Dateline: August 21, 2008

Hall Co. resident murdered

Memphis – Harold “Bud” Eric Hamm was officially charged with the first degree felony offense of murder Monday.

Ham, age 40, is accused of killing 48-year-old Darrel Wayne Randell, both long-time residents of Turkey, Texas, according to DPS Trooper Dan Hawthorne.

Hamm was magistrated by Justice of the Peace Cody Bell who set his bond at $500,000.

On Friday, August 15, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding a possible aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on the South West side of Turkey around 10:00 p.m.

“Hall County Deputy Sheriff Tom Heck responded to the call Friday night and is currently investigating the crime, along with Texas Rangers from the Texas DPS Ranger Division,” said Neel.

Upon arriving at the scene of the crime, Heck observed Randell’s body lying on the ground. Heck observed pools of blood around the head area of Randell, as well as the abdomen area.

Heck reported that Hamm was leaning on the driver side of his pickup and he was crying and appeared to be very upset.

Heck also stated that after Hamm was secured, Heck found a handgun on the ground approximately 30 yards east of where Hamm had been standing.

Witnesses of the shooting identified Hamm as the one who shot Randell.

Justice of the Peace Bell arrived at the scene and pronounced Randell dead.

“My condolences go out to the victim’s family members and friends, as well as the residents of Turkey who were affected by this offense.” said Luke Inman, 100th Judicial District Attorney.