The trial of a man accused of killing woman Tyler is entering its fourth day

TYLER, Texas – The trial of a Tatum man accused of killing a Tyler woman who disappeared in April 2023 entered its fourth day Friday.

The trial of Jesse Lee Williams, who is charged with murder in the death of 51-year-old Paula Belonga, began Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Williams was arrested after officers obtained evidence that allegedly pointed to his involvement in Belonga's disappearance last year. Belonga was last seen on April 7, 2023, leaving her Paluxy Drive apartment complex in her Chevrolet Impala. Nothing has been heard from her since then.

John Stone, a special agent with the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, executed the search warrant on Belonga's residence and seized various items from her home, including a toothbrush and a fitted sheet. Stone also took photos throughout the apartment that could be relevant to the investigation.