Texas Man Arrested After Killing Fiancée, Keeping Body Over Week

William Joseph Oddo III, a Texas man, was arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence after he allegedly shot his fiancée, LaVera Wardell, in the head with a shotgun during an argument. Oddo claimed he acted in self-defense after Wardell charged at him with a knife and chose not to call authorities because he did not want to discuss the incident. After the shooting, Oddo reportedly cleaned the crime scene and stayed with Wardell's decomposing body for approximately three days, stating he wanted to "lay with" her. Police discovered Wardell's body following a welfare check prompted by a foul smell emanating from their shared apartment, with evidence showing attempts to mask the odor and clean blood from the scene. Oddo was not immediately arrested and was found later at a motel. The case includes a history of domestic calls to the residence, highlighting a troubled relationship prior to the fatal incident.