jo ann harrelson jo ann harrelson

The real shock, however, was yet to come: The FBI was bugging Harrelsons celland also the visitors room at Leavenworth, where Joe was routinely subjected to Jimmys abuse. It was greed, the prosecution maintained, that had sent Mr. Harrelson, who had already spent 15 years in prison for killing a man for a $2,000 fee, to Las Vegas a month before, looking for Jamiel Chagra. Elizabeth Chagra: guilty of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice, tax evasion, conspiracy conviction overturned February 15, 1985, on appealSentences: Charles Harrelson: two life sentences plus five years. He won the first ever Nevada Screenwriters Award in 1988 and the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding travel writing in 1991. The government also taped other conversations, including some between Charles Harrelson and his attorney, and others between Joseph and Jamiel Chagra. The reward was eventually paid out to a handful of people who included a horrible creton bankrobber who shared a jail cell with Charles Harrelson, a woman who delivered the $250,000 payout for the hit to Harrelson, and a kid who found a piece of the murder rifle in a creek bed, said Sam Millsap, who chaired the reward committee. If I'm not the expert in one area, I know already that somebody is within the Harrelson Center. '', It was at a pretrial hearing on April 2, 1979, as he listened to Judge Wood deny a score of defense motions, that Jamiel Chagra turned to Joseph Salim Chagra, his brother and attorney, and said, according to Joseph Chagra's testimony later, ''that he was never going to have a fair trial and if I thought he should have Judge Wood killed.''. '', The fear, the Government asserted, was that of Jamiel Chagra, once described on an F.B.I. A police officer stopped his car. Elizabeth Chagra was convicted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Warren Burnett, the attorney for Mrs. Chagra, expressed ''bitter, bitter disappointment'' and said he would also appeal the verdict. SHREVEPORT, La. Joe Chagra testified that the first mention of having Wood murdered came in the judges courtroom in April 1979, after Jimmy Chagra lost a motion to remove Wood from his drug case. Wood was called 'Maximum John' for his tough sentencing policies. Adding further to their indignation, the trial was presided over by then-federal Judge William Sessions, who was a pallbearer at Woods funeral and delivered a eulogy, Campion said. Jimmy Chagra was granted a separate trial. Harrelson thought that was the day he had to kill the judge.. He gave us details that only he knew, Ray Jahn said. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. At least 10 people have died in the wake of a severe weather system bringing fierce winds, damaging tornadoes and flash flooding to the U.S. South and Midwest. They pulled out all the stops. Harrelson, a card gambling felon and accused hit man with ties to organized crime, was the father of actor Woody Harrelson and met Jimmy Chagra in Vegas in 1979 after being paroled in an unrelated murder case. Jimmy Chagra was sentenced to 30 years for his original drug-trafficking charges, plus 10 years for the lesser charges he was convicted of when he was tried for the Wood murder. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. He was very good at what he did, Ray Jahn said. Mr. Harrelson's wife, Jo Ann, was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, the only charge against her in this case. He asked if he should have Judge Wood killed. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians. King, Wayne. A portrait of Federal Judge John H. Wood, Jr. hangs at the Federal Courthouse, Monday, August 7, 2017. The Chagras were known as key members of a so-called Dixie Mafia, heavily involved in drug smuggling. Though he and his wife, Patty, divorced, they remained close. Our incoming donations used to be 70% used items. Depen, Chicago Mobsters Convicted of Decades-Old Murders Jo Ann Harrelson was convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and later convicted of five counts of perjury. Chagra also was a prime suspect in the attempted murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kerr of San Antonio. By the time the first indictments came down in April 1982, the FBI had conducted more than 30,000 interviews and collected more than 500,000 pieces of information. ", receiving assistance and guidance at Help Hub, "Being a partner of the Harrelson Center has allowed Soaring As Eagles to soar even higher than before. 