Photo: Courtesy Of Facebook
Keep clicking to learn shocking revelations about the love triangle exposed during the murder
trial of Frances Hall.
1. Frances and Bill Hall Jr. were married for 32 years when he died Oct. 10, 2013. Frances Hall was found guilty of running him off the road and causing his death. The courtroom was packed since day one, Aug. 31, with family and friends from both sides of the aisle, united in support of Frances Hall and against Bill Hall Jr.’s lover, Bonnie Contreras. This photo of Frances and Bill Hall Jr. was taken from Frances' Facebook page.
lessKeep clicking to learn shocking revelations about the love triangle exposed during the murder trial of Frances Hall.
1. Frances and Bill Hall Jr. were married for 32 years when he died Oct. 10, 2013. Frances
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2. Testimony revealed that Bonnie Contreras had “tormented” Frances Hall while she had an affair with her husband, called her names in text messages and sending her pictures of her naked buttocks. Contreras shared a photo of herself and Hall on her Facebook page.
less2. Testimony revealed that Bonnie Contreras had “tormented” Frances Hall while she had an affair with her husband, called her names in text messages and sending her pictures of her naked buttocks. Contreras
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3. Defense attorneys showed the jury a copy of a photograph
sent to Frances Hall via text that appears to be Contreras and Bill Hall Jr.
having sex.
3. Defense attorneys showed the jury a copy of a photograph sent to Frances Hall via text that appears to be Contreras and Bill Hall Jr. having sex.
Photo: Photos By Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News
4. Trial testimony revealed that over the course of their affair, Bill Hall Jr. rented a house for Contreras and bought her gifts including trips and a breast enhancement.
4. Trial testimony revealed that over the course of their affair, Bill Hall Jr. rented a house for Contreras and bought her gifts including trips and a breast enhancement.
Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
5. A voicemail left for Contreras by Dominique “Nikki”
Hall, the Halls’ daughter, the night Bill Hall Jr. died said: “Watch
your back, you f***ing stupid slut.”
5. A voicemail left for Contreras by Dominique “Nikki” Hall, the Halls’ daughter, the night Bill Hall Jr. died said: “Watch your back, you f***ing stupid slut.”
Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
6. Contreras testified that she hasn’t worked since she hooked up with Bill Hall Jr., and does not have a job today because she said her "baby" did not want her to work. Contreras shared this photo on Facebook.
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6. Contreras testified that she hasn’t worked since she hooked up with Bill Hall Jr., and does not have a job today because she said her "baby" did not want her to work. Contreras shared this photo on
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Photo: Facebook
7. During closing arguments, defense attorneys said seven days before Bill Hall Jr., died, Contreras sent Hall a naked picture with a text that said, “Look at this, you rotten, hollow b**ch.”
7. During closing arguments, defense attorneys said seven days before Bill Hall Jr., died, Contreras sent Hall a naked picture with a text that said, “Look at this, you rotten, hollow b**ch.”
Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
8. Contreras did not appear in court for Hall's verdict,
but was there for the punishment, and was surrounded by Bexar County District Attorney’s
Office investigators. As soon as the sentence was read, she was ushered quickly
out of court.
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8. Contreras did not appear in court for Hall's verdict, but was there for the punishment, and was surrounded by Bexar County District Attorney’s Office investigators. As soon as the sentence was read, she
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Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
9. Because of security concerns, at least 15 sheriff’s deputies were in court while the sentence was read.
9. Because of security concerns, at least 15 sheriff’s deputies were in court while the sentence was read.
Photo: William Luther, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
Bill Hall Jr. and his wife owned Bill Hall Jr. Trucking since 1989. A third-generation trucker, Hall built up the business to deliver road-building materials by more than 100 trucks. This photo appears on the Bill Hall Jr. Trucking company's official Facebook page.
lessBill Hall Jr. and his wife owned Bill Hall Jr. Trucking since 1989. A third-generation trucker, Hall built up the business to deliver road-building materials by more than 100 trucks. This photo appears on the
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On Oct. 10, 2013, Bill Hall Jr., his wife and Contreras became involved in a highway chase said to be brought on by a jealous rage, in which their vehicles reached speeds in excess of 70 mph on South Loop 1604.
On Oct. 10, 2013, Bill Hall Jr., his wife and Contreras became involved in a highway chase said to be brought on by a jealous rage, in which their vehicles reached speeds in excess of 70 mph on South Loop 1604.
Photo: Ron Cortes, Freelance / For The San Antonio Express-News
Contreras testified that Frances Hall rammed the Range Rover Contreras was driving, as they weaved in and out of traffic.
Contreras testified that Frances Hall rammed the Range Rover Contreras was driving, as they weaved in and out of traffic.
Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
During the course of the chase, Contreras said Frances Hall hit Bill Hall Jr. while he rode his motorcycle, knocking the man and his bike from the road. He later died at University Hospital.
During the course of the chase, Contreras said Frances Hall hit Bill Hall Jr. while he rode his motorcycle, knocking the man and his bike from the road. He later died at University Hospital.
Photo: Courtesy Photo
The trial began Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, and was heard in the 186th state District Court, presided by Judge Jefferson Moore. A jury found Hall guilty of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She was sentenced to serve two years in prison each for both charges.
lessThe trial began Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, and was heard in the 186th state District Court, presided by Judge Jefferson Moore. A jury found Hall guilty of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She
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Frances Hall looks to her family members in the gallery Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall looks to her family members in the gallery Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was
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Frances Hall talks to one of her lawyers Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall talks to one of her lawyers Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of
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Miranda Hall, 17, testifies during the sentencing phase of her aunt's, Frances Hall, murder trial in the Bexar County 186th Criminal District Court, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. Hall was convicted in the death of her husband, Bill Hall, Jr. in 2013.
lessMiranda Hall, 17, testifies during the sentencing phase of her aunt's, Frances Hall, murder trial in the Bexar County 186th Criminal District Court, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. Hall was convicted in the death of
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Cheri Hall Martinez, sister to Bill Hall testifies. The punishment phase begins for convicted killer Frances Hall, who was found guilty of murder in the death of her husband in 2013. Photos taken on Monday, September 12, 2016
lessCheri Hall Martinez, sister to Bill Hall testifies. The punishment phase begins for convicted killer Frances Hall, who was found guilty of murder in the death of her husband in 2013. Photos taken on Monday,
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Frances Hall, right, tries to acknowledge Cheri Hall Martinez, sister to Bill Hall after she testified in the punishment phase for convicted killer Frances Hall, who was found guilty of murder in the death of her husband in 2013. Photos taken on Monday, September 12, 2016
lessFrances Hall, right, tries to acknowledge Cheri Hall Martinez, sister to Bill Hall after she testified in the punishment phase for convicted killer Frances Hall, who was found guilty of murder in the death of
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Frances Hall is comforted by her lawyer Leigh Cutter, on right is lawyer Adam Cortez. The punishment phase begins for convicted killer Frances Hall, who was found guilty of murder in the death of her husband in 2013. Photos taken on Monday, September 12, 2016
lessFrances Hall is comforted by her lawyer Leigh Cutter, on right is lawyer Adam Cortez. The punishment phase begins for convicted killer Frances Hall, who was found guilty of murder in the death of her husband in
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Frances Hall testifies in the sentencing phase of her murder trial in the Bexar County 186th Criminal District Court, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. Hall was convicted in the death of her husband, Bill Hall, Jr. in 2013.
lessFrances Hall testifies in the sentencing phase of her murder trial in the Bexar County 186th Criminal District Court, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. Hall was convicted in the death of her husband, Bill Hall, Jr. in
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Hall leaves the court after being found guilty of murder in the death of her husband, Bill Hall Jr., who was killed in 2013.
Hall leaves the court after being found guilty of murder in the death of her husband, Bill Hall Jr., who was killed in 2013.
Photo: William Luther / San Antonio Express-News
Defense attorney Jean Brown (back to camera) comforts friends and family of defendant Frances Hall after the verdicts .
Defense attorney Jean Brown (back to camera) comforts friends and family of defendant Frances Hall after the verdicts .
Photo: Photos By William Luther / San Antonio Express-News
Justin Hall (center) is consoled after a jury convicted his mother, Frances Hall, of killing his father and her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall. She was accused of killing him by knocking his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac Escalade in 2013.
