Central Texas Capital Murder Defendant Asks for New Judge
Save Email Print
Central Texas Capital Murder Defendant Asks for New Judge
A Central Texas woman accused of arranging the death of her ex-husband now says she thinks the district judge who is set to hear the case has a bias against her.
Reporter: By Paul Gately
Email Address: paul.gately@kwtx.com
Font Size:

(November 10, 3008) – A district court hearing is set in Gatesville Wednesday before a visiting judge who must decide if the sitting judge in that court should recuse himself from presiding over a capital murder case.

Megan Lewis-Grant is scheduled to go on trial on Dec.1 for her part in the murder of her former husband, 44-year-old James Michael Grant, on Sept. 15, 2007.

Lewis-Grant’s attorney, Russ Hunt, Sr., of Waco, will argue Wednesday that 52nd District Judge Philip Zeigler should not hear the case because he has a pre-conceived bias against the defendant.

Senior District Judge James Clawson, of Bell County, will sit on the 52nd District Court bench for the hearing.

Judge B.B. Schraub, of Seguin, who is the administrative judge for the region that includes Coryell County, appointed Clawson.

James Michael Grant’s body was found lying outside of his pickup truck alongside a Coryell County road after sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle call by a resident who lived nearby.

He had been stabbed to death.

James Michael Grant II, the 16-year-old son of the murdered man, already has pleaded guilty to helping in the murder.

He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Zeigler heard that case.

Megan Lewis-Grant and her boyfriend John Hopkins both are charged with capital murder in connection with the crime.

The case likely would be among the last criminal trials over which Zeigler would preside because he already has announced his retirement on Dec. 31

Latest Comments

Posted by: anonymous Location: TX on Nov 24, 2008 at 12:27 PM

Well I know them, and I am surprised that anyone would describe Megan as a good person if they actually met her.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: COCA Location: GATESVILLE on Nov 13, 2008 at 03:58 PM

NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HAPPEND BUT THE ONES THAT WERE THERE HOW CAN YOU SIT THERE AND SAY JAMIE WILL ROT IN PRISON,HE WILL NOT! YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPEND & YOU ONLY KNOW WHAT THE PAPERS TELL YOU MEGAN AND JAMIE BOTH ARE GOOD PEOPLE. DONT JUDGE SOMEONE WHEN YOU DONT KNOW THEM .
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Yep Location: Cove on Nov 12, 2008 at 12:53 PM

Anyone else think she looks like a blonde bitchy version of Rosie O'Donnell? Or is it just me? :)
[ Report Abuse ]
More Stories
Video
13 Confirmed Dead, 30 Injured In Ft. Hood Shooting
309 Comments
Local Woman Claimed She Had Cancer To Get Money For Breast Implants
128 Comments
Community Rallies In Support Of Animal Shelter After Deadly Fire
70 Comments
Apartment Complex Where Suspected Gunman Lived Evacuated
62 Comments
Jury Acquits Local Paramedic Accused Of Fondling Female Patient
60 Comments
Central Texas Boy Suffers Head, Face, Eye Injuries In Dog Attack
59 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
AP Video