Galveston TX: Ex-Convict Jailed in Woman's Murder

GALVESTON, Texas -- Galveston police have arrested an ex-convict with a violent background for the murder of a 47-year old Galveston woman.

Officers were sent to 3414 Avenue N-1/2 Friday after Sherry Denice Williams was found stabbed to death inside her apartment by a concerned friend who went to check on her.

Based on witness information, and previous police reports, homicide detective Fred Paige was able to develop information which lead to the arrest of Anthony Earls, 49 years old. It appeared the dead woman was a victim of family violence, and Family Violence Detective Christlyn Palmer found that the victim had filed an emergency protective order against the Earls, said Homicide Lt. D.J. Alvarez.

Investigators continued locating, and interviewing witnesses, and based on the evidence gathered, Justice of the Peace Jim Schweitzer issued a warrant charging the ex-convict with Murder.

The Galveston Police Department Investigative and Operations Bureau, Galveston County Precinct 2 Constable. Galveston County District Attorney's Office, and the Galveston County Medical Examiners Office worked jointly to bring about the arrest of Earls. He is being held in the Galveston County Jail without bond.

Earls has been known to local police since the early 1990's. Known as "Sweet-Meat" on the streets of Galveston, Earls has been convicted more than once on assault charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, family violence assaults, and assaults causing bodily injury. He has convicttions for drug possession in a drug free zone, terroristic threats and has served time in the Texas prison system for violent offenses