Gillespie to announce candidacy for district attorney

John Gillespie, former assistant district attorney for Wichita County, will formally announce Wednesday his candidacy for the head of that office.

John Gillespie, Wichita County assistant district attorney

Gillespie, who recently served as lead prosecutor in a child abuse case that resulted in a stepmother receiving a 45-year prison sentence, will announce he is running for Wichita County district attorney, an office held by Maureen Shelton.

The attorney will announce his candidacy on the front steps of the Wichita County Courthouse at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The press conference will be moved inside in the event of rain.

Gillespie notified the county of his pending departure and the parties mutually decided Monday, Nov. 13, would be his last day. 

"I am uniquely qualified to be DA," Gillespie stated in a press release Tuesday. "In my 16 years as prosecutor, I have successfully prosecuted murder, child torture and child sexual abuse cases.

"I am also board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which places me in an elite group. Fewer than 1 percent of attorneys are board specialized in criminal law."

Gillespie recently prosecuted 25-year-old Sara Anne Woody for child abuse. She was found guilty by a jury of causing serious mental injury to her two stepchildren and oldest daughter. She was also given 10 years on each of 13 third-degree felony counts of injury to a child.

"I fight for justice to protect kids and to put away predators," he stated. "My trial record proves I will lock up those who prey upon children and the vulnerable. I successfully prosecuted Sara Woody for child torture. I am passionate about justice."