BREAKING NEWS (TX): Nueces County sheriff confirms judge found dead at courthouse

[kpete]

Source: Corpus Christi Caller

CORPUS CHRISTI — State District Judge Tom Greenwell was found dead from a gunshot wound Monday night in his chambers, Nueces County Sheriff Jim Kaelin confirmed.

Corpus Christi police, medics and Nueces County Sheriff's Office deputies responded about 7 p.m. to the courthouse after a report that a man was found with a gunshot wound to the head.The courthouse closed at 5 p.m.

It was unclear how a gun could have passed through security or been within the county building, equipped with security personnel and a metal detector. Attorneys, judges, and some media outlets who have courthouse identification badges typically aren't required to pass through the security checkpoint.

Judges who have concealed handgun licenses are allowed to bring registered firearms with them to the courthouse.





Read more: http://www.caller.com/news/2013/jul/15/corpus-christi-police-respond-fatal-shooting-nuece/

[Pab Sungenis]

1. He was a Republican.

Wondering if this is politically related, or connected to a case he heard.

[Renew Deal]

2. The last time I remember this happening it was related to a case

In Colorado IIRC

[Pab Sungenis]

3. I remember that case.

Wondering.

[TexasTowelie]

4. It looks like it was an apparent suicide.

CORPUS CHRISTI -Crime scene investigators are on the scene at the Nueces County Courthouse after a cleaning crew finds a man dead from a gunshot wound on the 8th floor inside Judge Tom Greenwell's office.

Law enforcement sources confirm that the body inside the room is that of Judge Tom Greenwell, who appears to have died from a gunshot wound to the head in an apparent suicide.

http://www.kristv.com/news/judge-found-dead-in-nueces-county-courthouse-office-from-apparent-suicide-/

[TexasTowelie]

5. Interview with his campaign manager.

He said that the judge seemed okay when they were in last contact on Saturday. Since he is a district judge an investigation will follow.

http://www.kiiitv.com/story/22848568/district-judge-tom-greenwell-found-dead-in-his-courthouse-chambers

[TexasTowelie]

6. More information:

Judge Greenwell was heavily in debt. His much younger partner was in periodic trouble with the law. His partner was arrested at least once. It is rumored that there were several times the judge’s partner would have gone to jail were it not for the judge’s influence. Only a few years back, Judge Greenwell stated that his live in partner, a Mr. Fuentez, was like a SON to the judge.

Judge Greenwell lived in a modest home and drove a modest car, though his partner had a nice SUV. The judge had a $140,000 salary from the State and additional money, supposedly from the county. His life style was well below his income, yet Judge Greenwell was heavily in debt. The local Sheriff’s office and media have stated there may have been extortion involved. If so, if it were debt or drugs the Bar and Judiciary would protect and cover for him. If it were his homosexual relationship, it would be very unlikely in today’s climate his support would even experience a hiccup. This was not a hidden fact. How could this be used for black mail or extortion? It couldn’t.

So we come to the speculative aspect of what would cause a powerful, known homosexual state official, arguably more powerful than the governor, to pay blackmail and then to kill himself? The information held by an extortionist must have been very real and very well documented against the judge

If it were drugs, both the bar and the Texas Judicial Conduct Commission allow attorneys and judges to keep their licenses and positions if they attend their treatment programs, whether or not they manage to kick their habit. Both institutions have periodically had advertisements on their front pages for drug and alcohol treatment programs to keep them from damaging their careers. No one cares about addicts and drunks on the bench any longer.

Source: http://thepatriotdad.wordpress.com/judge-tom-greenwell-just-what-would-cause-suicide/

[politicat]

7. That source is highly suspect. Not really information, more speculation at best.

[Sunlei]

8. another, NRA assisted suicide.