Texas Justice Murders: Judge's Deadly Revenge Against Prosecutors Who Revoked His License
The horrific murder of prosecutor Mark Hasse in January 2013 sent shockwaves through the legal community in Texas. Walking toward the courthouse on an ordinary morning, Hasse was ambushed by a masked gunman who fired five shots before fleeing in a Ford sedan. Despite immediate medical attention, Hasse died shortly after the attack, leaving investigators scrambling to identify the perpetrator of what appeared to be a calculated execution.
The violence didn't end there. Just two months later, Deputy James Boyd survived a similar ambush during a routine traffic stop, and the shooter was later identified as Evan Eel, a member of a violent prison gang. Then came the devastating murder of District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia, found shot multiple times in their home on March 30, 2013. As investigators connected the dots between these crimes, they began to uncover evidence pointing to a former justice of the peace with a personal vendetta against the legal system that had convicted him.
Key Takeaways
A Texas prosecutor was executed in broad daylight, beginning a terrifying series of attacks against law enforcement officials.
Prison gang member Evan Eel became a prime suspect after a deadly shootout, but further attacks continued after his death.
Surveillance footage and case reviews eventually pointed investigators toward a disgraced former justice of the peace with connections to all victims.
The Deadly Assault on Prosecutor Mark Hasse
Execution-Style Killing
On January 31, 2013, prosecutor Mark Hasse fell victim to a calculated attack as he approached the Kaufman County courthouse. The morning ambush unfolded rapidly when a masked assailant confronted Hasse and fired five shots at close range. After the shooting, the gunman quickly fled the scene in a Ford sedan, leaving the prosecutor critically wounded on the pavement. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to hospital, Hasse succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Law Enforcement's Swift Response
Following the shooting, police immediately secured the courthouse area and established a protective perimeter to preserve crucial evidence. Officers recognized this wasn't a random act of violence but rather a targeted assassination of a public official. Investigators quickly began collecting witness statements and descriptions of both the shooter and the getaway vehicle. The murder sent shockwaves through local law enforcement agencies, prompting courthouses in Kaufman County and surrounding areas to heighten security measures. Law enforcement agencies across Texas were placed on high alert as officials assessed whether the attack represented a broader threat to public servants.
District Attorney McLeland's Bold Promise
In the aftermath of Hasse's murder, District Attorney Mike McLeland delivered a powerful public statement directly addressing those responsible. "I hope that the people that did this are watching because we're very confident that we're going to find you," McLeland declared. "We're going to pull you out of whatever hole you're in, we're going to bring you back and let the people of Kaufman County prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law." His bold promise underscored the determination of local authorities to bring the killer to justice. Initial investigations focused on individuals Hasse had previously prosecuted, with revenge considered a primary motive given the execution-style nature of the killing.
Law Enforcement Officer Targeted in Violent Attack
Deputy Boyd's Traffic Stop Takes Dangerous Turn
On March 21, 2013, a routine traffic stop turned into a life-threatening situation for Deputy James Boyd of Wise County, Texas. While approaching a black 1991 Cadillac DeVille, Boyd was suddenly ambushed by the driver. The attacker fired three shots at the deputy—two to the chest and one to the head. Boyd collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness as the shooter fled the scene.
Fortunately, a passing motorist spotted the injured officer and immediately called for assistance. Despite the severity of his injuries, Deputy Boyd survived the attack. This incident marked another troubling assault on law enforcement following the January murder of prosecutor Mark Hasse.
Police Pursue Suspect in High-Speed Chase
Following the attack on Deputy Boyd, law enforcement launched an immediate manhunt for the shooter. The suspect led officers on a dangerous pursuit, with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on highways and through local streets. The Cadillac's smoking engine created visibility challenges for pursuing officers, who maintained a strategic distance throughout the chase.
The pursuit intensified when the suspect's vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler, causing significant damage to the Cadillac. Despite this, the driver continued his desperate attempt to escape capture. Officers from multiple jurisdictions coordinated their efforts to contain the suspect and protect the public during this high-risk situation.
Final Confrontation Ends with Suspect's Death
The chase concluded when the severely damaged Cadillac could no longer continue. The suspect emerged from the wrecked vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers. Law enforcement personnel returned fire in a brief but intense exchange.
Hit multiple times during the gunfight, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators quickly identified him as Evan Ebel, a dangerous member of the 211 prison gang who had been mistakenly released from custody two months earlier due to a clerical error in his court records.
A search of Ebel's vehicle revealed disturbing evidence:
A Domino's pizza delivery uniform
Directions to a corrections official's home
A manifesto expressing hatred toward the prison system
A hit list targeting additional prison officials
While investigators initially considered possible connections between Ebel and the earlier murder of prosecutor Mark Hasse, the investigation would take another tragic turn. Just days later, on March 30, Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLeland and his wife were found murdered in their home, suggesting a broader threat against law enforcement officials remained active.
Uncovering the Shooter's Identity and Motivation
Evan Ebel: Member of the 211 Prison Gang
Investigators identified the deceased shooter as Evan Ebel, a dangerous affiliate of the white supremacist prison gang known as the "211 Crew." Ebel had been erroneously released from prison approximately two months before the shooting due to administrative errors in his court records. This premature release set in motion a series of violent events across multiple states.
The confrontation with Ebel ended dramatically after a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph. After his vehicle was damaged in a collision with an 18-wheeler, Ebel emerged from the wreckage and exchanged gunfire with officers. Law enforcement responded with deadly force, neutralizing the threat he posed.
