Former Justice of the Peace Arrested for Murders of Texas Officials (VIDEO)
A former Justice of the Peace has been arrested in Texas and is believed to be responsible for the deaths of three officials in the state. Eric Williams was arrested on Saturday and is expected to be charged on three counts of capital murder for the deaths of Mike and Cynthia McLelland and Mark Hasse.
Williams was initially charged with making a "terroristic threat" while authorities searched his home. He is currently being held on $3 million bond, according to CBS News. Investigators found at least 20 weapons inside Williams' home as well as a vehicle that matches the description of the vehicle seen near the McLelland home the night of the murders.
In 2012, Williams was prosecuted by McLelland and Hasse after taking computer equipment from an official building. He was charged with burglary and theft and lost his job as a result. Williams reportedly told the court that McLelland and Hasse did not like him and were basically picking on him.
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McLelland, his wife, and Hasse were all executed within months of one another, setting off fears among authorities nationwide, especially after the fatal shooting of a Colorado prison director. Authorities were looking into a possible connection between the two states' shootings but now believe they are completely separate incidents.
"Williams has cooperated with law enforcement and vigorously denies any and all allegations," his lawyer David Sergi told ABC News. "He wishes simply to get on with his life and hopes that the perpetrators are brought to justice."
"My heart goes out to all the families that have been affected by this tragedy and especially those that work at the courthouse," Williams told CBS.
Williams' hands were tested for gunpowder residue after the murders, but the tests were negative. However, authorities are now running forensic tests on the weapons found in Williams' home and removed boxes and computers from Williams's home, which they hope will provide needed evidence.
Watch video of the investigation here:
