Helen Alice Digby ONeal, 59, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and died on March 20, 2004, in Sachse, Texas. A teacher and missionary born April 20, 1944, in Guatemala, she taught at schools including Garland High School and Liberty Christian School and was active in her church choir and King’s Class. Several items of her jewelry were reported stolen after her death.

Her husband, William E. ONeal, Jr., was arrested and charged in connection with her murder. Prosecutors relied in part on testimony that ONeal had been involved in an affair with Carla York, who reported she had heard him express a desire for his wife to be killed and on recorded phone conversations in which he allegedly admitted the crime. Sachse detective sergeant Marvin Brown responded to the scene and testified about the gunshot wound and the attempted resuscitation.

Bail was initially set at two million dollars and later reduced by the trial court to $750,000. Memorials for Helen included a service at Scofield Memorial Church and donations toward a scholarship fund and a playground project in Guatemala.

If readers knew Helen or have information about her last days, please share what you remember.