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. 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. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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.". In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. -- 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. The first giraffe in San Antonio was part of a traveling circus that stopped here in 1901. But Im sure the Wood family feels like they were robbed, too. They said no. Charles Harrelson under arrest in 1982 for the slaying of federal judge John Wood. He believed in the law. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. Whether they are seeking financial help, spiritual help, whether they are looking for a job, clothing, food or encouragement, a listening ear or someone to help build them up, people can come here because it is not only in the heart of Wilmington but IS the heart of Wilmington. WebThe map led the feds to learn that the murder weapon had been purchased by Harrelsons wife, Jo Ann. Charles and Jo Ann Harrelson and Liz Chagra were convicted at trial. '', 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.''. ." Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians. 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. You cant imagine the shock when Jimmy Chagra was acquitted.. 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. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. Explore how the celebrity world connects. At one point in a rambling dialogue, Jimmy warned Joe that he was up to his neck in the murder plot. Our vision was to create a place that could put the charities together that were helping those who wanted to help themselves. On This Day: Frances Perkins sworn in as first female Cabinet member. "Texas SniperThe Charge: Murdering a Judge." But his wife was not released and died of ovarian cancer at age 41. The gun rap seemed routine until Harrelson was arrested following a cocaine-induced standoff near Van Horn, at which time his motive became clear. 10- 6-1982 (L-R ) Leroy Jahn and Ray Jahn prosecutors in trial for muder of John H. Wood Jr. San Antonio Express-News file photo, JOSE BARRERA, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Our incoming donations used to be 70% used items. Because Joe was simultaneously representing Jimmy, who was serving thirty years without parole on a drug charge at the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, Harrelson had to assume that sooner or later Joe would learn the truth. I promised Samantha that I would write that Joe was a good father, and I know damn well he was. 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. Joe had no idea he was being pulled into the Wood conspiracyor even that there was a conspiracywhen Charles Harrelson hired him to represent him on an old gun charge in Harris County in February 1980. He claimed that a fellow gambler, George (Pete) Kay had bilked Jamiel Chagra by claiming that Charles Harrelson had killed the judge and should collect the $250,000 fee. The trial grew out of one of the largest FBI investigations in history, taking three years and over $5 million. He was sentenced to life in prison. The investigation cost more than $11 million, at the time the most extensive investigation in the bureaus history. Because he was a model prisoner Joe ended up spending only six and a half years behind bars. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. The only other person in the world who knew that Harrelson did the hit on Judge Wood was Jimmy, who ordered it. Another juror collapsed in her chair after the verdict was read and had to be helped from the courtroom. 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. March 3 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Britain responded to a home to rescue a horse that had fallen into its owner's swimming pool and was unable to get itself out. All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. Reports suggest Prince Charles will live "in a flat above the shop" when he becomes king. May 29, 1979: Wood was shot to death outside his San Antonio condo. Even though every partner is As each juror affirmed the vote of guilty on counts of conspiracy to murder, murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice, several had tears in their eyes and one woman shook visibly and broke into sobs. Wood died in 1979 when he was assassinated by Charles Harrelson. By September 1982, five suspects were under indictment: Joseph and Jimmy Chagra; Jimmy's wife, Elizabeth, and Mr. Harrelson and his wife, Jo Ann. At the end of the hearing, Jamiel turned to his brother and attorney, Joseph Chagra, and said he would never have a fair trial. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. However, U.S. District Judge William S. Sessions ordered the hearing continued at a later date, indicating Mrs. Harrelson still faces possible imprisonment. While awaiting trial, Chagra came into contact with career criminal Charles Harrelson, father of actor Woody Harrelson, in Las Vegas. Since arriving, our vision has become reality. 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Harrelson claimed to have killed 50 Woody Harrelsons father is arrested for murder - HISTORY Sessions, who ordered a majority of the contempt hearing closed to the public, said during an interview with the news media in his chambers that Mrs. Harrelson's claim of marital privilege was the reason forpartial dismissal of the government's request. He could have gone unnoticed for a long time, but he couldnt resist going to Las Vegas to see a cosmetic surgeon. Investigators questioned several long-term convicts, offering reduced sentences for information about the judge's killing. Bobby Harrelson said it best in Crazy Like A Fox, an article in Wilmington Magazine. The three had risen from an unremarkable middle-class upbringing to live among El Paso's wealthiest residents. Woody Harrelson is a beloved actor, but he has a troublesome legacy. Thursday, May 28: Oscar's "Case of the Century": The Life Florida woman runs ultra-marathon distances for 23 consecutive days. The pressure (to solve the murder) was on us, Ray Jahn said. 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. He enjoyed a high-rolling lifestyle at Caesars Palace and Binions Horseshoe but he was not a very good gambler. 'I have ordered the hearing continued and you can logically assume what that means,' Sessions said. Goodman made a six-hour final argument without a break. 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. 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. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conspiracy conviction February 15, 1985, on the grounds that the prosecution failed to show premeditation and malice. Livestreaming available the night of the event by clicking here. They did a full-court press. Jamiel Chagra: guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, drug charges, and tax evasion. 