ROCKWALL, Texas – A former North Texas justice of the peace, sentenced to death in 2014 for a revenge plot that resulted in the deaths of three people, is seeking a new trial.
Attorneys for Eric Williams are claiming that they did not have sufficient time to review the evidence and prepare for trial, which ultimately led to his conviction. Additionally, they argue that Williams was tried before a biased judge and suggest that holding the trial in Rockwall County did not guarantee a fair trial.
Williams was convicted of capital murder for the deaths of Cynthia McLelland and her husband, Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland, as well as prosecutor Mark Hasse. His motive was purportedly fueled by his loss of job and law license after facing theft and burglary charges prosecuted by the victims.
Authorities stated that Williams’ retaliation stemmed from the pursuit of charges against him for stealing county-owned computer equipment. During his trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Williams paid a friend to rent a storage unit where he kept numerous guns, police tactical gear, and a getaway car.
The former justice of the peace’s wife, Kim Williams, was also implicated in the crimes and admitted to helping him carry out the killings. She was sentenced to 40 years in prison for her involvement. In court, she revealed that Williams had a hit list with additional targets, such as District Judge Glen Ashworth and Kaufman County District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley.
Williams has made several appeals to overturn his death sentence, citing mental health issues and a desire for revenge against those he believed had ruined his life. A North District of Texas federal judge is set to hold a hearing on Williams’ latest request this Tuesday.
In summary, Eric Williams, a former justice of the peace, is seeking a new trial after being convicted of a revenge-driven murder plot in which three people lost their lives. His legal team argues that the trial was unfair due to lack of preparation time and a biased judge, while Williams’ wife was also involved in the crimes and received a 40-year prison sentence. This ongoing case reflects the intricate and often lengthy legal processes involved in seeking justice for violent crimes.