Category: In the News

Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont

Amid a criminal investigation into an allegation that a lobbyist used a date rape drug on a legislative staff member, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan on Monday took steps to make it easier to report incidents of sexual misconduct in and around the Capitol. “For too long, the culture of the House made victims of […]

The Peace Corps failed these women after they were sexually assaulted while volunteering. Three women tell their stories of sexual assault while volunteering in the Peace Corps, and how the agency’s bungled response compounded their trauma. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY Authorities said Thursday that an allegation that a lobbyist spiked the cocktail of a female […]

A married Texas businessman paid special forces-trained hitmen $750,000 to murder his mistress and her new boyfriend after they threatened to expose his cheating, according to federal prosecutors. Erik Charles Maund was busted Friday in connection to the murders of Holly Williams, 33, and her partner William Lanway, who were found riddled with bullets in […]

What we know about the case of a murder-for-hire plot allegedly involving Erik Charles Maund An indictment alleges Maund had an ongoing relationship with the woman and that her estranged boyfriend had demanded money from Maund before their deaths. Nate Chute, Austin American-Statesman Editor’s note: A story about the indictment of Austin businessman Erik Charles […]

A day after charges were dismissed for two teenagers involved in the deadly 6th street shooting, the search continues for the 19-year-old wanted for the shooting death of a man who was visiting Austin. (Photo: CBS Austin) A day after charges were dismissed for two teenagers involved in the deadly 6th street shooting, the search […]

State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown. (Photo by Jana Birchum) The University of Texas has concluded its inquiry into allegations that state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, sent lewd texts and an explicit photo to a graduate student in August. While Schwertner and his attorneys proclaimed the senator exonerated, the report is in fact inconclusive, largely due to Schwertner’s […]

State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, has denied allegations that he sent a sexually explicit message and image to a University of Texas graduate student. [RALPH BARRERA/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]” data-c-credit=”Austin American-Statesman” State Sen. Charles Schwertner on Wednesday forcefully denied that he sent a sexually explicit text message and image to a University of Texas graduate student, and he […]

The family of Stacy Barnett — father Bill Barnett, sister Cathy Barnett and mother Joyce Barnett — exit the courtroom after her murderer was sentenced in a hearing Monday. Barnett and her boyfriend, John Goosey, were killed last year.” data-c-credit=”Austin American-Statesman”> Bill Barnett struggled to get his words out through his tears when he addressed […]

Former legislative aide Gabrielle Nestande didn’t realize she had hit a person with her car until hours later, when police questioned her about a fatal hit-and-run wreck in West Austin, one of her defense attorneys said Tuesday. In opening statements on her trial’s first day, Perry Minton described the daughter of Californian politician Bruce Nestande […]

tyler the creator

After reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors, Tyler, The Creator, a rapper known for his dark lyrics and rebellious spirit, is no longer facing charges that he incited a riot during the South by Southwest Music Festival in 2014.At an East Austin venue, the 24-year-old had encouraged fans to push through a fence, according to police, and […]