1. Hudgins sentenced to 99 years for Hallsville teen’s murder

KILGORE (KYTX) – Testimony has begun in the homicide trial of Coby Hudgins, accused of fatally shooting a Hallsville teen at a Kilgore mobile home.

Hudgins faces up to 99 years or life in prison for killing 17-year-old Kayla Williams in October 2013, at a home on Mustang Drive in Kilgore. Prosecutor Chris Botto says Hudgins shot Williams between the eyes, then fired another shot between Williams’ body and another woman.

“We are inches away from capital murder,” Botto told jurors.

Hudgins opened the trial with a not guilty plea.

Defense attorney Daryll Bennett says Hudgins admits to recklessly shooting her, but he did not have criminal intent. He called it a reckless act that could’ve involved anyone’s child.

“Was this a stupid mistake, or did he intend to kill her?,” Bennett asked the jury. “You’ve got to find whether he intended to kill this girl. That’s the point.”

Bennett says Hudgins will testify in the trial, taking place in the 124th district court at the Gregg County courthouse.

Leah Anderson was the state’s first witness. She was the sister of Hudgins’ girlfriend and was with him that night. They later picked up Williams, who was her best friend, and they all returned from Longview to Hudgins’ house. She testified that they hung out for about 30-45 minutes before Hudgins revealed the gun. She says drinking and illegal drug use was involved.

About a half dozen friends and family of the victim stepped outside the courtroom, when prosecutors revealed crime scene photos to the jury.

Anderson testified that, at one point, he asked Williams if he wanted to see “his old lady,” who Prosecutors later learned was his nomenclature for his handgun.

Hudgins’ trial is expect to last into Thursday.