It's been almost 10 months since the crime. Jason Payne was arrested for two counts of murder. His wife 35 year old Nichole Payne, and his stepson 16 year old Austin Taylor Wages were found dead in their Wood County home last December.
A mystery over what went on in an East Texas home. A mother and son are dead, and authorities and friends have more questions than answers.
WOOD COUNTY, TX (KLTV) -
Jason Payne, currently serving a life sentence for the murders of his wife and stepson, will stand trial again for the killings. The court says that though the evidence in the case was legally sufficient to support Payne's conviction, the case is remanded for a new trial because the 12th Court of Appeals erred in admitting certain statements during the trial, stating they were inadmissible hearsay.
The State Court of Criminal Appeals said that those statements were likely harmful, so they have granted a new trial.
In December 2007 it was reported Payne actually dialed 9-1-1 after discovering the bodies inside his Quitman home. The victims were in separate rooms with gunshot wounds.
Within the months that followed, evidence, such as two large holes which appeared to be graves, were located on the property just behind the residence, leading to the arrest.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-05-20 03:34:50 GMT
Fire departments from Arp, Troup and Whitehouse responded to a house fire that broke at approximately 8:30 P.M. Sunday at 210 W Melton St in Troup. The Smith County Fire Marshal said the fire is being considered as 'suspicious' by authorities and is currently under investigation.
Fire departments from Arp, Troup and Whitehouse responded to a house fire that broke at approximately 8:30 P.M. Sunday at 210 W Melton St in Troup.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:25:41 GMT
DPS officials confirm that one person is dead following an accident involving a motorcycle and an 18-wheeler.Authorities say the accident happened near the intersection of County Road 2142 and County Road
DPS officials confirm that one person is dead following an accident involving a motorcycle and an 18-wheeler.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 10:46 PM EDT2013-05-15 02:46:58 GMT
A Henderson County home was gutted by fire on Tuesday night.Volunteer fire crews from Brownsboro, Chandler, and Dixie responded to a home in the 600 block of Hamilton Boulevard in Chandler around 6:30
Multiple fire crews respond to Tuesday evening fire.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:11:18 GMT
Two East Texas women have been arrested for plotting to kill a peace officer.According to Harrison County Sheriff's Office, Amanda Smith and Sydney Brook Side were arrested and charged with solicitation
Two East Texas women have been arrested for plotting to kill a peace officer.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:20 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:20:29 GMT
A run-off election will be needed to decided who will take the seat of Mayor in the city of Jacksonville.The current mayor, Kenneth Melvin took home 389 votes (41%), while Rob Gowin took home 426 (44%)
A run-off election will be needed to decided who will take the seat of Mayor in the city of Jacksonville.
