Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty against Williams

KAUFMAN (AP) — Authorities have announced they’ll seek the death penalty against the former county official accused of killing three people in East Texas, including two prosecutors. Special prosecutor Bill Wirskye said Friday during a court hearing that the state will look to execute former Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Eric Williams. He’s charged with killing Assistant DA Mark Hasse in January and District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia in March. Wirskye says no determination has been made whether to seek the same penalty against his wife, Kim Williams.

Eric and Kim Williams each is charged with three counts of capital murder. She has filed for divorce from her husband. Authorities believe the killings were to avenge the former JP’s conviction on theft charges that cost him his office and law license.