Family speakers accuse local agencies of obstructing probe into woman’s death

Family members used the meeting’s public-comment period to press the county for help after what they say was a suspicious death. Catherine Hatcher told the commissioners she believed her daughter did not commit suicide and that authorities were withholding records and evidence. “I feel like that, we haven't been treated justly…They're still holding all the records,” Hatcher said, and asked the court to help secure an investigation and release of evidence.

Carl Hatcher, who identified himself as a long-term family member of the deceased, said the family will keep pushing for answers. “We're not gonna give up. And if we have to go the hardest way, we will,” he said.

Wayne Delfino also spoke during public comment, alleging a cover-up and asking the commissioners to vote to turn over records. Delfino criticized local investigators and said the family had been repeatedly rebuffed; his remarks were curtailed by the judge after he used profanity.

County officials did not announce any follow-up action at the meeting. The chair reminded speakers that public comment items on the agenda cannot be debated from the bench and stated the court cannot comment on items not listed on the agenda.

The commissioners’ court handles county-level administrative and budget matters and does not, by itself, control criminal investigations handled by law enforcement and prosecutorial offices. Family speakers named specific concerns about withheld records, photos and phone data; they said they had contacted the district attorney and Texas Rangers. The court did not vote to reopen or reassign the investigation at the March 24 meeting.

The next procedural step for citizens seeking action on an apparent criminal matter is typically to work directly with law-enforcement agencies or the district attorney; the court’s duty in such cases is limited to oversight of county departments and budgets.