MAN CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER AFTER BODY FOUND IN TRINITY RIVER

On December 23, 2023, firefighters responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Switcher Drive in the Lake Livingston Estates Subdivision. The fire consumed the single-wide mobile home of William McClain, a diesel mechanic. A neighbor, Ron Chreene was awakened by another neighbor knocking at his door. When he walked outside he saw his friend, McClain’s house on fire. He learned after the fire that McClain was not in the house and was missing. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified and an investigation began. It was determined that the blaze was a case of arson. As Investigators along with Texas Rangers interviewed several people it was learned the home had also been burglarized and an attempt to locate Tyler Lance Williams and Jessey Erin Reeves. Both were believed to be in Liberty County. Additional information then coming forward as to the location of the pair. A vehicle connected to Williams was located in the Point Blank area of San Jacinto County, on St. Lucia Drive in the Holiday Lakes Subdivision, not too far from the site of the arson. The home was that of Williams’s girlfriend who was inside and believed to be a hostage.  San Jacinto County Sheriff Capers reached out to Montgomery County Swat for assistance after Williams stated he was ready to die. Negotiators were able to secure the release of William’s girlfriend, Lindsey Carroll, 40  from the home not long after the 9 am stand-off began. Just after 5 pm, Williams was taken into custody. Inside the home, investigators found 2,500 counterfeit 100-dollar bills and a small amount of meth.  Carroll was taken into custody by San Jacinto County Deputies and jailed on charges of possession of a controlled substance and tampering with a government document. Williams was transported to the Polk County Jail where Reeves, who was reported to have been with him during the burglary was already jailed the night before and charged with burglary of a habitation. Williams was charged with arson and burglary of a habitation. Investigators continued to attempt to locate McClain. That search came to an end as Harris County Sheriff’s Divers located who is believed to be McClain in the Trinity River in Liberty County. His body was transported to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and identification. It is believed he had been shot but that will be determined during the autopsy. Williams is now charged with Capital Murder by Terror or Threat. His bond was set at $1,000,000.00.

Saturday morning Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons held a press conference to give the details of the incident and thank all the agencies who assisted including, San Jacinto County, Montgomery County and Liberty County Sheriff’s Offices, Polk County Precinct 2 Constable, Onalaska Police, DPS, and the Texas Rangers.

Saturday morning neighbor Ron Chreene reflected on his friend, a good neighbor, friend, and hard worker. He said he loved animals. His hound and Bull Mastiff are now being cared for by neighbors. His three cats roam through the burned-out structure looking for their owner. Chreene believes he could also have been a target as his security cameras covered part of McClain’s property.