SAN ANTONIO – The suspect charged in the ambush-style fatal shooting of a San Antonio police officer got married the day after the slaying, according to court documents obtained by KSAT 12 News.
Otis Tyrone McKane and Christian Chanel Fields obtained a license to marry and had the ceremony performed after the license was issued at 9:57 a.m. Monday, according to Bexar County Clerk records.
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Unless incarcerated or a member of active duty military, marriage licenses in Bexar County may only be obtained by appearing at the courthouse in person, presumably meaning McKane had to go through courthouse security Monday morning.
McKane shot Detective Benjamin Marconi late Sunday morning as he was sitting in his patrol car writing a traffic ticket, Chief William McManus said. McKane was arrested Monday afternoon.
The capital murder suspect and Fields got a waiver allowing them to marry within the 72-hour period in which marriage license applicants are normally required to wait to take part in a ceremony.
Judge Walden Shelton, who presides over County Court No. 9, signed off on the waiver that said, “There is good cause for the marriage to take place during the 72-hour period.” Shelton also performed the marriage ceremony.
According to the County Clerk’s Office, the reason for waiving the 72-hour period is heard by a judge, but that does not always mean documentation of that reasoning exists.
Asked whether the marriage would legally protect Fields from testifying against her husband in his trial, Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood said, "Conversations are potentially privileged if made while the individuals are married. Additionally, there is a privilege that prevents the state from calling a spouse to testify against another spouse. But it doesn't apply to any matter that occurred before the marriage."
LaHood said he is awaiting the case to be forwarded to his office before decided on whether to pursue the death penalty against McKane.
McKane Marriage License by David Ibanez on Scribd