ROCKWALL, Texas – Jury selection began earlier this morning at the Rockwall County courthouse in the murder trial of former Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Eric Williams – the man accused of killing Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland, and his wife, Cynthia, last year.
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Eric's estranged wife, Kim Williams, is also jailed and charged with the murders. The couple was indicted on June 27, 2013, by a grand jury in Kaufman County. The trial has since been moved to Rockwall County after a motion for change of venue filed by Eric Williams' defense team was granted last October by visiting Dallas County District Judge Mike Snipes.
At a hearing in February, Judge Snipes announced the jury selection would include a pool of approximately 500 prospective jurors. The jury selection process is expected to take months with voir dire to begin on May 5, 2014. The trial is still scheduled to begin on October 20, 2014.
Authorities believe Eric Williams and his wife murdered Hasse and the McLellands for revenge after the pair prosecuted Williams in 2011 for theft and burglary of a building which resulted in Williams' law license being revoked and his removal from public office.
Kim Williams filed for divorce on June 28, 2013 – the day after the couple was indicted on three counts of capital murder. Lucienne Johnson, Kim Williams' mother, also filed a lawsuit against Eric Williams for repayment of $50,000 in loans.
Special Prosecutors Toby Shook and Bill Wirskye have stated they would seek the death penalty for Eric Williams.
At a hearing in February, Judge Snipes announced the jury selection would include a pool of approximately 500 prospective jurors. The jury selection process is expected to take months with voir dire to begin on May 5, 2014. The trial is still scheduled to begin on October 20, 2014.
Authorities believe Eric Williams and his wife murdered Hasse and the McLellands for revenge after the pair prosecuted Williams in 2011 for theft and burglary of a building which resulted in Williams' law license being revoked and his removal from public office.
Kim Williams filed for divorce on June 28, 2013 – the day after the couple was indicted on three counts of capital murder. Lucienne Johnson, Kim Williams' mother, also filed a lawsuit against Eric Williams for repayment of $50,000 in loans.
Special Prosecutors Toby Shook and Bill Wirskye have stated they would seek the death penalty for Eric Williams.