'I have ordered the hearing continued and you can logically assume what that means,' Sessions said. On the basis of the wiretaps, the FBI searched Joes home, turning up not only his private stash of drugs but also the map Harrelson had given him. After Joe was killed, the bad publicity inevitably returned, so Patty took their daughter, Samantha, a seventeen-year-old high school honor student, to all the television stations in El Pasojust so they could see her face and know what they had put her through. After that, Patty told me, the flavor of the stories softened. The Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center Inc. is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation 501c3 (EIN 20-3598248) that supports and partners with other nonprofit organizations in the Wilmington community. When the government offered to try Jimmy separately in its desperation to nail Harrelson, Joe found himself in a predicament. He believed in the justice system, but it didnt do right by him., Do I feel like he got robbed? . WebTo provide a humanitarian services campus of nonprofit organizations that offer hope, opportunity, and empowerment. Should you have information that conflicts with anything shown please make us aware by email. Daniel's 5th outing as Bond gets bums back on seats in the cinema. On May 29, 1979, Judge John H. Wood was killed in San Antonio, Texas, by a shot from a high-powered rifle to the back of the head. U.S. District Judge William Sessions did not schedule sentencing for Mrs. Harrelson, who was to be returned today to the Federal Correctional Institute in Fort Worth, Texas. March 3 (UPI) -- A 7-year-old Louisiana boy with a firm grasp of baseball rules is seeking a Guinness World Record as the world's youngest umpire. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. He believed in the law. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. 3 children killed, 2 hospitalized in North Texas domestic incident, 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'True Romance' actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61, Dozens killed, injured as Jakarta fuel depot fire engulfs neighborhood, Syndicated show 'Rachael Ray' wrapping 17-season run, Migrant woman dies after U.S. Coast Guard stops vessel carrying 54. Since arriving, our vision has become reality. She was previously convicted of using a Thats how one former friend described the convicted killer. In death as in life, El Paso crime family scion Joe Chagra is getting a bad rap. She had then given the rifle to George Kay. The next morning, May 29, using a high-powered rifle fitted with a scope, that man fired a shot that would be heard around the world. Jamiel Chagra: guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, drug charges, and tax evasion. He was 50. But Joe absolutely refused to testify against his brother as a matter of family honor. A short time later, Joe was arrested and held without bail, as were Jo Ann Now, perhaps due to our improved stature, our incoming donations are 80% new! Federal authorities claimed that attorney-client privileges did not protect conversations between Joseph and Jamiel Chagra, because Joseph (the attorney) was himself a suspect in the conspiracy to conceal the crime. "Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982-83 ''I asked him if he was the one who murdered Judge Wood, and he said he was,'' Mr. Chagra testified in a San Antonio Federal Court. His court-appointed attorney, Thomas G. Sharpe, who defended him on two previous murder-for-hire charges, one ending in acquittal and the other in a 15-year sentence, said the verdict would be appealed. I work for a non-profit and it is encouraging to know when I refer clients to you that they will feel cared for and not judged. Bill Thompson, HP staff / Houston Chronicle, S.A.-area rancher catches the hearts of American Idol judges, Take a look inside this $3.5 million 'mystery' mansion, USAA wants some remote employees in the office three days a week, Boy, 11, shoots self in head with gun he found in apartment, 10 things to do this weekend in San Antonio, New food truck park opens at The CO-OP SA, Heres why it hailed through the Alamodome last night, Chicken Salad Chick to open second S.A. location, Judge Sarah Garrahan-Moulder, who helped prosecute hit man Charles Harrelson in San Antonio, dies at 84, Look inside historic $2.3 million King William home. Joe was stunned. Judge Woods 1979 slaying by Charles Harrelson was crime of the century, San Antonio Zoo has a long but spotty history with giraffes. When he went to Las Vegas, he went to offer his talents as a murderer.''. Guillermo has also worked in Central America, Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona and California and his work has appeared in various publications, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New York Post, Newsday, Denver Post and the Albuquerque Journal. But it also spotlighted allegations that federal investigators and prosecutors treaded on constitutional rights such as attorney-client and marital privilege and the secret recording of private conversations. 