White family statement

A brief statement from Judy White’s family showed sympathy Thursday for the families of Odessa’s slain police officers.

But, it didn’t reveal anything about what happened Saturday night at White’s home, where her husband is accused of fatally shooting three OPD officers.

White is married to Larry Neil White, who remains in Ector County Detention Center on capital murder and attempted capital murder charges.

Patricia Burke spoke for Judy White and her family next to a trickling fountain in Noel Heritage Park, a small downtown square mere blocks from the Odessa Police Department.

Burke introduced herself as Judy White’s out-of-town cousin and unfolded the five-sentence, handwritten statement in her hand.

“All we can say right now is that, all of us, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers,” she said. “We are still in shock over what happened Saturday.”

Visibly nervous and saddened, Burke began to cry after the second sentence. The sobbing didn’t end until she finished reading.

“We are fully cooperating with the law enforcements,” Burke continued. “And, we're trying to deal with this tragedy.

“We would appreciate any respect for our privacy that you can give.

“Thank you.”

Gathered media attempted to question Burke, seeking details of Larry White’s personality, but Burke deflected the questions without providing details.

“We may be able to offer further information later,” she said and then walked to a van that waited curbside for her.

The family notified media Wednesday evening it would issue the statement but would not answer any questions about the shootings or what led to the shootings.

Attempts to reach Judy White at her mother’s home as well as Judy White’s east Odessa business have been unsuccessful.

Texas Rangers Capt. Barry Caver said Thursday that investigators have talked with Judy White several times, and following the shooting they spoke with her brother, who was at the crime scene Saturday.

Caver didn’t provide any new information regarding the continuing investigation.

Corporals Arlie Jones Jr., John Scott Gardner and Abel Marquez arrived at the White home in the 2900 block of Ventura Avenue, following a 9-1-1 call regarding a domestic dispute about 6:35 p.m. Saturday.

All three were shot in the head with a 12-guage shotgun, investigators believe. Jones and Gardner died at the scene. Marquez died Wednesday at Lubbock’s University Medical Center, where he was taken Saturday evening.

One of Larry White’s charges of “attempted capital murder” was upgraded to “capital murder” Wednesday. An additional charge of “attempted capital murder” was filed Wednesday, based on evidence obtained during the continuing investigation, police said, adding that the charge is in relation gunfire at another officer during the incident.

>> A domestic dispute call Saturday in western Odessa ended with two OPD officers being shot to death, Cpl. Arlie Jones Jr. and Cp. John Scott Gardner. A third officer, Cpl. Abel Marquez, died Wednesday from injuries sustained in the shooting.

>> Funerals for Gardner and Jones took place Wednesday.

>> According to the Odessa Police Department, funeral services are pending for Marquez. Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said the Marquez family plans to make arrangements today.