DENTON, TX – New revelations have emerged in the harrowing case of a Denton County woman who was found dead inside her apartment nearly three weeks ago. This week, local authorities apprehended the woman’s fiancé, William Otto, charging him with murder and tampering with evidence.
The grim details come to light as investigators release information from court documents. Otto, 52, reportedly confessed to detectives that he shot and killed his fiancée, Lavera Wardell, inside their Denton apartment. Police say he attempted to clean the scene and mask the odor, staying with her body for three days before fleeing towards Texarkana.
On May 19, Denton police responded to a call from the Timberlake’s Apartment Complex near I-35E and State School Road. Residents reported a foul odor emanating from one of the units. Upon entering, officers discovered 39-year-old Wardell dead from a gunshot wound to the head.
The apartment, situated above the leasing office and adjacent to the gym, was home to the couple. Gabby Williams, a resident at the complex, expressed shock at the incident occurring so close to communal areas. Investigators found traces of blood had been scrubbed from the floors and walls, and surveillance footage showed Otto purchasing cleaning supplies a week before Wardell’s body was discovered.
On Monday, detectives tracked Otto to a motel in Mount Pleasant, approximately 150 miles east of Denton. During questioning, Otto claimed that on May 6, he and Wardell had argued, leading to him shooting her with a shotgun after she allegedly approached him with a knife. The weapon was recovered at the crime scene.
Otto admitted to cleaning up the scene to stay with Wardell, but eventually left as the smell became unbearable. He reportedly avoided contacting the police, stating he did not wish to discuss the incident.
Authorities confirm a history of domestic disturbance calls involving the couple. Otto remains in custody at the Denton County Jail, facing charges of murder and tampering with evidence.
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Author: John Nightbridge
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