lessJustin Hall (center) is consoled after a jury convicted his mother, Frances Hall, of killing his father and her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall. She was accused of killing him by knocking his motorcycle off
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A picture of Bill and Frances Hall is projected on a screen Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 as prosecutors present their closing arguments in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial as Frances Hall, center, is comforted by her legal team. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessA picture of Bill and Frances Hall is projected on a screen Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 as prosecutors present their closing arguments in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial as Frances Hall,
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Frances Hall, center is comforted by her attorneys Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of of her murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall, center is comforted by her attorneys Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of of her murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in
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Prosecutor Scott Simpson presents his closing argument to the jury Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessProsecutor Scott Simpson presents his closing argument to the jury Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking
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Defense lawyer Adam Cortez presents his closing argument to the jury Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessDefense lawyer Adam Cortez presents his closing argument to the jury Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband,
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Prosecutor Stephanie Paulissen presents her closing argument to the jury Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessProsecutor Stephanie Paulissen presents her closing argument to the jury Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 in the punishment phase of Frances Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband,
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Frances Hall looks to her family members in the gallery Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall looks to her family members in the gallery Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was
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Frances Hall talks to one of her lawyers Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall talks to one of her lawyers Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 moments after the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations in the punishment phase of Hall's murder trial. Hall was convicted last week of
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People react Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 after Frances Hall is sentenced to 2 years in prison for the murder of her husband. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessPeople react Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 after Frances Hall is sentenced to 2 years in prison for the murder of her husband. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013
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Frances Hall, second from left, is hugged Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 by her legal team after a jury handed her a two year prison sentence for the murder of her husband. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall, second from left, is hugged Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 by her legal team after a jury handed her a two year prison sentence for the murder of her husband. Hall was convicted last week of killing her
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Justin, left, and sister Dominique Hall hug Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 after their mother Frances Hall was sentenced to 2 years in prison for the murder of her husband and Justin's and Dominique's father. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessJustin, left, and sister Dominique Hall hug Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 after their mother Frances Hall was sentenced to 2 years in prison for the murder of her husband and Justin's and Dominique's father. Hall
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Justin, left, and sister Dominique Hall hug Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 after their mother Frances Hall was sentenced to 2 years in prison for the murder of her husband and Justin's and Dominique's father. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessJustin, left, and sister Dominique Hall hug Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 after their mother Frances Hall was sentenced to 2 years in prison for the murder of her husband and Justin's and Dominique's father. Hall
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Bonnie Contreras, Bill Hall's mistress, enters the courtroom to hear the sentencing Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 for Frances Hall, Bill Hall's wife. who was convicted of murdering her husband. Hall was convicted last week of killing her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV while she was chasing Contreras.
lessBonnie Contreras, Bill Hall's mistress, enters the courtroom to hear the sentencing Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 for Frances Hall, Bill Hall's wife. who was convicted of murdering her husband. Hall was convicted
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Frances Hall looks Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 at her family in the courtroom gallery as she waits to hear her sentence from the jury that convicted her last week of murdering her husband, trucking tycoon Bill Hall, in 2013 by running his motorcycle off the road with her Cadillac SUV.
lessFrances Hall looks Thursday, Sept. 13, 2016 at her family in the courtroom gallery as she waits to hear her sentence from the jury that convicted her last week of murdering her husband, trucking tycoon Bill
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Convicted San Antonio widow gets lightest possible sentence for killing husband
Frances Hall, who killed her husband in 2013 by knocking his motorcycle off Loop 1604 South while chasing his lover in what authorities said was a jealous rage, was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison.
It was the lightest possible sentence after the jury agreed with defense lawyers that she acted under the influence of “sudden passion,” which reduced the punishment range for murder to that of a second-degree felony. Another two-year sentence for aggravated assault will be served concurrently and Hall, 53, will be eligible for parole in one year.
The assault conviction was for ramming her Cadillac Escalade into a Range Rover driven by Bonnie Contreras, who recently had called her to tell her she was having an affair with Bill Hall Jr., according to testimony. The jury had convicted her on Thursday.
When state District Judge Jefferson Moore read the sentence, the gallery erupted in gasps of relief. Relatives of both husband and wife had been civil with each other during the entire three-week trial.
“I’m grateful she is getting a lesser sentence,” said Justin Hall, the couple’s son, who attended the trial daily with his sister, Dominique “Nikki” Hall, to support their mother. “She’s our rock. She pulled everybody together. I don’t feel that she should be going to prison.”
Contreras also was in the courtroom to hear the sentence, escorted by armed investigators from the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. They whisked her out after it was read.
Contreras had testified that her affair with Bill Hall, 50, had lasted three years. Frances Hall, during the punishment phase of the trial, testified she was unaware of the relationship until Contreras phoned her to tell her — and weeks later, when she saw her husband on his motorcyle and Contreras driving the Hall couple’s Range Rover, she made a U-turn to follow and confront Contreras.
Frances Hall told the jury Monday she never hit the Range Rover. Bill Hall ended up riding next to her on the shoulder, and she was forced to brake, felt her vehicle shake and saw her right rear window was broken but didn’t realize at first that Bill Hall had tumbled to a fatal injury as she kept driving, she said.
Defense attorney Adam Cortez argued that Frances Hall is a loving person driven to that moment on the highway by Contreras, who had “tormented” her. It was “something she did that you wouldn't expect from a woman who has no criminal history,” Cortez said.
In her closing arguments, another defense attorney, Leigh Cutter, said Contreras had called Frances Hall to tell her about the affair because she was mad at Bill Hall for not giving her money for a manicure.
But prosecutor Stephanie Paulissen pointed to Frances Hall’s own statement from the stand Monday: “Nobody could have him because he was mine.”
Read the full story at ExpressNews.com or in Wednesday’s Express-News.
ezavala@express-news.net
Twitter: @elizabeth2863