DENTON, Texas – A Denton resident has been charged with murder after he reportedly shot his fiancée and lived with her body for days before the decomposing remains prompted him to flee, according to law enforcement officials.
The suspect, identified as 52-year-old William Oddo III, reportedly had an altercation with 39-year-old LaVera Wardell on May 6. Oddo claimed he shot Wardell in self-defense after she allegedly attacked him with a knife.
Following the shooting, Oddo chose not to report the incident to the police, allegedly to avoid an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The case came to light on May 19, when neighbors alerted authorities about a foul smell emanating from the couple’s apartment located on Par Drive. Residents of the apartment complex had noticed Wardell’s absence, which coincided with the onset of the odor.
Upon obtaining a search warrant, police entered the home and found Wardell’s body, noting evidence of a gunshot wound to her head. The investigation also revealed signs that attempts had been made to clean the crime scene and mask the smell.
Authorities also discovered that Oddo had been buying cleaning supplies in an apparent effort to cover up the crime. Surveillance footage and witness statements helped piece together Oddo’s movements, showing that he vacated the apartment on May 14.
Oddo was eventually located and arrested on June 2 at a motel in Mount Pleasant. Initially charged with tampering with evidence, he was later also charged with murder. His bond was set at $160,000.
The incident has shocked the local community, particularly those living in close proximity to the couple’s apartment, as it is near the building’s main offices. Community members have expressed their distress, highlighting the broader issues related to domestic violence and the tragic outcomes that can ensue.
This tragic event underscores the complexities involved in domestic disputes and the importance of timely interventions in potentially volatile situations. It also raises questions about the social and legal mechanisms in place to protect individuals at risk and prevent such calamities.