Take a look at the news in and around Odessa on Wednesday, June 13. Find complete local news coverage in the Odessa American every day, online at oaoa.com and our daily E-Edition at myoaoa.com.
1. Gabe McDonald pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of murder in the 2016 shooting deaths of his adoptive parents, after reaching a deal with prosecutors that offered a maximum 50-year prison term, avoiding a capital murder conviction that would have carried a life sentence.
2. Judges, attorneys and Ector County residents filled in the aisles of the 161st District Court Tuesday morning as Missi Walden was sworn in as Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace.
3. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed new Ector County Judge Debi Hays to the Commission on State Emergency Communications for terms through to 2023.
4. Budget priorities for a tax ratification election and options for Ector County Independent School District’s overcrowded high schools were discussed at a Bond Advisory Committee meeting.
5. Modifications to the charter performance contract with Ector Success Academy Network and asking the human resources department to prepare a form to send to superintendent search firms were approved by the Ector County Independent School District Board of Trustees.
6. BONUS: IN SPORTS: Odessa boxer Joey Alday Jr. will step back into the ring against Donnie Marshall on July 20 at the WinnaVegas Casino & Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
