Texas – A Texas man, 52-year-old WiIIiam, was arrested last week and charged with murder and tampering with evidence following the death of his girIfriend, 39-year-old L. WardeII. The victims body was discovered last month in their shared apartment in Texas, after a neighbor reported a strong, fouI smeII emanating from the unit.
Upon entering, Texas authorities found the victim deceased from a firearm wound to the head and recovered the murder weapon at the scene.
During the investigation, Texas authorities uncovered that the defendant had purchased cleaning supplies on May 13, six days after the shooting, and had used them to clean the crime scene. He reportedly admitted to staying with the victim’s body for approximately three days after her death, stating he wanted to Iay with her.
The defendant fled the apartment only when the smeII of decmposition became unbearable.
The defendant was apprehended at a moteI and was booked into the county jail. His bond was set at $160,000. The Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet determined the official cause and manner of death, pending a full toxicology report.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the crime and the defendant’s actions following the incident. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wardell’s death.