Senate Approves New Kaufman County DA

AUSTIN (AP) — Texas lawmakers have confirmed the nomination of a new district attorney to replace her slain predecessor in Kaufman County. Hours after local authorities announced an arrest and confession in the case on Wednesday, the state Senate approved 31-0 the appointment of former county court-at-law judge Erleigh Norville Wiley.

The 49-year-old former Dallas prosecutor replaced former DA Mike McLelland, who was slain with his wife Cynthia over Easter weekend. Their killings followed the death of an assistant district attorney who was shot as he walked to the courthouse.

Senator Robert Deuell of nearby Greenville noted that McLelland had stood in the legislative chamber for a resolution honoring his courage shortly before he was killed. He praised Wiley for volunteering to take the job “even with the inherent risk.”