Jo Ann Harrelson was summoned before a federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas investigating her husband's complicity in the murder. 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. They said no. One of his many screenplays details the life of notorious drug smuggler Jimmy Chagra. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. In the 1970s, Jimmy Chagra was the marijuana kingpin of the Western world. Jo Ann Starr Harrelson: conspiracy to obstruct justice. Five months later Wood was dead, slain May 29, 1979, on his way to work. It was a David vs. Goliath battle. https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/charles-harrelson-trial-1982-83, "Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982-83 By the time the first indictments came down in April 1982, the FBI had conducted more than 30,000 interviews and collected more than 500,000 pieces of information. The government efforts in the Wood case are not over. ." A few days later they returned a not-guilty verdict to the murder charge. (Original Caption) A Federal jury found co-defendents Jo Ann Harrelson (L) and Elizabeth Chagra (R) guilty of charges If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. At least two grand juries have investigated the slaying for more than two years, and U.S. Attorney General William Webster last March said indictments were near, but no charges have been levied in the case. Former U.S. serviceman sentenced to 45 years for planning attack on fellow soldiers. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. On Express-News.com: Judge Sarah Garrahan-Moulder, who helped prosecute hit man Charles Harrelson in San Antonio, dies at 84. I told him he should.. "Three Are Found Guilty of Assassination of Federal Judge." It was a tragedy., She couldnt speak to Jimmy Chagras crimes or conduct, saying, we werent close.. By that time the FBI investigation into the judges assassination was more than two years old. Further, most of the evidence and testimony against Charles Harrelson had been gathered from prisoners who were offered reduced sentences in exchange for implicating Harrelson. Harrelson claimed that when the murder took place, he was in Dallas, 270 miles away. . A portrait of Federal Judge John H. Wood, Jr. hangs at the Federal Courthouse, Monday, August 7, 2017. 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. He could have gone unnoticed for a long time, but he couldnt resist going to Las Vegas to see a cosmetic surgeon. The citys first zoo featured animals from Texas and Mexico but no giraffe. A lot of the early investigation went off on some tangents, and they rounded up some Bandidos, lawyer Campion said. Just after Judge Wood was killed, Joseph Chagra, then 31, said the slaying was the worst thing that could have happened to his other brother, Jamiel, 32, who was known as Jimmy. Jimmy Chagra, the high-stakes gambler who faced sentencing by Wood in a drug case shortly before the judge was killed, was cleared of conspiracy. 'Mrs. Mrs. Harrelson bought the rifle under a fictitious name, Fay King, or faking. According to the F.B.I. The first giraffe in San Antonio was part of a traveling circus that stopped here in 1901. Charles, Jo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra faced only the lesser charges. 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. He has said he is a key suspect in Wood's slaying on May 29, 1979. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Harrelson, a card gambling felon and accused hit man with ties to organized crime, was the father of actor Woody Harrelson and met Jimmy Chagra in Vegas in 1979 after being paroled in an unrelated murder case. The Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center Inc. is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation 501c3 (EIN 20-3598248) that supports and partners with other nonprofit organizations in the Wilmington community. Newsweek (June 22, 1981). Joe was stunned. Charles Campion, the attorney for Mrs. Harrelson, did not say whether she would appeal. Everybody got hurt in this. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, the kind of drama that usually took place only in an episode of Perry Mason, John L. Smith wrote. Thursday, May 28: Oscars Case of the Century: The Life and Crimes of Jimmy Chagra Courtroom Conversations, Acquitted of hiring actor Woody Harrelsons dad to murder Judge Maximum John Wood, Got off on a once-in-a-lifetime miracle defense by attorney Oscar Goodman, Spearheaded one of the biggest drug-smuggling rings in the country, Bet millions and tipped big, a Las Vegas high roller, Had links to New Englands Patriarca crime family, Lived a life surrounded by mobsters, murder, career criminals and conspiracies, Journalist Jack Sheehan, who interviewed Chagra extensively, Moderator Geoff Schumacher, director of content at The Mob Museum. Joseph testified as well against his own sister-in-law Elizabeth Chagra, and Harrelson's wife, Jo Ann. At one point in a rambling dialogue, Jimmy warned Joe that he was up to his neck in the murder plot. I visited him several times, once with my wife, Phyllis. Mr. Chagra was a pivotal figure in a dramatic 1979 murder case, and his testimony helped convict Charles Voyde Harrelson, the father of the actor Woody Harrelson, of killing Judge John H. Wood Jr., an enemy of drug traffickers. Bring on the Shiplap. 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. Thursday, May 28: Oscar's "Case of the Century": The Life The center supports its partners with below-market rental rates that cover all utilities, parking and security. 