COPPELL, Texas – The 75-year-old man accused of murdering a Coppell woman has admitted to shooting and killing her.
According to the Denton County District Attorney’s office, Leroy Tellgren has pleaded guilty to murdering Kathleen Garza.
Garza’s family reported her missing in April. The 49-year-old mother and former teacher disappeared after having coffee with Tellgren, who was a friend.
Police arrested Tellgren shortly after Garza’s disappearance because they reportedly found her purse and blood in his truck .
Her remains were finally discovered near State Highway 121 and Fish Hatchery Road in October. Police said Tellgreen led them to the body.
The district attorney’s office said as part of a plea agreement he also admitted wanting a romantic relationship with Garza. He allegedly told her lies about owning property and several businesses.
When Garza questioned those lies and refused his advances, Tellgren shot her in the back of the head. He said he did not want anyone else to have her, the district attorney said.
Tellgren will be sentenced to 15 years in prison. Although he could be out of prison by the time he is 82-years-old, Garza’s family hope it will be a life sentence, the district attorney said.
Defense attorney Phillip Hayes said his client has expressed remorse for killing Garza.
“I don’t think a day has gone by that he hasn’t cried himself to sleep at night,” Hayes said.
Still, Garza’s family members had harsh words for him.
“He was a deceitful, split-tongued shadow of a man,” her daughter said. “The fiery depths of hell will call his name.”
Husband Rual Garza said he’s never known a more selfish individual.
“You’re not a man. You’re a shell of a human being,” he said.
