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Allegations arose that Chagra hired Harrelson, the actor Woody Harrelsons father, to commit the murder. She was previously convicted of using a Charles, Jo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra faced only the lesser charges. Goodman is one of the nations best criminal defense attorneys and was named one of the 15 Best Trial Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal. Chagra was once held by Colombian authorities after his drug-smuggling plane crashed there. Harrelson reported back that Wood could not be corrupted but had to be killed. Joseph Chagra did not testify. In 2006, he did some videotaped interviews with Las Vegas journalist Jack Sheehan. You cant imagine the shock when Jimmy Chagra was acquitted.. SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- A convicted hit man's wife Monday won a first round in her battle with federal prosecutors who want her jailed for refusing to testify against her husband in the probe of the slaying of a federal judge. He spent more than 35 years defending some of the most notorious alleged Mob figures, including Meyer Lansky, Frank Rosenthal, Anthony Spilotro and Jimmy Chagra. After invoking the He asked if he should have Judge Wood killed. CHAGRA: LIFE IN LAS VEGAS ANDMARIJUANA KINGPIN. Chagra also was a prime suspect in the attempted murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kerr of San Antonio. Harrelson said that Kay had about $135,000 of the payoff money delivered to him by Elizabeth Chagra as part of the scam. with Diane Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Diane Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }. Among other points, Woody said that his father had spent only $7,000 on his defense, compared to the $5 to $10 million spent by the federal government in marshalling evidence. Elizabeth Chagra: 30 years for conspiracy to murder, two concurrent five year sentences for obstruction of justice and tax evasion. Jimmy Chagras separate trial moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Jo Ann Harrelson: 25 years for obstruction of justice and perjury. As each juror affirmed the vote of guilty on counts of conspiracy to murder, murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice, several had tears in their eyes and one woman shook visibly and broke into sobs. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. The government also taped other conversations, including some between Charles Harrelson and his attorney, and others between Joseph and Jamiel Chagra. They also argued, unsuccessfully, that incriminating recorded conversations should not have been allowed because they were covered by attorney-client privilege or by spousal privilege. March 3 (UPI) -- A New Brunswick couple who initially thought a burglar had broken into their home discovered the invader was actually a panicked deer. All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. On May 29, 1979, Wood was shot dead in the parking lot outside his San Antonio townhouse. Mr. Harrelson's wife, Jo Ann, was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, the only charge against her in this case. How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire. One, Jerry Ray James, befriended Jamiel Chagra in prison and allowed his conversations to be secretly taped. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. On Christmas Eve 1978, two thugs robbed Lees law office and killed him. Even though every partner is But the Partner benefit with the greatest impact to us and our families is being within arms reach of so many other amazing nonprofits and the Harrelson Center team. He said that Mr. Kay had bilked Jamiel Chagra by telling him that it was he, Charles Harrelson, who had shot the judge and should collect the $250,000 payoff. A portrait of Federal Judge John H. Wood, Jr. hangs at the Federal Courthouse. Oscar Goodman and Joe Chagra were Jimmys attorneys. Over time, we became friends. Jo Ann, convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and perjury, was later paroled. The trial for Jimmy Chagra, meanwhile, was moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and his lawyer, former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, dealt the government a defeat. Noah Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Noah Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Beckie Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Beckie Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }, Joel Sparks{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Sparks", "gender": "Male" }, Lemma Sparks{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Lemma Sparks", "gender": "Female" }, Voyde Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Voyde Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Alma Glover{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Alma Glover", "gender": "Female" }, Daisy Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Daisy Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }, Leonard Humphrey Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Leonard Humphrey Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Claude Elegan Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Claude Elegan Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Sybil Nunley{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Sybil Nunley", "gender": "Female" }, Edward Leon Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Edward