The Milam County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office issued a joint statement on Tuesday regarding a recent case that ended with a mistrial:
CAMERON, TX — Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore and Milam County District Attorney Brian Price issue the following statement regarding a recent mistrial in 20th District Court in the murder case against Colton Coufal.
As the elected officials serving the Milam County Sheriff’s Office and Milam County District Attorney’s Office, we understand that a mistrial raises questions and concerns within the communities we serve. We also believe it is important to be clear, accurate, and concise while maintaining judicial integrity.
First and mostly importantly, the case has not been dismissed. A mistrial simply ends the current trial. The charges remain pending, and we remain committed to pursuing justice for the victim in this case.
The mistrial arose because new evidence was discovered while the trial was ongoing. The new evidence had not been hidden, withheld, or mishandled. The District Judge presiding over the trial specifically found that no prosecutors or law enforcement officers had engaged in any kind of misconduct. The defense simply needed more time to be able to evaluate the evidence themselves, and the need for that delay resulted in declaring a mistrial.
Everyone is entitled to a thorough and fair trial in this country, and everyone involved wants to see justice done. In this case, the mistrial means the matter is expected to proceed to a new trial, tentatively scheduled for January. The mistrial does not mean the defendant is being released while the case is reset and our offices remain committed to pursuing justice in this case.
Ultimately, accountability begins at the top. As elected officials, we are responsible to the people we serve and for the actions of the offices entrusted to our leadership. While this mistrial represents a delay in the pursuit of justice, we remain committed to working together to ensure that this case proceeds and that a fair trial is completed. We will continue to fulfill our responsibilities and do everything within our authority to see justice carried out.