1985) Annotate this Case US Court of Appeals for the Overdue book returned to Massachusetts library after 56 years. Then-FBI Director William Webster dispatched dozens of agents to San Antonio for a massive investigation that resulted in Harrelson and four others being charged in connection with Woods assassination a killing still etched in the citys lore. 40 Days of Trial Testimony, In the course of 40 days of trial testimony from 130 witnesses and introduction of more than 300 exhibits, the Government developed what Mr. Jahn described in opening remarks and a closing argument as ''a story of fear, a story of greed and a story of murder. Investigators questioned several long-term convicts, offering reduced sentences for information about the judge's killing. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. ." The citys first zoo featured animals from Texas and Mexico but no giraffe. And, indeed, Joe found out who shot Judge Woodand who hired himduring an attorney-client interview he conducted with Harrelson after his arrest at the Harris County jail. WebJo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra Arriving at Court. The Harrelson Center has provided us with affordable rent, a safe and comfortable space to host volunteers, board meetings and support groups, and a wonderful event space to host larger events. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Noah Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Noah Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Beckie Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Beckie Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }, Joel Sparks{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Sparks", "gender": "Male" }, Lemma Sparks{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Lemma Sparks", "gender": "Female" }, Voyde Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Voyde Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Alma Glover{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Alma Glover", "gender": "Female" }, Daisy Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Daisy Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }, Leonard Humphrey Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Leonard Humphrey Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Claude Elegan Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Claude Elegan Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Sybil Nunley{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Sybil Nunley", "gender": "Female" }, Edward Leon Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Edward Leon Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Woody Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Woody Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, with Diane Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Diane Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }, Jordan Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Jordan Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Brett Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Brett Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, born 1963, age 55 He told Joe about the contract and drew a map showing where he had hidden the murder rifle. Crimes Charged: First-degree murder an, Murder Goodman made a six-hour final argument without a break. He set up his family on a farm in Kansas. The trial of Jamiel Chagra was set for May 29, 1979, but Judge Wood was shot as he left his apartment in Alamo Heights for court. Less than a year before Judge Wood was slain, Lee Chagra, Joseph's older brother, who had defended numerous narcotics suspects in Judge Wood's court, was killed in his office by armed robbers. I promised Samantha that I would write that Joe was a good father, and I know damn well he was. The map led the feds to learn that the murder weapon had been purchased by Harrelsons wife, Jo Ann. As of mid-2001, the appeal remained postponed. Encyclopedia.com. Elizabeth Chagra admitted she delivered the money but said she did not know what it was for. Mr. Chagra testified not only that Mr. Harrelson had told him he had killed Judge Wood, but also that his brother had suggested killing the judge and had identified Mr. Harrelson as the man he paid to do so. Courthouse in San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday morning, September 28, 1982, to begin the trial for the May 1979 murder of Federal Judge John H. Wood, Jr.( AP PHOTO/ STEVE KRAUSS). Harrelson said that Kay had about $135,000 of the payoff money delivered to him by Elizabeth Chagra as part of the scam. According to newspaper stories citing trial testimony, a drug trafficker and flamboyant gambler originally from El Paso, Jamiel Jimmy Chagra, paid Harrelson $250,000 to kill Wood because Chagra feared a trial and sentencing by Maximum John. Wood earned the moniker for his reputation of giving tough sentences to drug traffickers. A portrait of Federal Judge John H. Wood, Jr. hangs at the Federal Courthouse. Harrelson claimed that he was set up. The Center recognizes the critical needs of others and encourages, uplifts and assists them in rebuilding their lives through the services provided in the center. ", & Dr. Jamiel Chagra was tried separately, in Jacksonville, Florida and received a sentence of 15 years and was fined $120,000 on the charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess marijuana. Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was, Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was, Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was, Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother is, Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother was, Charles Harrelson's 3x great grandfather was, Charles Harrelson's 3x great grandmother was, Charles Harrelson's former father in law was, Charles Harrelson's former mother in law was, Charles Harrelson's former grandfather in law was, Charles Harrelson's former grandmother in law was, Charles Harrelson's former daughter in law is, Jo Ann Harrelson's step-mother in law was, Jo Ann Harrelson's grandfather in law was, Jo Ann Harrelson's grandmother in law was, Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's aunt in law was, Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was. In his testimony over more than five days on the witness stand, Mr. Harrelson said he had gone to lure Jamiel Chagra into a crooked card game. By the time the trial came around in 1983, Jimmy Chagras case had been severed from his co-defendants and Joe Chagra had taken a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to murder Wood. Jimmy Chagra, who was facing numerous narcotics charges, would become a suspect in the killing. Chagra was once held by Colombian authorities after his drug-smuggling plane crashed there. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. Goodman is one of the nations best criminal defense attorneys and was named one of the 15 Best Trial Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal. Judge Wood, known as ''Maximum John'' because of the sentences he had given drug dealers, set May 29, 1979, as the day the trial was to begin. "The Judge Wood Murder Case." The seven-woman, five-man federal jury returned guilty verdicts on five counts of perjury after deliberating 2 hours. The trial grew out of one of the largest FBI investigations in history, taking three years and over $5 million. Charles Harrelson was born on July 23rd, 1938, in Lovelady, Texas, the son of Alma Lee (ne Sparks; 19072002) and Voyde Harrelson (19011976). After the verdict, Mr. Harrelson said, ''It's just a necessary step in the progression of things.'' When the murder trial got underway in San Antonio, in exchange for a guilty plea to commit conspiracy to murder and a sentence of 10 years, Joseph Chagra testified against Harrelson, who he claimed was the hit man. When Chagras former drug-smuggling partner Henry Wallace turned and became a witness, the charges against Chagra were increased and he faced the prospect of life in prison without parole. He was a cheat, he was a con man and he was a murderer. "Foster Pantry moved on campus in May 2021 after joining the Harrelson Center initially as an Associate Partner in 2019. See FameChain's massive Trump family tree. As a result, people used him. 23 Feb. 2023 . By that time the FBI investigation into the judges assassination was more than two years old. Former mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman is credited with the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas including The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and our very own The Mob Museum. Years later, the trial of Charles V. Harrelson revealed that Bill Bannister was a pseudonym Harrelson used to help track the judge, who was shot in the back outside his Alamo Heights townhome less than 2 miles from the motel as he was leaving for work. Joseph Chagra pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit murder and received a sentence of ten years. He was sentenced to life in prison. with Diane Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Diane Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }. "Texas SniperThe Charge: Murdering a Judge." In exchange for agreeing to testify against WebJo Ann Harrelson, Charles Voyed Harrelson and Elizabethnichols Chagra, Defendants-appellants, 754 F.2d 1153 (5th Cir. