DENTON, Texas — A man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his fiancée and reportedly living with her body for over a week, only leaving when the smell became unbearable, according to police accounts.
William Oddo III, 52, told authorities that the shooting of 39-year-old LaVera Wardell took place during a confrontation on May 6. He claims he acted in self-defense when Wardell allegedly approached him with a knife. However, following the incident, he allegedly refrained from notifying law enforcement, raising questions about his version of events.
Concerns from neighbors arose when they reported a foul odor coming from an apartment on Par Drive on May 19, prompting a welfare check by police. Witnesses in the community had noted Oddo being seen with Wardell shortly before her unexpected disappearance, intensifying concerns.
When officers executed a search warrant on the apartment, they discovered Wardell’s remains. An examination revealed that she had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and signs of an attempt to clean the scene were evident, indicating efforts to mask both the violence and the smell.
Investigators discovered that Oddo had purchased various cleaning supplies, suggesting he was attempting to eliminate traces of the crime. Surveillance footage and testimonies from neighbors indicated that he left the apartment on May 14, days before the police were alerted.
On June 2, authorities arrested Oddo at a motel in Mount Pleasant. He was initially charged with tampering with evidence before murder charges were filed against him. His bond has been set at $160,000.
Local residents expressed their shock and distress over the events, particularly given how close the apartment is to community offices. This incident highlights the difficult realities of domestic violence and raises awareness of its potential for tragic outcomes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and support systems within communities to address and prevent such situations.