Husband of former Texas domestic violence prosecutor charged with her murder

The husband of a former Texas domestic violence prosecutor has been charged with killing her on New Year’s Day.

Jeffrey McLaughlin, 58, of Granbury, was booked into the Hood County Jail on Sunday on a charge of first-degree felony murder.

Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds identified the victim as McLaughlin’s wife, Venisa McLaughlin, but declined to disclose any details concerning the circumstances surrounding her death.

The sheriff told Hood County News that his detectives were “still actively investigating” the case and going over evidence.

Hood County Attorney Matt Mills said that Venisa McLaughlin worked in his office as an assistant county attorney handling protective order cases and mental commitments, among other matters.

She left the job in April and was later hired by Pecan Financial Services, working with clients in need of estate planning.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mills called the news of McLaughlin’s death “heartbreaking.”

“She served our office for over five years, and she helped us through some trying times at the start of my first term,” he wrote. “She also helped tremendously in my re-election campaign in 2020. Our prayers are with her two daughters and the rest of her family.”

According to a post on McLaughlin’s Facebook page, her elder daughter had recently graduated from law school.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” the mom of two wrote last May. “We now have two lawyers in the family! So, so proud of my girl!!”

Jeffrey McLaughlin remained behind bars Tuesday on $250,000 bond.