ROCKWALL, Texas – Eric Williams appeared for the first time in Rockwall County this morning after a change of venue order was granted last month by visiting Dallas County District Judge Mike Snipes.
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Williams, who appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit, chains, and shackles, is charged with the capital murders of Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, and Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland, and his wife, Cynthia.
Citing an overwhelming amount of case records and evidence collected by the state during the course of the manhunt, the defense team requested additional time to review the case matter in a motion for continuance. Judge Snipes denied the defense team's motion for continuance and said he plans to keep the schedule for jury selection beginning March 28, 2014, which includes a jury pool of approximately 500 prospective jurors.
Snipes did however grant a temporary stay in DNA testing requested by the defense team to allow for independent observation of testing and to order an alternative and neutral testing facility.
Williams defense team also argued over Williams' dress during the hearing. The court previously granted an order which allowed Williams to appear in a suit and unshackled.
An order was also issued yesterday which transferred Eric Williams in to the custody of the Rockwall County Sheriff's Office. He was re-booked into the Kaufman County Jail at 11:45 a.m. this morning after his hearing.
Eric Williams' wife is also booked into the Kaufman County Jail facing the same three counts of capital murder.
The trial date is currently set for October 20, 2014.
Citing an overwhelming amount of case records and evidence collected by the state during the course of the manhunt, the defense team requested additional time to review the case matter in a motion for continuance. Judge Snipes denied the defense team's motion for continuance and said he plans to keep the schedule for jury selection beginning March 28, 2014, which includes a jury pool of approximately 500 prospective jurors.
Snipes did however grant a temporary stay in DNA testing requested by the defense team to allow for independent observation of testing and to order an alternative and neutral testing facility.
Williams defense team also argued over Williams' dress during the hearing. The court previously granted an order which allowed Williams to appear in a suit and unshackled.
An order was also issued yesterday which transferred Eric Williams in to the custody of the Rockwall County Sheriff's Office. He was re-booked into the Kaufman County Jail at 11:45 a.m. this morning after his hearing.
Eric Williams' wife is also booked into the Kaufman County Jail facing the same three counts of capital murder.
The trial date is currently set for October 20, 2014.