DENTON, TX – A grim discovery at a Denton apartment has led to the arrest of William Otto, charged with murdering his fiancée, Lavera Wardell. The unsettling case unfolded after reports of a pungent smell prompted a police response, revealing Wardell’s tragic fate.
Officers found Wardell, 39, dead from a gunshot wound to the head in the couple’s apartment, which is located above the leasing office at Timberlake’s Apartment Complex. Evidence at the scene pointed to an attempt to clean up, with blood scrubbed from floors and walls.
Surveillance footage uncovered Otto purchasing cleaning supplies prior to the incident. During questioning, Otto confessed to the murder, alleging he acted in self-defense when Wardell reportedly approached him with a knife. Despite his confession, Otto neglected to contact authorities, opting instead to flee.
Otto’s disturbing narrative included staying with Wardell’s body for three days before the odor compelled him to leave. He was later located and arrested at a motel in Mount Pleasant, roughly 150 miles from Denton.
The investigation revealed a history of domestic disturbances between Otto and Wardell, adding complexity to the case. Otto now faces charges of murder and evidence tampering, held at Denton County Jail as the legal process unfolds.
The Denton community is grappling with the shocking crime, as the details continue to emerge, igniting discussions on domestic violence and the need for preventive measures. The tragedy underscores the importance of intervention and support for individuals in tumultuous relationships.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on achieving justice for Wardell and providing solace to her family. The case highlights the urgent need for awareness and resources to combat domestic violence, aiming to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.