BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jefferson County man whose gunfire outside the county courthouse in downtown Beaumont earlier this year killed a 79-year-old woman is now facing a capital murder charge.
Bartholomew Granger is accused of the March 14 death of Minnie Sebolt. He was set for trial later this month on nine felony charges. A grand jury Thursday elevated the charges to include capital murder.
Prosecutors say the 41-year-old Granger was trying to kill relatives in retaliation for testimony against him at his sexual assault trial. Sebolt was caught in the gunfire.
Assistant District Attorney Ed Shettle says the trial -- moved to Galveston -- now won't take place until next year. He says the death penalty isn't likely to be waived and prosecutors probably will let a jury decide punishment.
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