Texas Man Charged with First-Degree Murder After Living With Fiancee’s Body
Denton, Texas — A tragic and disturbing case has emerged from Denton, Texas, where a 52-year-old man has been charged with murdering his fiancée and concealing her body for several weeks. William Joseph Oddo III is accused of shooting LaVera Wardell, 39, in their shared apartment and subsequently living with her remains until the unbearable odor prompted him to leave.
Allegations of a Violent Encounter
Authorities report that Oddo shot Wardell on May 6 during a heated argument. According to his statements, he claimed that she lashed out at him with a knife, leading him to shoot her in the head. Following the incident, he reportedly attempted to clean the crime scene and remained in the apartment with her body for approximately three days. Oddo has been seen purchasing cleaning supplies in the days that followed, raising suspicions that ultimately led to law enforcement being called.
On May 19, police were alerted to a foul smell emanating from their apartment, which led to the shocking discovery of Wardell’s body.
Arrest and Charges
Oddo was apprehended on June 2 at a motel in Mount Pleasant, Texas, after authorities began to piece together his involvement. He faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, and is currently being held on a bond of $160,000.
During his interrogation, Oddo reportedly expressed a disturbing desire to "lay" with Wardell even after the fatal incident, further complicating the narrative of his mental state.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy is ongoing, as authorities delve deeper into both the timeline of events and the couple’s background.
This case sheds light on the darker aspects of domestic disputes and the often-crucial need for intervention in potentially volatile situations. As community members grapple with the horror of this incident, the legal process will commence to seek justice for LaVera Wardell.
For continued updates on this evolving story, stay tuned as more details emerge.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.