ROCKWALL – Former Kaufman Co. justice of the peace Eric Williams was found guilty today by a Rockwall jury of murdering Cynthia McLelland, the wife of Kaufman Co. District Attorney Mike McLelland.
The jury, which took less than two hours to reach its verdict, will hear evidence from Monday in the sentencing phase, beginning at 8:45 am.
The former peace officer is facing the death penalty after being described by a prosecutor as “a ruthless killing machine” who had carefully plotted out his crimes.
Upon hearing the verdict, Williams bowed his head and rested his face in his hand.
The defendant has also been charged with the death of Mike McLelland and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse. The trial of the wife’s death was the first of three cases being heard separately.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys rested their cases yesterday after prosecutors presented evidence for the past three days. The defense cross-examined several state witnesses but declined to call any witnesses in William’s defense. He also chose not to speak in his own defense.
After the verdict, William’s defense lawyer, Matt Seymour, said their team would call witnesses and present evidence during the sentencing phase of the trial.
He stated there is no proof that Williams is the killer or that he was even at the McLelland’s home. He claimed his client is innocent and added that there is reasonable doubt and the facts presented do not prove the prosecution’s case.
By J.J. Smith
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