Former officer scrutinized

KAUFMAN, Texas – Officials investigating the deaths of two prosecutors in this rural community east of Dallas have turned their attention to a former local official who threatened the two victims after losing his job in a corruption probe, according to federal law enforcement officials briefed about the case.

The federal officials said the individual who emerged as a person of interest this week was convicted and placed on probation for stealing public property in Kaufman County two years ago.

After the individual’s arrest, investigators found he had numerous guns, including an assault rifle and survivalist equipment, one of the federal officials said.

After failing to negotiate a plea, the individual threatened retaliation against the two prosecutors, another federal official said. The individual also had threatened to burn down the home of another local official, the law enforcement source said.

The person of interest could not be reached by phone or at home Tuesday.

Authorities are investigating the deaths of District Attorney Mike McLelland, 63, found fatally shot over the weekend with his wife, Cynthia, 65, at their home in Forney and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, 57, shot on his way to court Jan. 31.

During a Tuesday briefing outside the courthouse, Kaufman County Judge Bruce Wood said investigators were still searching for suspects in the killings.

“We’re working feverishly, national, state and local offices, they’re doing all they can to investigate this crime,” Wood said.

Los Angeles Times