Connections to Previous High-Profile Homicides
Prior to his death, Ebel had already committed multiple murders that followed a disturbing pattern targeting law enforcement officials. Evidence recovered from Ebel's vehicle revealed he had killed Nathan Leon, a Domino's delivery driver, and stolen his uniform. Using this disguise, Ebel gained access to the home of Tom Clemens, the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, and fatally shot him.
The methodical nature of these crimes raised immediate questions about Ebel's potential involvement in the January 31st assassination of prosecutor Mark Hasse, who was gunned down while walking toward the courthouse. Even more troubling, the murders continued even after Ebel's death, with District Attorney Mike McLeland and his wife found shot multiple times in their home on March 30, 2013.
Investigators noted striking similarities between the cases:
All victims were high-profile law enforcement officials
The attacks appeared to be carefully planned executions
Similar vehicles were spotted at multiple crime scenes
Additional Violent Plans Discovered
A search of Ebel's vehicle yielded disturbing evidence of planned future attacks. Authorities discovered:
A written manifesto expressing hatred toward the prison system
A comprehensive hit list targeting additional prison officials
Nathan Leon's Domino's uniform (used in the Clemens murder)
Detailed directions to Tom Clemens' residence
This evidence suggested Ebel's killing spree was meant to continue. Law enforcement began examining connections between Ebel's 211 Crew affiliations and the murders of prosecutor Mark Hasse and District Attorney McLeland. However, with Ebel deceased and the attacks continuing, investigators realized a larger conspiracy might be unfolding.
The investigation eventually led to Eric Williams, a former justice of the peace and Masonic Lodge member, whose prior legal troubles with McLeland and Hasse established a compelling motive for the murders. Surveillance footage revealed a white Ford Crown Victoria—similar to the vehicle spotted after Hasse's murder—speeding near the McLeland residence around the time of the killings.
The Unsolved Case of the McLelland Homicides
Mike and Cynthia McLelland's Violent End
On March 30, 2013, tragedy struck when Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia were discovered deceased in their Texas home. The couple had been shot multiple times, their bodies found by a worried family member who couldn't reach them. Blood surrounded the victims who lay motionless on the floor of their residence. This shocking attack came just two months after Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse was gunned down near the courthouse.
Investigation Intensifies
Following the McLellands' deaths, law enforcement resources multiplied as hundreds of investigators joined the case. Security around courthouses in Kaufman County and neighboring areas increased dramatically. While reviewing surveillance footage from businesses near the McLelland residence, investigators identified a white Ford Crown Victoria speeding through the streets—a vehicle nearly identical to one seen fleeing after Hasse's murder.
The timeline of violence suggested possible connections between several attacks on law enforcement officials:
January 31, 2013: Mark Hasse ambushed and killed
March 21, 2013: Deputy James Boyd shot but survived
March 30, 2013: Mike and Cynthia McLelland found murdered
Investigators began examining past cases handled by both McLelland and Hasse, which led them to former justice of the peace Eric Williams. Williams had previously faced misconduct allegations and legal troubles after being caught stealing computers on security cameras in 2011.
The Puzzling Email Lead
On Easter Sunday, shortly after the McLellands' bodies were discovered, investigators received a cryptic email. The sender claimed responsibility for the murders and provided specific details about the crimes. This communication also contained threats of additional attacks unless a prominent Kaufman County judge resigned.
Law enforcement attempted to engage with the sender by:
Acknowledging the demands
Requesting specific crime scene details only the killer would know
Probing for additional information
After this exchange, all communication abruptly ceased. Authorities questioned whether this represented legitimate contact from the murderer or merely a hoax intended to misdirect the investigation. They also explored potential connections to Evan Eel, a violent gang member who had been killed in a shootout with police after murdering a Colorado corrections official and wounding Deputy Boyd.
Identifying a New Person of Interest
The investigation took several dramatic turns as detectives pieced together evidence from multiple crimes that initially seemed disconnected. Each development brought investigators closer to understanding who might be behind the shocking attacks on justice officials.
Video Evidence Insights
Detectives working around the clock reviewed extensive surveillance footage from businesses in proximity to the McLeland residence. Their persistence paid off when they identified a white Ford Crown Victoria speeding through nearby streets shortly after the time of the murders. This discovery proved significant as the vehicle closely matched descriptions of the car that had fled the scene following prosecutor Mark Hasse's shooting weeks earlier. The timing and vehicle similarities created a compelling connection between the two attacks.
The surveillance footage provided investigators with their first tangible lead linking both crime scenes. This evidence suggested the possibility that the same perpetrator had committed both attacks rather than them being the work of separate individuals.
Historical Case Analysis
Investigators methodically examined previous prosecutions handled by both Mike McLeland and Mark Hasse, searching for potential motives. They created a comprehensive database of:
Individuals previously prosecuted
Cases with particularly contentious outcomes
Defendants who had made threats
Recently released prisoners with connections to either prosecutor
This methodical approach helped narrow the field of potential suspects. The team focused on identifying anyone with sufficient motive to carry out such calculated attacks against justice officials.
Discovery of Eric Williams
Through their exhaustive review of past legal proceedings, a significant name emerged: Eric Williams, a former justice of the peace and member of the Masonic Lodge. Williams had a concerning history with both victims:
Background Element Details Professional Position Former justice of the peace Community Standing Masonic Lodge member Personal Reputation Known for intelligence but ethical concerns Criminal History 2011 arrest for computer theft
Williams had been caught on security cameras stealing computers in 2011, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction. The case against him had been handled by the now-deceased prosecutors, establishing a clear connection between Williams and both victims.
The investigation revealed that Williams' professional reputation had been destroyed by these misconduct allegations. His prior position within the justice system gave him insider knowledge of courthouse procedures and security protocols, making him a particularly compelling suspect as the team continued their investigation.