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. Elizabeth Chagra died in prison of ovarian cancer in September 1997 at age 43. Wood died in 1979 when he was assassinated by Charles Harrelson. Harrelson had been a suspect, but so had several others. Daniel's 5th outing as Bond gets bums back on seats in the cinema. Jimmy Chagra was sentenced to 30 years for his original drug-trafficking charges, plus 10 years for the lesser charges he was convicted of when he was tried for the Wood murder. March 2 (UPI) -- A Minnesota police officer came to the rescue of a raccoon he spotted running around with a jar stuck over its head. I got to know Joe well in the two years I was writing my book on the Wood assassination, Dirty Dealing, and I watched the sordid story unfold through his eyes. ", 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. It killed U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr. the first federal judge to be assassinated in the country. But Im sure the Wood family feels like they were robbed, too. He gave us details that only he knew, Ray Jahn said. Goodman made a six-hour final argument without a break. Mr. Chagra was one of three sons of a Lebanese rug merchant who had emigrated from Mexico to El Paso. The case has prompted Mrs. Harrelson to attempt suicide and caused her to temporarily disown her two daughters for having affairs with Harrelson during their marriage. Jamiel Chagra was tried separately, in Jacksonville, Florida and received a sentence of 15 years and was fined $120,000 on the charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess marijuana. The trial grew out of one of the largest FBI investigations in history, taking three years and over $5 million. Support is March 3 (UPI) -- A sheep spotted wandering loose on a British highway was given a lift back to its owner by a concerned bus driver on her first day on the job. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, carrying a sentence of up to life in prison; murder of a Federal judge, mandatory life, and conspiracy to obstruct justice, up to five years. Harrelson said that Kay had about $135,000 of the payoff money delivered to him by Elizabeth Chagra as part of the scam. Encyclopedia.com. 3 children killed, 2 hospitalized in North Texas domestic incident. USAA wants some remote employees in the office three days Jury takes an hour to reach verdict over deal at Port S.A. Texas Vista owner has threatened hospital shutdown before, Rosie Castros appointment much more than a 3-month council stint, Access to Bexar County Courthouse just got easier, Man and adult stepdaughter accused of sexual assault on children, Man suspected of serial arson in far south Bexar County area. Joe Chagra ended Jamiel Chagra's trial moved to Jacksonville, Florida. It was a big deal to a lot of people, concurred lawyer Charles Campion, who defended Harrelsons wife, Jo Ann Harrelson, the woman who bought the murder weapon. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. They tortured her for no (reason). Jack Sheehan has been living and writing in Las Vegas for 40 years. with Diane Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Diane Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }. In a recent interview with the San Antonio Express-News, Joe Chagras widow, now known as Patty Chagra Russell, defended her husband, saying the prison recording showed that Jimmy Chagra was a bully toward her husband. Joes testimony put Harrelson in prison for life; ironically, in his separate trial, Jimmy was acquitted, thanks largely to Joes unwillingness to testify against him. Because he was a model prisoner Joe ended up spending only six and a half years behind bars. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. He was sentenced to two life sentences. While awaiting trial, Chagra came into contact with career criminal Charles Harrelson, father of actor Woody Harrelson, in Las Vegas. Jo Ann Harrelson tried for perjury, and Jamiel and Elizabeth Chagra tried for tax evasion in Shreveport, Louisiana.Dates of Trials: October 7, 1982-December 14, 1982 (Charles Harrelson, Jo Ann Harrelson, Elizabeth Chagra); January 10, 1983-February 7, 1983 (Jamiel Chagra); March 1983 (Chagra trials for tax evasion and Jo Ann Harrelson trial for perjury)Verdicts: Charles Harrelson: guilty of murder of federal judge, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice. Suspected burglar inside New Brunswick home was a panicked deer. -- Jo Ann Harrelson, a former Las Vegas gambler and wife of the hitman convicted of killing a federal judge, was found guilty of perjury -- the "It's a safe wonderful environment for all those charities to be located in. Find out more about his hitman father, Charles Harrelson, here. Almost immediately, investigators turned to Mr. Chagra's plush law offices. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conspiracy conviction February 15, 1985, on the grounds that the prosecution failed to show premeditation and malice. But the judge could not be corrupted. Midland was in the jurisdiction of U.S. District Judge John Wood, known as Maximum John for his tough prison sentences in drug cases. In his testimony over more than five days on the witness stand, Mr. Harrelson said he had gone to lure Jamiel Chagra into a crooked card game. Whether they are seeking financial help, spiritual help, whether they are looking for a job, clothing, food or encouragement, a listening ear or someone to help build them up, people can come here because it is not only in the heart of Wilmington but IS the heart of Wilmington. Elizabeth Chagra, the wife of Jamiel (Jimmy) Chagra, the drug dealer who is to be tried in a separate proceeding on charges of paying Mr. Harrelson $250,000 to murder the judge, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. In death as in life, El Paso crime family scion Joe Chagra is getting a bad rap. Judge Wood hated my brother Lee so much that he wanted a Chagra any way he could get him, Chagra said, according to a clip of the interviews posted on the internet. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Three reputed Chicago mobsters were convicted in September 2007 for their involvement in a series o, To make a decision or reach a conclusion after examining all the factual evidence presented. Instead, that day he was shot as he was leaving for court. 