The man accused of murdering the pastor is no longer allowed to send letters to the court

Mytrez Woolen, the 25-year-old man accused of capital murder of Pastor Mark McWilliams during a 2021 shooting at a Texas church, has been ordered by the court to stop sending letters outlining his version of events that led to the pastor's death.

Prosecutors in Smith County said Friday that Woolen, who is awaiting trial scheduled for Sept. 16, sent several letters to the 7th District Court and the district attorney's office. Those communications prompted the state to request a crime scene reconstruction to rebut Woolen's testimony, as detailed by Assistant District Attorney Heath Chamness, CBS 19 reported.

Woolen's attorney, Jeff Haas, said the defense counsel had advised him not to contact the court or prosecutors directly. Judge Kerry Russell told Woolen that any letters he received through his attorneys could be viewed by prosecutors.

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In 2021, Woolen was charged following a deadly altercation at Starrville Methodist Church in Winona, where he fatally shot McWilliams and injured another church member, William “Mike” Sellars.

The tragic events began when Woolen escaped police after another incident involving a firearm and sought refuge in the church. Pastor McWilliams was preparing for Sunday service and confronted Woolen, who was armed, and demanded the pastor's car keys. A struggle ensued, during which Woolen disarmed and fatally shot McWilliams, then fled in a stolen pickup truck. He was arrested after the vehicle was disabled by ONSTAR on Interstate 20.

Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith had previously reported that Woolen was pursued by police the day before the shooting after brandishing a gun and fled into the woods, ending at the church where the fatal encounter took place.

Both Rosemary, the pastor's wife who was injured in the incident, and Sellars, who survived the shooting, provided statements confirming the series of violent events that led to the pastor's death.

“Our condolences go out to the victims and the families of those killed or injured in this terrible tragedy,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement at the time. “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who arrested the suspect and ask Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the victims of this horrific shooting. The State of Texas is working closely with first responders and local authorities to ensure justice is served and that the community of Starrville has the resources it needs during this time.”

Despite his actions, the state has decided not to seek the death penalty due to Woolen's diagnosed mental illness. His competency to stand trial was recently confirmed after treatment at Vernon State Hospital, allowing the case to proceed, according to KLTV.