BEAUMONT — Kelly Daws, who was convicted and sentenced to 12 years for criminal conspiracy this week, has filed an appeal.

Daws was found guilty Thursday of conspiring to have her estranged husband, Jerry Daws, then a Port Arthur police officer, murdered.

Jefferson County 252nd District Court Judge Raquel West heard the case, which began with jury selection Monday; testimony began Tuesday.

The jury deliberated a little over an hour before returning with a guilty verdict. Daws elected to let the court hand down punishment, which could have ranged from two to 20 years, and West sentenced her to 12 years.

The prosecutor in the case was Jimmy Hamm and Glen Crocker represented Daws.

 

The background

The case originated Dec. 22, 2016 when Jerry Daws answered a knock on the door at Willow Lakes Apartments, 2555 95^th St., Port Arthur. An assailant later identified as Joal Riley, then of Woodville, attacked Jerry Daws, an off-duty police officer, with what was described as a large hunting knife.

Daws was cut several times on his arms but escaped from his assailant. An affidavit said at the time the suspect told the victim he would have to kill him because he had seen his assailant’s face during the attack.

The victim was treated for his injuries at St. Elizabeth’s in Beaumont and remained there for one night.

The affidavit said Daws’ wife, identified as Kelly Daws, had said she was under stress because of her impending divorce and had talked with Riley, with whom she had a relationhip, about getting rid of her husband, according to archive information.

Kelly Daws was originally indicted for first-degree criminal conspiracy and first-degree solicitation. She was later re-indicted for second-degree criminal conspiracy and second-degree criminal solicitation.

In June 2018 Riley was sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with the case.