Home Searched in Kaufman County Case; DA Appointee Shares Thoughts

KAUFMAN (Staff/AP) — Federal and local authorities executed a search warrant Friday at a North Texas home as part of an investigation into the slayings of the local district attorney and his wife. Authorities were searching the home of former Kaufman County justice of the peace Eric Williams, who was prosecuted and convicted of theft by the Kaufman County district attorney’s office. Williams hasn’t been named a suspect in any of the deaths. Kaufman County authorities say they’re receiving tips “on a fairly regular basis” as they move forward with the investigation of the murders.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Kaufman County district attorney says it’s time to step up. Judge Erleigh Wiley (pictured) vows to use her power to find those behind the high-profile killings that plague the community. She says the families of Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse — who was killed outside the county courthouse in January — and D.A. Mike McLelland and his wife, Cynthia, who were murdered in their Forney home, are constantly in her thoughts. Governor Rick Perry appointed Wiley as his choice to step in for the remainder of McLelland’s term. The appointment must still be approved by the Senate.