A former justice of the peace in North Texas, who was convicted and sentenced to death in 2014 for the murder of a district attorney’s wife and two others, is seeking a new trial, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. Eric Williams, who was found guilty of capital murder, claims that his legal team did not have enough time to review the evidence and prepare for his trial, and also alleges that he was tried before a biased judge.
Williams had lost his job and law license after being prosecuted for theft and burglary by the victims, which ultimately led to the violent revenge plot. In a 169-page filing, Williams’ attorneys argue that these circumstances undermined his ability to receive a fair trial and are now urging for a new death penalty trial.
The conviction stemmed from a retaliatory act after the prosecutor’s office pursued charges against Williams for the theft of county-owned computer equipment. This prompted Williams to orchestrate a violent assault, leading to the deaths of Cynthia McLelland, the wife of the district attorney, and two others.
During his trial, evidence was presented showing that Williams paid a friend to rent a storage unit where he kept multiple guns, police tactical gear, and a getaway car. These details, along with the testimonies of his wife, Kim, who admitted to aiding in the killings, ultimately led to his conviction.
Furthermore, Williams has attempted multiple appeals to overturn the death sentence, including a claim that his brain was “broken” and a desire for revenge against the politicians he believed had ruined his life. A federal judge in North Texas is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding Williams’ latest request for a new trial.