In Plain Sight

In Plain Sight chronicles the shocking 2013 murders of two Texas prosecutors and a prosecutor's wife in Kaufman County. The book details how these killings paralyzed a small Texas community where violent crime was rare and residents lived in fear as investigators searched for the perpetrator. The narrative follows the investigation into the broad-daylight shooting of Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse and the subsequent murders of District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia. Author Kathryn Casey draws on court records, interviews, and her own observations from the trial to reconstruct the events and investigation that led to the arrests of Eric Williams and his wife Kim. The case centers on Williams, a former justice of the peace who lost his position and law license after a conviction for theft, and his quest for revenge against the prosecutors who handled his case. Casey examines the complex factors and relationships that culminated in these acts of violence. The book explores universal themes of justice, revenge, and the devastating impact when someone in a position of authority abuses their power. Through this Texas case, Casey raises questions about the vulnerability of public servants and the price of pursuing justice in small communities.

Readers rate In Plain Sight as an engaging true crime account that details the Steven and Tiffany Watkins murder case. The book maintains a 4.2/5 rating on Goodreads and 4.4/5 on Amazon across hundreds of reviews. Readers praise: - The thorough research and documentation - Clear presentation of complex legal proceedings - Balanced portrayal of all parties involved - Inclusion of relevant background details and family dynamics Common criticisms: - Repetitive information in certain chapters - Too much focus on peripheral characters - Slow pacing in the middle sections Several reviewers note Casey's straightforward writing style helps make legal terminology accessible. One Amazon reviewer states: "Casey presents the facts without sensationalism while keeping the reader invested." Multiple Goodreads reviews mention the book effectively shows how domestic violence escalates over time. Some readers found the level of detail overwhelming, with one noting: "Could have been shorter without losing impact."

Death in the Desert by Cathy Scott This true crime account follows a Las Vegas casino heir's murder investigation with similar themes of wealth, deception, and forensic detail as found in Casey's work.

Written in Blood by Diane Fanning The disappearance of Kathleen Peterson and her husband's subsequent murder trial unfolds through police documents and courtroom testimony in the same methodical style as In Plain Sight.

Evidence of Love by John Bloom, Jim Atkinson This Texas true crime story examines a shocking ax murder in a small religious community with the same attention to local culture and social dynamics present in Casey's book.

The Good Wife by Kent Walker and Mark Morris The story of serial killer Joseph Naso's crimes told through the perspective of his son mirrors Casey's focus on family relationships in criminal investigations.

A Death in White Bear Lake by Barry Siegel The investigation into a child's death decades after it occurred reveals layers of family secrets and community silence comparable to the themes in Casey's investigation.

🔍 The Kaufman County murders resulted in major security changes for Texas prosecutors, including increased protective details and security systems in their homes. ⚖️ Eric Williams, the convicted killer, was a former Justice of the Peace who lost his position and law license over the theft of three computer monitors worth less than $600. 🌟 Kathryn Casey has written 11 true crime books and is frequently featured as a crime expert on Investigation Discovery, Oxygen, and A&E networks. 🏛️ The case marked the first time in U.S. history that two prosecutors from the same office were targeted and killed in relation to their work. 📱 The investigation breakthrough came when surveillance footage showed Williams's wife Kim making suspicious purchases at Costco, including the getaway vehicle used in one of the murders.