufman area attorney, his wife, kids, and burn his house down.
The state rested its case mid-day without the suspected testimony of Williams’ estranged wife, Kim, who is also co-indicted in the three murders.
The defense began their arguments with a handful of motions — a motion for continuance, mistrial, and another change of venue. Visiting Dallas County Judge Mike Snipes denied those motions.
Defense attorney Maxwell Peck addressed the jury and asked they show mercy for Williams and not sentence him to the death penalty. “If Eric’s motive was revenge, revenge has been delivered,” said Peck. “Eric is no longer a risk.”
Kaufman area attorney Jenny Parks testified she believed Williams was wrongfully convicted of theft in 2012 and he fell victim to small town politics.
Also called to the witness stand by the defense were two jail-house bible study pastors and jail officials. The defense argued Williams could be a teacher and mentor in prison.
The defense will continue with testimony Thursday morning.