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. In exchange for agreeing to testify against Meanwhile, the drug trial was held before Woods replacement, U.S. District Judge William Sessions. The officer didnt recognize Chagra, but Chagra revealed himself by saying, I give up., CHAGRA: FROM THE COURTROOM TO PRISON TO NOT GUILTY TO DEATH. Harrelson's jury found him guilty of murder of a federal employee, and he was also convicted on the charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Jimmy's trial was scheduled to begin on the day the judge died. - Steve Spain, Executive Director, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Bikers and other street toughs were dragged in on hold-over charges. But unknown to Harrelson, the trial had been postponed, Ray Jahn said. Jo Ann Harrelson: guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, perjury. separate, there is cohesiveness. Less than a year before Judge Wood was slain, Lee Chagra, Joseph's older brother, who had defended numerous narcotics suspects in Judge Wood's court, was killed in his office by armed robbers. Time (October 25, 1982). All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. 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.". In addition to his son and brother, Mr. Chagra is survived by his mother, Josephine, and two sisters, Samantha and Patsy. March 3 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Britain responded to a home to rescue a horse that had fallen into its owner's swimming pool and was unable to get itself out. The Center works with its partners to meet the needs of the community in areas such as safe and affordable housing, education, employment, health care and family support. It was just incredible, said Millsap, the former district attorney. CHAGRA: ASSASSINATION OF JUDGE JOHN WOOD AND LINKS TO CHARLES HARRELSON, FATHER OF WOODY. It was a big deal; there was a lot of interest in the case, said Millsap, who later served as Bexar County district attorney. 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. Mr. Harrelson said Mr. Kay borrowed the car some days before the killing, but that he had it back and was in Dallas on the day of the killing. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Should you have information that conflicts with anything shown please make us aware by email. Ive published three articles in this magazine about Wood and the Chagras, but Ive never written all I knowuntil now. 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, -- Jo Ann Harrelson, a former Las Vegas gambler and wife of the hitman convicted of killing a federal judge, was found guilty of perjury -- the latest in a string of convictions in the case. Defendants: Charles Voyde Harrelson, Jo Ann Starr Harrelson, Elizabeth Chagra, Jamiel ChagraCrimes Charged: Charles Harrelson: conspiracy to murder; murder of a federal judge; conspiracy to obstruct justice. After the verdict, Mr. Harrelson said, ''It's just a necessary step in the progression of things.'' They did a full-court press. Three years later, after moving to the Harrelson Center, we have a staff of 18 and are serving some 1500 people. WebJo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra Arriving at Court. He has published 21 books and screenplays, including many on Las Vegas history and historical figures. See FameChain's massive Trump family tree. (February 23, 2023). TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. 'Justice Did Not Die'. Donald asks the courts to let him tweet. A portrait of Federal Judge John H. Wood, Jr. hangs at the Federal Courthouse. Someone could have done a movie not only on the case, but on the people who got the reward.. March 4 (UPI) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made a rare visit to frontline troops in Ukraine on Saturday as Kyiv's grip on the embattled city of Bakhmut appeared to be slipping. The trial of Jamiel Chagra was set for May 29, 1979, but Judge Wood was shot as he left his apartment in Alamo Heights for court. 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. Leave them blank to get signed up. He claimed that a fellow gambler, George (Pete) Kay had bilked Jamiel Chagra by claiming that Charles Harrelson had killed the judge and should collect the $250,000 fee. Joe Chagra also testified that Jimmy Chagra later told him he had hired Harrelson to kill the judge and that Harrelson himself told Joe Chagra that he had carried out the hit, according to the newspaper stories. Florence ADMAX USP, Fremont County, Colorado, Colorado, U.S.A. View Charles Harrelson's Family Tree and History, Ancestry and Genealogy, Charles Harrelson's father was Voyde Harrelson Charles Harrelson's mother was Alma Glover Charles Harrelson's step-mother was Daisy Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's son is Woody Harrelson Charles Harrelson's son is Jordan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's son is Brett Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's wife was Jo Ann Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's former wife is Diane Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's brother was Leonard Humphrey Harrelson Charles Harrelson's brother was Claude Elegan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's sister was Sybil Nunley Charles Harrelson's brother was Edward Leon Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's grandfather was Joel Sparks Charles Harrelson's grandmother was Lemma Sparks Charles Harrelson's grandfather was Noah Harrelson Charles Harrelson's grandmother was Beckie Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Jake Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Nannie Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Leander Sparks Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Rebecca Sparks Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Thomas Leonard Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Sarah Ann Leonard Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Bud Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Babe Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was Thomas Leonard Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother is Susan Leonard Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was William Taylor Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother was Elizabeth Taylor Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was Jesse L. Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother was Eliza Ann Harrelson Charles Harrelson's 3x great grandfather was John Arnett Taylor Charles Harrelson's 3x great grandmother was Rebecca Taylor, Charles Harrelson's granddaughter is Deni Harrelson Charles Harrelson's granddaughter is Zoe Harrelson Charles Harrelson's granddaughter is Makani Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's aunt was Devilla Flournoy Charles Harrelson's uncle was Zan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's aunt was Ora Atkinson Charles Harrelson's uncle was William Harrelson Charles Harrelson's uncle was Noah Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Ella Mae Turner Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Missouri Buchanan Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Christopher Columbus Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Emma Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Berta Adams Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Herbert Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Jesse Jean Maples Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Lena Williams Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Willie Price Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Minnie Ola Williamson Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Morgan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Jacob Leonard Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Anna Goodrum Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Martha Little Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Richard Leonard Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Georgia Little Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Thomas E. Leonard Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Sophia Jackson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Ida Ora Toney Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Douglas Sparks Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Lee Sparks Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Mackey Hay Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Charles Sparks Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Julia Smith Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Emily Crowson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Georgia Adler Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Martin Luther Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Jasper Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Gussie Gimon Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Annie Caldwell, Charles Harrelson's daughter in law is Laura Louie, Charles Harrelson's former father in law was Kenneth Oswald Charles Harrelson's former mother in law was Mary Lou Oswald Charles Harrelson's former grandfather in law was Dutch Oswald Charles Harrelson's former grandmother in law was Izora Oswald Charles Harrelson's former daughter in law is Nancy Simon, View Jo Ann Harrelson's Family Tree and History, Ancestry and Genealogy, Jo Ann Harrelson's step-son is Woody Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's step-son is Jordan Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's step-son is Brett Harrelson, Jo Ann Harrelson's husband was Charles Harrelson, Jo Ann Harrelson's father in law was Voyde Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's mother in law was Alma Glover Jo Ann Harrelson's step-mother in law was Daisy Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's grandfather in law was Noah Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's grandmother in law was Beckie Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's grandfather in law was Joel Sparks Jo Ann Harrelson's grandmother in law was Lemma Sparks Jo Ann Harrelson's brother in law was Leonard Humphrey Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's brother in law was Claude Elegan Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's sister in law was Sybil Nunley Jo Ann Harrelson's brother in law was Edward Leon Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's aunt in law was Devilla Flournoy Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was Zan Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's aunt in law was Ora Atkinson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was William Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was Noah Harrelson. She died of ovarian cancer in prison because she wouldnt testify against me., But when reminded that he nonetheless confessed to bankrolling the judges killing, Chagra replied: Well, I said I did it to get paroled, so Ill stick to that story right now., He added: Personally, I dont know if Charlie Harrelson killed Judge Wood or not.. ", "We value the Harrelson Center for the resources that they give us every day for our community, "Since Voyage moved into The Harrelson Center in January, our partnership and combined programming has only strengthened. I testified at the hearing to determine if his law license should be restored, telling the same story Ive told here, yet the prosecution never offered any assistance and the judge ruled that restoring the license would not meet the ends of justice. Joe had to support himself by writing briefs for other lawyers. Now, perhaps due to our improved stature, our incoming donations are 80% new! Probation can be given i, Charles Goodyear Discovers the Process for Creating Vulcanized Rubber, Charles I 16001649 King of Great Britain, Charles Jean Gustave Nicolas de la Valle Poussin, Charles Lyell Publishes The Principles of Geology (1830-33), in Which He Proposes the Actual Age of Earth to be Several Hundred Million Years, https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/charles-harrelson-trial-1982-83, John Francis Knapp And Joseph Jenkins Knapp Trials: 1830. She said she had not believed him. However, U.S. District Judge William S. Sessions ordered the hearing continued at a later date, indicating Mrs. Harrelson still faces possible imprisonment. But his wife was not released and died of ovarian cancer at age 41. As a result, people used him. '', It was at a pretrial hearing on April 2, 1979, as he listened to Judge Wood deny a score of defense motions, that Jamiel Chagra turned to Joseph Salim Chagra, his brother and attorney, and said, according to Joseph Chagra's testimony later, ''that he was never going to have a fair trial and if I thought he should have Judge Wood killed.''. Explore how the celebrity world connects. 'The hearing will continue when I hear further from the government or the witness (Mrs. Released in 1978, he married for a third time the next year, this time to Jo Ann Starr.
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