Denton Man Arrested for Fiancée's Murder, Evidence Tampering

Denton police have arrested William Joseph Oddo III on charges of murder and tampering with evidence after his fiancée, LaVera Wardell, was found deceased in their apartment on May 19. Officers responded to a welfare check at the 5200 block of Par Drive, where they discovered Wardell's body and later found evidence that Oddo purchased and used cleaning supplies to alter the crime scene. Oddo was apprehended at a motel in Mount Pleasant on June 2 on a warrant for tampering with evidence, and following an interview, an additional murder warrant was issued. He is currently held at the City of Denton Jail, with bond yet to be set. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet determined the cause or manner of Wardell's death. Authorities thanked the Mount Pleasant Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force for their assistance in Oddo's arrest.