Eric Williams, the man convicted of a revenge-fueled triple murder spree that shook Kaufman County a decade ago, is pushing for a fresh trial, his defense lawyers confirmed. According to documents filed in federal court, Williams claims he didn't receive a fair shake during his 2014 trial, where he was condemned to death row for the assassinations of District Attorney Mike McLelland, his wife Cynthia, and assistant prosecutor Mark Hasse.
In a recent 169-page filing, Williams' legal team is citing insufficient preparation time to review the vast evidence amassed against him. They also argue that the presiding Judge should have been recused due to bias and despite the change of venue to Rockwall County, the case's notoriety skewed public perception against Williams, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Williams' violent campaign of retribution unfolded after he was prosecuted for stealing county computer equipment in 2012, leading to the loss of his position as a justice of the peace and his lawyer's license—essentially gutting his way of life. He first struck in January 2013, killing Hasse near the courthouse, and followed up by murdering the McLellands in their home two months later. FOX 4 News details the murders as an act of "violent revenge," per prosecutors.
Despite his numerous attempts at an appeal and past remarks where he decryed that his brain was "broken," Williams remains on death row. His list of purported wrongs endured did not cease at the legal repercussions of his theft charges. He harbored plans to further his vendetta against two more judges, and his underlying threats extended to his now-divorced wife, Kim Williams, who after assisting in the planning of the murders, turned state’s witness against him, and subsequently received a 40-year sentence.
A federal judge is expected to preside over the latest hearing next Tuesday. If the court grants Williams the new trial he seeks, it could potentially rewrite the final chapters in a saga of wrath, retribution, and a quest for legal redemption that has haunted the Kauf County community for the past decade.
