Mothers murder trial begins in May

GREGG COUNTY — A White Oak man accused of killing his mother is expected to begin trial next month. According to our news partner KETK, Zachary Keys was initially named a suspect in the death of his mother, Penny Renee Keys, after she was found outside her residence with multiple stab wounds on Dec. 31, 2026. Penny was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Keys was later accused of murder following further investigation and was located in Panola County. He was taken into custody and booked into the Gregg County Jail for murder after a warrant was issued for his arrest. In March, Keys was indicted for murder and is expected to begin trial on May 1 in the 124th District Court in Gregg County.