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. I visited him several times, once with my wife, Phyllis. Joseph Chagra, a Texas lawyer who admitted his complicity in the first assassination of a Federal judge in more than a century, died last Sunday in Thomason Hospital in El Paso. To those of us who knew the situation, Jimmys assertion that Joe made him do it was ludicrous, but it fit neatly into the governments scenario. The evil sought to be avoided by pr, A sentence whereby a convict is released from confinement but is still under court supervision; a testing or a trial period. In addition to his son and brother, Mr. Chagra is survived by his mother, Josephine, and two sisters, Samantha and Patsy. It was the day after (Memorial) Day, the day Chagras trial was to start, Ray Jahn said. Chagras operation had links to the Patriarca crime family in New England. Jimmy told me he was never going to get a fair trial and asked if I thought he should try having Judge Wood killed, Joe Chagra testified, according to newspaper stories at the time. Mr. Harrelson also said that Mr. Kay had $135,000 to $150,000 delivered to him as part of the ''scam.'' Judge Wood was the first Federal judge to be assassinated in this century. Jimmy Chagra was released from federal prison in 2003 and entered the witness-protection program. They talked about assassinating Judge Wood. Charles Harrelson was the last of the classic American hitman. Consequently, they got a bunch of bad stories, a bunch of bad information.. She, in turn, claimed she thought the payoff was for a gambling debt, and did not believe her husband when he claimed, "This is for the judge.". Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. The hearing was the first in which federal prosecutors have failed to obtain a contempt citation against people refusing to testify before the grand jury investigating the fatal shooting of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr. Two of those people recently were released. Defendants: Charles Voyde Harrelson, Jo Ann Starr Harrelson, Elizabeth Chagra, Jamiel ChagraCrimes Charged: Charles Harrelson: conspiracy to murder; murder of a federal judge; conspiracy to obstruct justice. But theres a postscript: I feel certain that the youngest of three brothers in El Pasos infamous Chagra crime family knew nothing about Woods murder until months after the fact. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. March 4 (UPI) -- At least 15 people were killed and searchers combed a section ofthe Indonesian capital of Jakartafor survivors Saturday after a massive fire engulfed a fuel storage depot. 10/19/1981 - Charles V. Harrelson, charged in the murder of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood, in court. Talented With Cards. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. James had a deal to receive $250,000 from the government if Chagra was convicted. Charles wife at the time, The center supports its partners with below-market rental rates that cover all utilities, parking and security. Great American Trials. SHREVEPORT, La. The desire to give and serve others stems from a place of earnest compassion. She recovered quickly and later said she was fine. He was serving a 30-year sentence there that he received on the drug charge that was to be tried before Judge Wood. March 3 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts library said a book was recently returned with a note apologizing for the tome being 56 years overdue. The three had risen from an unremarkable middle-class upbringing to live among El Paso's wealthiest residents. January 2023 Reader Quiz: What Did You Learn? Mrs. Harrelson, 42, a small, blond woman who was once a known 'card counter' at Las Vegas blackjack tables, collapsed moments after hearing the verdict Monday. It also resulted in a group of lawyers and businessmen bankrolling a $100,000 reward, which became instrumental in solving the case. Chagra was a prolific marijuana smuggler and spent his ill-gotten fortune on casinos in Las Vegas, where he moved in 1978. On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. An appeal was expected. I got to know Joe well in the two years I was writing my book on the Wood assassination, Dirty Dealing, and I watched the sordid story unfold through his eyes. Assistant United States Attorney Ray Jahn, the chief prosecutor, expressed his thanks for the verdict, saying, ''When Judge Wood died on May 29, justice did not die.''. At least two grand juries have investigated the slaying for more than two years, and U.S. Attorney General William Webster last March said indictments were near, but no charges have been levied in the case. March 4 (UPI) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made a rare visit to frontline troops in Ukraine on Saturday as Kyiv's grip on the embattled city of Bakhmut appeared to be slipping. CHAGRA: LIFE IN LAS VEGAS ANDMARIJUANA KINGPIN. Harrelson's jury found him guilty of murder of a federal employee, and he was also convicted on the charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. At the end of the hearing, Jamiel turned to his brother and attorney, Joseph Chagra, and said he would never have a fair trial. March 4 (UPI) -- Three children are dead and two others remain hospitalized Saturday after a domestic incident in a North Texas town, authorities said. New York Times (December 15, 1982). A short time later, Joe was arrested and held without bail, as were Jo Ann Harrelson and Liz Chagra, Jimmys wife, who was heard on another wiretap talking about delivering the payoff money. