Texas judge is found dead from gunshot wound in courthouse
A judge in Corpus Christi, Texas, was discovered dead in his chambers Monday evening, the victim of a gunshot wound to the head.
Kii News and KRISTV.com say Judge Tom Greenwell, 57, died in an apparent suicide. Authorities wouldn’t tell the Corpus Christi Caller-Times whether foul play was suspected, but police weren’t looking for an active shooter late Monday. The Associated Press and United Press International have summaries of the Caller-Times story.
Courthouse visitors must pass through a metal detector, but judges with concealed carry permits are allowed to bring guns to work.
Greenwell was first elected in 2001 and was the first Republican to win a county-wide election in Nueces County. He won re-election in 2006 and 2010, but lost an appeals court race in 2012. He presided over the 319th District Court as well as a new Veterans Court in Nueces County.
Friends and associates described Greenwell as a caring, fair and dedicated judge who arrived early for work and stayed late. Neighbors are caring for the judge’s pet cat, Shadow. The neighbors told the Caller-Times that Greenwell had no family in the area.
