SAN ANGELO, TX — This afternoon, Irion County Murder suspect, Tina Pauline Chappell, 45, sat in the Tom Green County Court House for the first time since being considered not mentally competent to proceed with her trial.
On Nov. 13, 2015, Irion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for an unresponsive person in the roadway at the intersection of 4 St. and Fleming Ave. in Mertzon. The victim, identified as Roger Allen Fletcher, 50, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. After further investigation, the death was ruled a homicide, stated Sheriff W.A. Estes. Chappell was taken into custody the same day the body was found.
Before Chappell's original trial, it was determined that Chappell was not mentally competent to proceed after she failed to pass a psychological exam. However, Chappell took a second psychological exam and was considered competent for trial.
Today, Chappell appeared before the 51st Judicial District Court with Honorable Judge Barbara Walther presiding.
“Where are we on this case?” Judge Walther asked Defense Attorney Randol Stout and District Attorney Allison Palmer.
After much discussion, the court decided to schedule two pre-trials, one in July in Tom Green County and the second in September in Irion County. The jury trial is slated for an unknown date in November, though Stout added, “I would like to get it done earlier.”
Judge Walther decided not to issue an official court date until a better timeline could be made during the upcoming pre-trial dates.
Also in the court today was David Keith Kiser, 56, who awaited his sentencing hearing for his charge of Online Solicitation of a Minor.
Above: David Keith Kiser, 56. (Photo credit:Tom Green County Sheriff's Office)
On Dec 12, 2014, Kiser was arrested after making sexual advances towards an undercover agent posing as a 14 year old girl, Kiser’s complaint stated. Kiser complaint further described the sexual acts Kiser wanted to perform with the agent's online persona.
In a post arrest interview, Kiser confessed to the agent that he had sent the sexually explicit emails and texts. Kiser also confessed to wanting to arrange a meeting with the fourteen-year-old persona to have sexual intercourse. Kiser was released Dec.13,2014 after paying a $25,000 bond.
Today, Kiser sat before the 340th Judicial District Court with the Honorable Judge Jay Weatherby presiding.
Kiser had pleaded guilty to his charge on Sep. 17, 2015. The court did not reconvene until May 12, 2016 to review evidence and Kiser's sentencing was not finalized until today.
“I apologize for the delay,” Judge Weatherby told the court as he entered.
Kiser stood up to receive his sentencing.
“David Keith Kiser, based on the evidence presented, and considering your plea of guilty, I find beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense of online solicitation of a minor,” Weatherby declared.
Kiser was then sentenced to 7 years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and a fine of $2,500.
After adjourning, Kiser was turned over to the Tom Green County Jail detention officers for processing and transportation.
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