More details have come to light in the recent shooting of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia, according to CNN.com.
McLelland’s death is the second killing of a Texas prosecutor in the last three months. Authorities fear that a white supremacist group, the Aryan Brotherhood, is targeting a group of prosecutors that were a part of a task force assigned with investigating the group in 2012.
The couple was shot multiple times according to a search warrant affidavit. The couple was found by friends who'd been trying to contact them throughout the day, according to reports.
After members of the Aryan Brotherhood were indicted in November 2012, officials believed there was “credible information” that the group would retaliate.
At this point, a link between the McLellands’ death and the shooting death of prosecutor Mark Hasse, have not been confirmed. Hasse was killed on Jan. 31. Bruce Wood, the Kaufman County Judge, shared his concern at a news conference on Monday.
“This whole thing is shocking to all of us,” he said. “I would be less than honest if I told you I was not worried."
According to a statement from law enforcement to CNN, authorities found shell casings from a 223-caliber rifle.
"It was five or six shots, one right after the other," said Mark Griffith, a neighbor of the McLellands according to CNN affiliate WFAA-TV.
After Hasse was shot and killed, McLelland openly promised to find those responsible for the crime.
"We're going to pull you out of whatever hole you're in, we're going to bring you back and let the people of Kaufman County prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," he said.
According to a Dallas attorney, Hasse feared for his life and had started carrying a gun.
A neighbor of the McLellands said Cynthia McLelland feared for others, but believed her husband would be safe.
"And I said, 'What about Mike? You think he's safe?' And she said, 'Yeah, I'm not worried about about Mike,' "David Crone told WFAA.
Security is currently being provided for other Texas law officials. Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson has officers stationed at both his home and work place.
Texas law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue to look into the shooting deaths.
