A former Kyle resident was convicted of murdering his estranged girlfriend and was sentenced to life in prison by a jury.
James Craig Keen, 52, was found guilty of murdering Erin Wright, 39, on March 26, 2016 in Kyle during a trial presided by 428th Judicial District Judge Bill Henry, which took place from Sept. 23, through Oct. 2 and included a weekend recess. The jury returned the guilty verdict on Oct. 1 and the jury assessed punishment of life in prison and a $10,000 fine — the maximum sentence for the charge.
“This trial is another reminder — especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month — that the escalating cycle of domestic violence can and too often does culminate in murder,” Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau said. “This jury’s verdict and resounding life sentence echo my own feelings: domestic abusers have no place in our society. Ms. Wright’s family, having endured this painful journey — which for them will never be over — remain living reminders of the heart-rending toll domestic violence leaves not only on its victims, but on everyone around them.”