Leon Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Woody Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Woody Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, with Diane Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Diane Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }, Jordan Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Jordan Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, Brett Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Brett Harrelson", "gender": "Male" }, born 1963, age 55 The trial grew out of one of the largest FBI investigations in history, taking three years and over $5 million. March 3 (UPI) -- A 7-year-old Louisiana boy with a firm grasp of baseball rules is seeking a Guinness World Record as the world's youngest umpire. Jimmy Chagra broached the matter again in early May 1979 as the brothers walked on the lawn of Jimmys Las Vegas home, Joe Chagra testified. ", & Dr. Jack Sheehan has been living and writing in Las Vegas for 40 years. Our vision was to create a place that could put the charities together that were helping those who wanted to help themselves. March 3 (UPI) -- In a cost-saving move, retail giant Amazon announced Friday that it will delay construction on a planned second corporate headquarters dubbed "HQ2" in Arlington, Va. President Joe Biden thanks German chancellor for his nation's help in Ukraine. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conspiracy conviction February 15, 1985, on the grounds that the prosecution failed to show premeditation and malice. ", - Kim Ceasar, Executive Director, Soaring As Eagles, "The Harrelson Center changes the lives of people in amazing ways. According to the F.B.I. Chagra went into the Witness Protection Program in Arizona, and remarried. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. Charles Harrelson was born on July 23rd, 1938, in Lovelady, Texas, the son of Alma Lee (ne Sparks; 19072002) and Voyde Harrelson (19011976). Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Mrs. Harrelson bought the rifle under a fictitious name, Fay King, or faking. Agents searched the El Paso homes of the Chagra family. 3 children killed, 2 hospitalized in North Texas domestic incident, 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'True Romance' actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61, Dozens killed, injured as Jakarta fuel depot fire engulfs neighborhood, Syndicated show 'Rachael Ray' wrapping 17-season run, Migrant woman dies after U.S. Coast Guard stops vessel carrying 54. U.S. District Judge John H. Wood was assassinated in San Antonio May 29, 1979, by Charles Harrelson. He could have gone unnoticed for a long time, but he couldnt resist going to Las Vegas to see a cosmetic surgeon. WebThe map led the feds to learn that the murder weapon had been purchased by Harrelsons wife, Jo Ann. When the murder trial got underway in San Antonio, in exchange for a guilty plea to commit conspiracy to murder and a sentence of 10 years, Joseph Chagra testified against Harrelson, who he claimed was the hit man. The jury found Chagra guilty. But Mr. Jahn, the Federal prosecutor, said in his final argument Saturday, ''Charles Harrelson had three talents. Harrelson thought that was the day he had to kill the judge.. Released in 1978, he married for a third time the next year, this time to Jo Ann Starr. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. When Chagras former drug-smuggling partner Henry Wallace turned and became a witness, the charges against Chagra were increased and he faced the prospect of life in prison without parole. It was a tragedy., She couldnt speak to Jimmy Chagras crimes or conduct, saying, we werent close.. But Joe absolutely refused to testify against his brother as a matter of family honor. This is not a happy story for anybody. He was 63. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. Chagra made frequent trips to Las Vegas, arriving with suitcases stuffed with millions of dollars in cash. She, in turn, claimed she thought the payoff was for a gambling debt, and did not believe her husband when he claimed, "This is for the judge.". ", receiving assistance and guidance at Help Hub, "Being a partner of the Harrelson Center has allowed Soaring As Eagles to soar even higher than before. Because Joe was simultaneously representing Jimmy, who was serving thirty years without parole on a drug charge at the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, Harrelson had to assume that sooner or later Joe would learn the truth. Wood died in 1979 when he was assassinated by Charles Harrelson. Reports suggest Prince Charles will live "in a flat above the shop" when he becomes king. Mrs. Harrelson, 42, a small, blond woman who was once a known 'card counter' at Las Vegas blackjack tables, collapsed moments after hearing the verdict Monday. Since arriving, our vision has become reality. As a result, people used him. Judge Wood was the first Federal judge to be assassinated in this century. They did a full-court press. Charles Campion, the attorney for Mrs. Harrelson, did not say whether she would appeal. Chagra was let out on bail and he disappeared. "Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982-83 However, there was no physical evidence and investigators had to rely on circumstantial evidence and informants. Sessions, who ordered a majority of the contempt hearing closed to the public, said during an interview with the news media in his chambers that Mrs. Harrelson's