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime's history and impact on American society. The UK's supply crisis puts extra pressure on Prime Minister Boris. The prosecution produced no murder weapon or any eyewitnesses. Federal District Judge William S. Sessions, who was a pallbearer at the slain judge's funeral and who, as chief judge in the district, appointed himself to preside in the case, said he would impose a sentence March 8, after the trial of Jamiel Chagra in Florida. "Three Are Found Guilty of Assassination of Federal Judge." To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Jo Ann Harrelson: guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, perjury. -- Jo Ann Harrelson, a former Las Vegas gambler and wife of the hitman convicted of killing a federal judge, was found guilty of perjury -- the Drug Dealer's Wife Is Guilty. Oscar Goodman and Joe Chagra were Jimmys attorneys. Jo Ann Harrelson was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Woody Harrelson is a beloved actor, but he has a troublesome legacy. She said she had not believed him. His wife received a total of 25 years on the conspiracy and perjury charges; Elizabeth received 30 years on the conspiracy and tax evasion charges. Governor of Philippine province, 5 others killed in gun attack. Elizabeth Chagra, the wife of Jamiel (Jimmy) Chagra, the drug dealer who is to be tried in a separate proceeding on charges of paying Mr. Harrelson $250,000 to murder the judge, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The $450,000 they took from the office safe was money Jimmy owed to mob boss Joe Bonanno, Sr., for a busted drug deal. Joseph Chagra, 50, Lawyer Linked to Assassination, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/15/us/joseph-chagra-50-lawyer-linked-to-assassination-dies.html. At trial, the Jahns put on a parade of star witnesses that included Harrelsons cellmate and Joe Chagra, both of whom had been told by Harrelson that he carried out the hit. They tortured her for no (reason). March 2 (UPI) -- A Minnesota police officer came to the rescue of a raccoon he spotted running around with a jar stuck over its head. Judge Wood, known as "maximum John" because of the heavy sentences he had imposed on drug dealers, had presided over the pretrial hearing of Jamiel Chagra, denying 20 defense motions. Image of Jimmy Chagra in handcuffs courtesy of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, the kind of drama that usually took place only in an episode of Perry Mason, John L. Smith wrote. Jo Ann got a 25-year sentence. -- Jo Ann Harrelson, a former Las Vegas gambler and wife of the hitman convicted of killing a federal judge, was found guilty of perjury -- the latest in a string of convictions in the case. At a subsequent trial, held in Florida because of the publicity in Texas, Jimmy Chagra was acquitted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder but convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess more than half a ton of marijuana with intent to sell. I testified at the hearing to determine if his law license should be restored, telling the same story Ive told here, yet the prosecution never offered any assistance and the judge ruled that restoring the license would not meet the ends of justice. Joe had to support himself by writing briefs for other lawyers. Liz got a 30-year sentence. However, after a game of pickup basketball between Woody and Fred Biery, the judge scheduled to hear the case, the judge disqualified himself and the case was continued to the year 2000, to be heard before Judge Orlando Garcia in Denver. Goodman faced a monumental task to win the case. Explore how the celebrity world connects. Harrelson argued that Kay's wife had purchased a Weatherby hunting rifle of the type used to kill the judge some 12 days before the killing. CHAGRA: ASSASSINATION OF JUDGE JOHN WOOD AND LINKS TO CHARLES HARRELSON, FATHER OF WOODY. It was a big deal; there was a lot of interest in the case, said Millsap, who later served as Bexar County district attorney. ", "We value the Harrelson Center for the resources that they give us every day for our community, "Since Voyage moved into The Harrelson Center in January, our partnership and combined programming has only strengthened. The pair wed in 2001 and share four children, but their political differences during the Trump administration took a toll on their relationship. Jimmy Chagras separate trial moved to Jacksonville, Florida. According to the Jahns, Harrelson offered to kill people suspected of killing Jimmys older brother, attorney Lee Chagra, who was murdered in his El Paso law office two days before Christmas in 1978.