Former Texas Domestic Violence Attorney’s Husband Charged with Her Murder

The husband of a former Texas domestic violence attorney has been charged with her murder on New Year’s Eve.

Jeffrey McLaughlin, 58, of Granbury, was jailed in Hood County Jail Sunday on charges of first-degree murder.

Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds identified the victim as McLaughlin’s wife, Venice McLaughlin, but declined to release any details regarding the circumstances of her death.

The Sheriff told Hood County News that his detectives are “still actively investigating” the case and looking at the evidence.

Hood County Attorney Matt Mills said Venice McLaughlin worked in his office as an assistant district attorney, handling protection orders and psychiatric cases, among other things.

She quit her job in April and was later hired by Pecan Financial Services to work with clients in need of estate planning.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mills called the news of McLaughlin’s death “heartbreaking”.

“She served in our office for over five years and helped us get through the tough times at the start of my first term,” he wrote. “She also helped me a lot in my 2020 election campaign. We pray with her two daughters and the rest of her family.”

According to a post on McLaughlin’s Facebook page, her eldest daughter recently graduated from law school.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” the mother of two wrote in May last year. “Now we have two lawyers in the family! So, I’m so proud of my girl!!”

Jeffrey McLaughlin remained behind bars Tuesday on $250,000 bail.