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. Harrelson, 69, died of a heart attack in March 2007 in a federal maximum-security prison in Colorado. She had then given the rifle to George Kay. The unlawful killing of another human being without justification or excuse. In addition to the testimony of Joseph Chagra, the government had evidence drawn from more than 1,000 recorded telephone and face-to-face conversations, most of them involving Jamiel Chagra in various prisons. Warren Burnett, the attorney for Mrs. Chagra, expressed ''bitter, bitter disappointment'' and said he would also appeal the verdict. It was the crime of the century, in San Antonio for sure, said local defense lawyer Alan Brown, who represented people who were rounded up during the investigation but never charged in the murder. The pair wed in 2001 and share four children, but their political differences during the Trump administration took a toll on their relationship. At a subsequent trial, held in Florida because of the publicity in Texas, Jimmy Chagra was Charles Harrelson, arrives at the U.S. The trial for Jimmy Chagra, meanwhile, was moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and his lawyer, former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, dealt the government a defeat. According to the F.B.I. Find out more about his hitman father, Charles Harrelson, here. Jo Ann, convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and perjury, was later paroled. 3 children killed, 2 hospitalized in North Texas domestic incident. WebJo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra Arriving at Court. "Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982-83 It also resulted in a group of lawyers and businessmen bankrolling a $100,000 reward, which became instrumental in solving the case. Judge Woods 1979 slaying by Charles Harrelson was crime of the century, San Antonio Zoo has a long but spotty history with giraffes. The prosecution produced no murder weapon or any eyewitnesses. But the judge could not be corrupted. Then, in the eight years after his release, Joe stayed clean and became a health nut. March 3 (UPI) -- A New Brunswick couple who initially thought a burglar had broken into their home discovered the invader was actually a panicked deer. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. He said that Mr. Kay had bilked Jamiel Chagra by telling him that it was he, Charles Harrelson, who had shot the judge and should collect the $250,000 payoff. 'Justice Did Not Die'. The Center works with its partners to meet the needs of the community in areas such as safe and affordable housing, education, employment, health care and family support. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Woody Harrelson, the actor who played the part of the affable bartender in the television series Cheers, and also the lead in The People vs. Larmy Flynt, mounted an appeal in 1998, hiring famed criminal attorney Alan Dershowitz. US based Meghan and Harry.. FameChain has their amazing trees. 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. Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? On another visit Jimmy told Joe, Youre the one who said, Do it, do it, do it. Joe tried to conceal his shock by talking tough, saying he never thought his brother would hire an asshole like Harrelson. He built a marijuana and cocaine smuggling operation with connections to Colombia and Mexico. SHREVEPORT, La. March 4 (UPI) -- On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. Charles Harrelson & Jo Ann Harrelson Divorced, Joint Family Tree New York Times (December 15, 1982). ", -Stacy Pullen, Executive Director, Foster Pantry, Since moving to the Harrelson Center, "Instead of a family going all over town to receive different services, we can walk them to another agency down the hall to help them with anything they may need. But unknown to Harrelson, the trial had been postponed, Ray Jahn said. 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. March 3 (UPI) -- A Kentucky man who stopped to buy some breakfast said he lost his appetite when he won $50,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Jo Ann got a 25-year sentence. The visiting room was bugged to gather information from mobster Nick Civella, also a Goodman client. Jamiel Chagra was acquitted of murder and conspiracy to murder but convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess marijuana; he was later convicted of tax evasion. ", Louise Hicks, Executive Director, Community In Schools of Cape Fear, "We are grateful for the resources and partners the Harrelson Center has introduced to us. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. Goodman faced a monumental task to win the case. 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. It was the first time someone assassinated a sitting federal judge. March 2 (UPI) -- A Maryland woman scored a $100,000 prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket less than 12 hours after she scored an $11,000 jackpot at a casino. 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. ", "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. After the verdict, Mr. Harrelson said, ''It's just a necessary step in the progression of things.'' 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. He won the first ever Nevada Screenwriters Award in 1988 and the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding travel writing in 1991. Lee considered Joe his property and took what he wanted, including Joes first serious girlfriend. A short time later, Joe was arrested and held without bail, as were Jo Ann All but Jimmy live in El Paso. He has published 21 books and screenplays, including many on Las Vegas history and historical figures. 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. ''O.K., honey,'' Mrs. Chagra said she replied. Charles Campion, the attorney for Mrs. Harrelson, did not say whether she would appeal. How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire. In exchange for agreeing to testify against The Harrelson Center | Home Joseph agreed that he should. Together we create higher quality programs, were better able to remove barriers, and we have more space to provide instruction with positive adult role models. Woody Harrelson's assassin father dies in prison - chron.com Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. Moving to the Harrelson Center has been pivotal to our growth. ." 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. To cut costs, Amazon delays completion of second headquarters, closes retail stores. Jo Ann Harrelson was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Jimmy's trial was scheduled to begin on the day the judge died. Copyright FameChain 2023, All rights reserved. Charles Harrelson was a master at creating alibis, screens and layers between him and his crimes, according to retired federal prosecutor Ray Jahn, who with his wife, LeRoy Jahn, prosecuted Harrelson and his co-defendants. The citys first zoo featured animals from Texas and Mexico but no giraffe.