Start Of Sentencing Retrial Of Convicted Central Texas Killer Delayed

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(August 19, 2008)—The sentencing retrial for a man convicted of capital murder has been postponed.

Testimony in the case of Billie Wayne Coble is now set to begin next Monday.

Judge Matt Johnson of Waco's 54th State District Court had hoped to begin testimony Tuesday morning, but jury selection, which started on Aug. 4, is taking longer than expected.

So far seven men and five women have been seated for the trial, in which prosecutors will again seek the death sentence.

Coble, 59, spent more than 17 years on death row before a federal appeals overturned his death sentence because certain evidence wasn’t allowed during the punishment phase of his original trial.

In 1990, Billy Wayne Coble was convicted of killing his estranged wife's parents Robert and Zelda Vicha and her brother Bobby Vicha who was a Waco Police sergeant.

In September 2007, the 5th Circuit Court out of New Orleans overturned that sentence because the jury was not allowed to hear evidence that would have explained his mental condition at the time of the murder.

While prosecutors are still seeking the death penalty, Coble could receive a life sentence and thus be eligible for parole based on the laws that were in place at the time of his original conviction.

Defense attorneys hope to convince the jury that Coble has been a model prisoner on death row and that he has changed over the past two decades and is no longer a continuing threat to society.

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Posted by: Richard Location: Here in Waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:03 PM
As one of the original jurors on this trial, the thought of this animal getting out and being free just makes me sick. I fear he may go after the Vicha family again. I have had nightmares about the awful things "Mr.Coble" did to them. If there is any justice in this state he will be sentenced to death again. I would love to be in the room when they finally put him to sleep. To the Vicha family > I am so sorry you have to relive this terrible nightmare again. Hopefully, God willing, justice will be served, and your family can finally rest.

Posted by: Richard Location: Here in Waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:20 PM
I was a juror on his trial in 1990. I saw the evidence and heard the testimony of the witnesses. He is an evil and vindictive "man". He chose to end the lives of three innocent people and ruin the lives of the rest of the Vicha family. He showed no remorse for what he did. It was premeditated capital murder. "I Know" the whole story. He was mad at his estranged wife for filing charges of "aggravated kidnapping" at knifepoint. She wanted a divorce. He told her she had ruined his life and he was going to ruin hers, that's what he did. Listen, no amount of "messing with" is good reason to murder innocent people...if you think so, you are on the same level as he, and you should see a shrink. I am sure we made the right decision in this case and the Honorable Judge Anderson said so as well. So shame on the Federal Appeals Court in La. for overturning the death penalty. He should've been put to sleep a long time ago. Tax money would've been better spent cleaning gum off the streets.

Posted by: Tina Location: Elm Mott on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM
His "mental condition" is that he was evil enough to kill his ex- wifes parents and brother.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:08 PM
He killed three people and that is all there is to it. If he had a problem with them, or if they were a problem to him, he could have left, just left. Killing them was not the only option.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elm Mott on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:40 PM
For "I know". This man wasn't "messed with" by these people. He was hateful and selfish. He has caused my family much pain and dragging this on each year hurts them even more. My family members are dead. He has no right to be alive anymore.

Posted by: S Location: Robinson on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:16 PM
What a crock!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Nobody is a threat while they are sitting on Death row. He did the crime. he needs to face the punishment. DEATH

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM
So....I Know. I WAS molested when I was younger, so was my cousin. Does that give us a pass to do whatever I want? No it doesnt. I hate that it may have happened to him but if he was old enough to kill, he was old enough to know right from wrong and old enough to get out and away.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Texas on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:13 AM
? for I know. The whole story is he killed 3 people he should die there is no other questions to ask. If he is a changed man like he says then be a big enough man to stand up and take his punishment they gave him in the first place. A changed man would recognize he did wrong and accept the punishment.

Posted by: i know Location: waco on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:30 AM
yall dont know the whole story. what if yall was messed with for 13 years by the people you killed. what would you do?

Posted by: Marlin Location: Texas on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I agree, sentence him to death and then take him out and execute him within a year. He doesn't even deserve a year, but the courts will want to try to find a way to throw out that death sentence too. Sad eample of "JUSTICE"...what about the victim's justice?

Posted by: Me2 Location: CenTex on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:33 AM
I am with you Max, this is the biggest waste of taxpayer's money. Can't believe that he is getting a second chance for sentencing. He killed three people, and could be eligible for parole in a few years. This is insane! What a court system we have!

Posted by: Larry Location: Fort Hood on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:26 AM
It doesn't matter how "good" he has been. He took three lives, his punishment should proceed.

Posted by: Mac Location: TX on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:25 AM
Waste of time and tax payers money!

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