Former Texas Prosecutor Allegedly Murdered By Husband In Suspected Domestic Violence Incident

A former Texas prosecutor who had worked on several domestic violence cases was allegedly murdered by her own husband.

Venisa McLaughlin, the former assistant county prosecutor from Hood County, died under mysterious circumstances on New Year's Day. Her husband, Jeffrey Bryan McLaughlin, was arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection with the suspected domestic violence incident, news outlet Law & Crime reported.

The 58-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into the Hood County Jail on Sunday afternoon. His bond was set at $250,000.

The circumstances surrounding Venisa's death remain unknown.

"This case is still under investigation. We will release information as we are able to do so," Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds told the news outlet.

Hood County Attorney Matt Mills said Venisa worked in his office as an assistant county attorney for more than five years until she left "on friendly terms" in April. During her tenure, Venisa handled protective order cases, served in the peace courts and mental commitments, and helped in various other duties, Mills told Hood County News.

"This is a really big loss for our office, even though she (no longer worked there)," Mills added.

"Our former assistant county attorney, who started with me on my first day in office, was killed this morning. She served our office for over five years, and she helped us through some trying times at the start of my first term. She also helped tremendously in my re-election campaign in 2020. Our prayers are with her two daughters and the rest of her family," Mills said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The case is being investigated by Hood County Sheriff's Office, along with Texas Rangers, a leading law enforcement agency in the state.

In an unrelated domestic violence incident reported last week, a 55-year-old Colorado man was arrested after he shot his wife for honking a car horn at him to make him come outside the house. The suspect, identified as Eric Bramschreiber, was arrested on charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault and menacing after the incident.