Trial Dates in Melson Case Reset
Mobley Scheduled for August; Henderson Scheduled for September
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – The trials of two men arrested in connection with the 2015 death of a Grapeland woman, Vanessa Melson, were reset on Monday, July 17 in the 349th District Court.
Robert David Mobley, Jr., 41, was brought before the court in shackles for a status hearing on the crime of aggravated kidnapping at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Monday and had his final pre-trial date set for Aug. 21. A jury trial is scheduled to begin the following day on Aug. 22.
James Eddie Henderson, 37, also allegedly involved in the death of Vanessa Melson had a court appearance on Monday, as well. Henderson was indicted for aggravated kidnapping and his final pre-trial was scheduled for Monday, with a jury trial set to begin on Tuesday, July 18.
Henderson’s final pre-trial was pushed back until Sept. 18 and his trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 19.
Henderson and Mobley were both indicted on charges of aggravated kidnapping – alleged to have occurred on June 17, 2015 – and directly connected to the murder of Melson.
During a July 7, 2015 press conference, Houston County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gary “G.P.” Shearer said a body matching Melson’s description was found the previous day. While the cause of death was not known, Shearer classified Melson’s death as a homicide.
The story of Melson’s murder has been described at length by this newspaper, as well may other media outlets. In statements given by Henderson – and his then girlfriend 37-year-old Brenna Theurer – after being arrested, it was revealed the 29-year-old mother of three was repeatedly injected with methamphetamine and beaten until she was dead.
According to the statements from both Henderson and Theurer, Melson was murdered because Mobley believed Melson was an informant for law enforcement officials.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
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