claim of marital privilege was the reason forpartial dismissal of the government's request. Charles Harrelson's son, the actor Woody Harrelson, later supported a motion for a retrial, based on both the inadequacy of the original defense and the federal government's methods of gathering evidence. According to newspaper stories citing trial testimony, a drug trafficker and flamboyant gambler originally from El Paso, Jamiel Jimmy Chagra, paid Harrelson $250,000 to kill Wood because Chagra feared a trial and sentencing by Maximum John. Wood earned the moniker for his reputation of giving tough sentences to drug traffickers. separate, there is cohesiveness. Former mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman is credited with the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas including The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and our very own The Mob Museum. March 4 (UPI) -- On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. March 3 (UPI) -- A Kentucky man who stopped to buy some breakfast said he lost his appetite when he won $50,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket. Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? It was such an iconoclastic case, because it was believed a federal judge could not be touched.. The investigation cost more than $11 million, at the time the most extensive investigation in the bureaus history. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. He wasnt a criminal; he was a nice person, she added. The sensational case resulted in a book, Dirty Dealings, by the late journalist Gary Cartwright, television crime dramas and a mention at Las Vegas Mob Museum. The unlawful killing of another human being without justification or excuse. The desire to give and serve others stems from a place of earnest compassion. Editor's note: This story originally published in a 2017 series honoring the 300th anniversary of San Antonio.A man named Bill Bannister registered at the Town House motel on Loop 410 on Memorial Day 1979. "Texas SniperThe Charge: Murdering a Judge." Jimmy told me he was never going to get a fair trial and asked if I thought he should try having Judge Wood killed, Joe Chagra testified, according to newspaper stories at the time. Charles wife at the time, WHEN FIFTY-YEAR-OLD JOE CHAGRA flipped his Toyota Landcruiser on Interstate 10 west of El Paso in December, killing himself and two passengers, it was a sad final chapter in the life of a man best known as one of the conspirators in the 1979 murder of San Antonio federal judge John Wood. ." Mr. Harrelson also said that a high-powered Weatherby hunting rifle, the kind the Government said killed the judge, purchased by his wife 12 days before the slaying, was actually given to Mr. Kay. Mr. Harrelson also said that Mr. Kay had $135,000 to $150,000 delivered to him as part of the ''scam.'' Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. It was just incredible, said Millsap, the former district attorney. ''I thought he should,'' Joseph Chagra said. The verdicts concluded an 11-week trial that grew out of one of the most extensive Federal investigations in the nation's history, involving every one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's 54 offices in the United States at varying times over more than three years. After Monday's conviction, Sessions said he would be forced to postpone the March 18 sentencing in San Antonio of Mrs. Harrelson, her husband Charles and Mrs. Chagra for the earlier convictions. Harrelson claimed to have killed 50 Former U.S. serviceman sentenced to 45 years for planning attack on fellow soldiers. His son, Joseph Jr., said Mr. Chagra's death was caused by injuries from an automobile accident on Dec. 6 that also killed two passengers. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. The assassination came at the height of a Justice Department campaign to slow the flow of illicit drugs across the Mexican border. WebJo Ann Harrelson's in laws: All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. SIGNIFICANCE: Charles Harrelson was convicted for a hit-man killing of Judge John H. Wood, the only federal judge to be assassinated in the twentieth century. The bug picked up Chagra talking with his wife and brother Joe about the judges murder. The seven-woman, five-man federal jury returned guilty verdicts on five counts of perjury after deliberating 2 hours. She said she had not believed him. Though he and his wife, Patty, divorced, they remained close. It was the first time someone assassinated a sitting federal judge. It was greed, the prosecution maintained, that had sent Mr. Harrelson, who had already spent 15 years in prison for killing a man for a $2,000 fee, to Las Vegas a month before, looking for Jamiel Chagra. Joe had no idea he was being pulled into the Wood conspiracyor even that there was a conspiracywhen Charles Harrelson hired him to represent him on an old gun charge in Harris County in February 1980. Jimmy Chagra, who was facing numerous narcotics charges, would become a suspect in the killing. ", Louise Hicks, Executive Director, Community In Schools of Cape Fear, "We are grateful for the resources and partners the Harrelson Center has introduced to us. March 2 (UPI) -- A Maryland woman scored a $100,000 prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket less than 12 hours after she scored an $11,000 jackpot at a casino. CHAGRA: ASSASSINATION OF JUDGE JOHN WOOD AND LINKS TO CHARLES HARRELSON, FATHER OF WOODY.