Trial of William Mitchell Hudson Begins
Hudson Accused of Six Murders in 2015
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
BRYAN – After nearly four weeks of jury selection, the trial of William Mitchell Hudson began earlier this week. Hudson stands accused of murdering six in November of 2015 outside of Tennessee Colony.
Because of the notoriety of the case, a change of venue was granted and because of this, the trial is being conducted in the 361st District Court with Judge Mark Calhoon presiding.
The six murders were combined into three counts of capital murder by Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell who is seeking the death penalty in this case.
The names and ages of the victims are as follows: Kade Johnson, 6; Carl Johnson, 76; Hannah John
son, 40; Austin Kamp, 21; Thomas Kamp, 46; and Nathan Kamp, 23.
In a 2015 press release, Mitchell stated, “Hudson was arrested for: (1) the death of Kade Johnson (age 6), a child under the age of 10; (2) the deaths of Karl age 76 and Hannah (age 40); and (3) the deaths of Thomas (age 46), Nathan (age 23) and Austin (age 21) Kamp. Preliminary autopsy reports reveal that, for all six individuals, the manner of death is homicide.”
The DA further stated, “There are no adequate words to truly describe this horrific and senseless act. Six members of two different, yet joined families are gone. Our hearts grieve for the Johnson and Kamp’s families and we will use all our resources to prosecute Hudson to the fullest extent of the law.”
The state is represented by Mitchell and Lisa Tanner, with the State Attorney
General’s Office. Hudson is represented by attorneys Steven Evans and Jeff Herrington.
Following the lengthy jury selection process, 14 people (12 jurors and two alternates) were chosen from a massive pool summoned to court for jury duty.
The first day of testimony involved Tanner walking the jurors through “… a night of terror” beginning on Nov. 14 and continuing through the early morning hours of Nov. 15. She added the brutality of the murders “… ought to live only in the mind of a Hollywood movie screen (writer).”
Hudson has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Attorneys from both the prosecution and defense have indicated they expect the trial to continue through most of November.
For more details of the continued legal proceedings, please check online at The Bryan / College Station Eagle at www.theeagle.com or in future editions of The Messenger.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
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