Athens Review, Athens, Texas

Breaking News

Local News

Discussion

January 27, 2009

Relative: Suspect has ‘mental’ problems

Bond set at $500,000 for woman accused of killing Koresh mom

By Rich Flowers News Editor

CHANDLER — A woman charged in the stabbing death of her sister last Friday has a long history of mental illness, a family member told the Review Monday.

Hollie Helrigel, the niece of Beverly Clark and Bonnie Haldeman, said she lived near both aunts on Farm-to-Market Road 3079. Clark is accused of stabbing and killing Haldeman, 64, last week.

Haldeman is the mother of David Koresh, the infamous self-proclaimed leader of the Branch Davidian sect. Koresh, along with many of his followers, died in a fire during a standoff with federal agents on April 19, 1993. Seventy-five people died that day.

Helrigel said she remembers Haldeman often coming to the aid of Clark, her sister. Haldeman had reportedly gone to Clark’s residence Friday to take her to the doctor on the afternoon of her death.

“Beverly had suffered from mental illness since she was in her late teens,“ Helrigel said. “She was sick. Like so many other times, Bonnie was trying to get her to where she needed to be to get the help she needed to get her back on track.”

Clark, 54, remained in the Henderson County Jail Monday, with bond on the murder charge set at $500,000.

Helrigel said Haldeman should be remembered for more than the Koresh connection.

“She had gotten past all that and was moving on with her life,” Helrigel said. “This incident doesn’t have anything to do with what happened in Waco. I think they need to let them rest in peace.”

Haldeman was working as a pediatric licensed vocational nurse at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler at the time of her death, Helrigel said.

“She was a very caring, loving person,” Helrigel said. “She was always trying to help somebody and was especially close to her four-year-old granddaughter.”

Bonnie had recently started attending the Chandler Seventh Day Adventist Fellowship, Helrigel said.

“She was a very spiritual person. She knew who God was.”

Helrigel said her aunt Bonnie had two especially close friends who she stayed in contact with and had talked with one by phone shortly before her death.

“She was loved by many. She doesn’t deserve all the things written about who she was related to. She needs to be remembered for who she was,” Helrigel said.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Department released no new information regarding Haldeman’s death Monday.

Attempts to reach lead investigator Wick Gabbard were unsuccessful.

Text Only
Local News
  • DSC_0043.JPG Slide Show- Old Fiddlers Reunion The Fiddlers Reunion is in full swing around the Athens Courthouse. Final winners and street dance Friday night. Photos by Kathi Nailling

    May 25, 2012

  • Fiddler's1.JPG Fiddlers firing up

    You can get on out of that bed now, and get yourselves down to the courthouse square.
    The fiddlers are firing up, and they'll be going until the clock strikes 12 with the street dance, as the 81st Annual Old Fiddlers Reunion gets into high gear.

    May 24, 2012 2 Photos

  • Rachaelle Browning.jpg Valedictorian & Salutatorian

    The Athens High School Valedictorian of 2012 is Rachaelle Browning. She is the daughter of Wes and Jan Browning. Rachaelle will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2012 and plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
    Rachaelle has participated in various extracurricular activities throughout high school in preparation for a career in engineering.

    May 24, 2012 2 Photos

  • At the start.JPG 3rd annual Hornet Fun Run continues through today

    Fourth graders participated Thursday in the 3rd Annual Hornet Fun Run at the Cain Center.  Above is the beginning, when the children would run one mile.  At left, Isaac Garcia is shown taking overall first place.  Second place honors for boys went to Armondo Garcia, and Third place Case Friedrich.  Girls first place was Taylor Stiles, second place Veronica Campa and third place honors went to Semia Brazier. See those that placed, both boys and girls, on Page 14. The fifth grade will run today.

    May 24, 2012 4 Photos

  • Witnesses aid in suspects’ capture

    Timing is everything, and one would-be burglar apparently didn't have it during a burglary at a home on North Murchison Street near Athens.
    Witnesses saw the burglary as it was happening, and one homeowner, Billy Stewart, fired three rounds at the burglar, as he was driving off his property with a stolen yellow 4-wheeler.

    May 24, 2012

  • Ariel Reeder.JPG Valedictorian & Salutatorian

    Ariel Reeder and Sam Harrell have been chosen respectively as Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Athens Christian Preparatory Academy.  More will be announced from other area schools in future issues.

    May 23, 2012 2 Photos

  • Mayor.JPG GBC mayor official after vote canvassing

    GUN BARREL  CITY — It's official now.
    There's a new mayor in Gun Barrel City, thanks to the canvassing of votes at Tuesday night's regularly-scheduled city council meeting.

    May 23, 2012 1 Photo

  • VocalTrashinKaufman (3).JPG Recycled art gets attention

    Last Saturday, the Lost Treasures Found Art Event, held in the Kaufman Town Square,  gave people a chance to see real examples of exactly how items we might typically throw out, could be used in a new way or recycled into art that could be treasured for a lifetime instead.
     

    May 23, 2012 1 Photo

  • Alexis #2.JPG Dogs waiting for homes


    The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is proud to spotlight four dogs and  one puppy this week in their never ending quest to find “furrever” homes for pets.
     Alexis is a  one and half year old white female small husky/Spitz mix. She is spayed, housebroken and good with kids but needs to be the only dog, or time to adjust to other dogs. Alexis was at the shelter for 3 months and is now in a foster home, waiting for her new family. She is very playful, loves her squeaky toys and has a lot of energy. 

    May 23, 2012 1 Photo

  • DSC_0030.JPG SLIDE SHOW -Cedar Creek Women's Club fashion show Bealls Department Store in Gun Barrel City held a fashion show for the women who attended the monthly luncheon at Cedar Creek Country Club.

    May 23, 2012