Tanya Eiserer
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@wfaa Investigative reporter. Truth-digger. Episcopalian. Single mom. Telling hard stories with heart—and holding power accountable. Email: teiserer@wfaa.com.
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Articles by Tanya Eiserer
'You took away a part of me': Brother remembers man who died in Regla Becquer boarding home
Chris Devendorf wore green for a reason. It was his brother Kelly Pankratz's favorite color. Kelly loved landscaping and horticulture. When he was younger, he even operated a landscaping business called Kelly Green. Kelly was more than a victim in a criminal case. He was a man who loved animals, music and classic cars. He had once been a drum major in his high school marching band. Devendorf remembers him as a gentle soul who cared deeply about others.
North Texas events offer gift cards for guns that will be turned into garden tools
DALLAS — A metroplex group focused on firearm safety is offering gift cards of up to $200 to people who turn in firearms this weekend as part of an effort to reduce gun violence. Firearm Safe Disposal events will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, 3203 Holmes Street, and on Sunday from 2 p.m, to 5 p.m. in Fort Worth at New Mount Rose Baptist Church, 2864 Mississippi Ave.
"The numbers don't lie": Investors sue over millions poured into Baker Hotel restoration
They shared a dream of bringing one of North Texas' most iconic hotels back to life. For decades, the historic Baker Hotel stood boarded up in downtown Mineral Wells, a reminder of a time when tourists and celebrities flocked to the city for its famous mineral waters. The effort to restore the hotel brought together investors who believed they could help revive the landmark — and the community around it.
"The numbers don't lie": Investors sue over millions poured into Baker Hotel restoration
MINERAL WELLS, Texas — They shared a dream of bringing one of North Texas' most iconic hotels back to life. For decades, the historic Baker Hotel stood boarded up in downtown Mineral Wells, a reminder of a time when tourists and celebrities flocked to the city for its famous mineral waters. The effort to restore the hotel brought together investors who believed they could help revive the landmark — and the community around it. This story continues below.
Amber Guyger's attorney says she's been remorseful while in prison, has life planned on parole
Amber Guyger's attorney says the former Dallas police officer has a job and a place to live lined up as she prepares to leave prison after being approved for parole. Robert Rogers, who represented Guyger during her 2019 murder trial, said he visited her in prison a few weeks ago, after she had met with a representative of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. “We're very relieved. It's been a long seven years,” Rogers said.
Amber Guyger's attorney says she's been remorseful while in prison, has life planned on parole Original
DALLAS — Amber Guyger’s attorney says the former Dallas police officer has a job and a place to live lined up as she prepares to leave prison after being approved for parole. Robert Rogers, who represented Guyger during her 2019 murder trial, said he visited her in prison a few weeks ago, after she had met with a representative of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. “We’re very relieved. It’s been a long seven years,” Rogers said.
‘They just see dollar signs and beds’: Boarding home operator accused of exploiting elderly woman.
GARLAND, Texas — A North Texas boarding home operator is accused of using an elderly woman’s power of attorney as part of a scheme that cost the woman her longtime Garland home. But a WFAA investigation found the operator, Donella Locke, had been on the radar of Texas regulators for years before federal authorities charged her. This story continues below.
Truck driver charged with manslaughter after Mesquite police say he backed down I-635 ramp before deadly crash
MESQUITE, Texas — A New York truck driver has been charged with manslaughter after Mesquite police say video recovered from his semi shows him backing down an interstate ramp before being hit from behind by an SUV on Friday. The SUV became wedged underneath the trailer and was dragged a short distance, according to an arrest affidavit. This story continues below. More in Crime The SUV’s driver, Lisa Maldonado, later died at a hospital.
Jury hands down guilty verdict in Kewon White trial, first to face conviction in death of Dallas rapper MO3
DALLAS — A jury has found Kewon White guilty of capital murder in the 2020 killing of Dallas rapper MO3, whose legal name was Melvin Noble. White was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is the first person to stand trial in connection with Noble’s fatal ambush shooting on Interstate 35E. This story continues below. More in Crime Prosecutors allege that White was hired by Markies Conway to murder Noble.
Jury hands down guilty verdict in Kewon White trial, first to face conviction in death of Dallas rapper MO3 Original
DALLAS — The jury has reached a verdict in the first case to be tried in the case involving Dallas rapper MO3's murder in 2020, when Melvin Noble was killed in an ambush shooting on Interstate 35E. The first man to be tried was Kewon White, who allegedly was hired by Markies Conway to murder Noble. Conway is another rapper, known as Yella Beezy, who allegedly was embroiled in a feud with MO3. This story continues below. More in Crime On Friday, Sept.
Jury deliberating in Kewon White capital murder trial in MO3 killing
DALLAS — A Dallas County jury is deliberating in the capital murder trial of Kewon White, accused of being paid to gun down Dallas rapper MO3 on Interstate 35E in 2020. After two weeks of testimony, the case went to jurors Friday following closing arguments that centered largely on one question: Did prosecutors prove White killed MO3 for payment or the promise of it? This story continues below. More in Crime The defense did not dispute that prosecutors presented extensive evidence of a murder.
Jury deliberating in Kewon White capital murder trial in MO3 killing
A Dallas County jury is deliberating in the capital murder trial of Kewon White, accused of being paid to gun down Dallas rapper MO3 on Interstate 35E in 2020. After two weeks of testimony, the case went to jurors Friday following closing arguments that centered largely on one question: Did prosecutors prove White killed MO3 for payment or the promise of it? The defense did not dispute that prosecutors presented extensive evidence of a murder.
83-year-old at center of two-state guardianship battle can stay in Colorado — and may not have to return to Dallas Original
DALLAS — Peggy Hill will get to stay in Colorado — at least until further notice. A Dallas County probate judge issued an order Wednesday allowing the 83-year-old retired real estate agent to remain in Colorado to undergo brain surgery next month and recuperate there afterward. Hill, who has dementia, is under a court-ordered guardianship.
'She clearly doesn’t want to come': Judge weighs where 83-year-old Peggy Hill will live in guardianship battle spanning two states
DALLAS — Peggy Hill said she wasn’t coming back to Dallas. And she didn’t. She stayed 850 miles away in Colorado. WFAA told Peggy Hill's story of being diagnosed with dementia, how she lost the ability to make her own decisions when a court appointed her a guardian, and how she wants to live in Colorado and not Dallas. This story continues below.
‘Why won’t they leave me alone?’: 83-year-old retired real estate agent fights order to return to Dallas from Colorado Original
DALLAS — Margaret "Peggy" Hill says she knows exactly where she wants to live: Fort Collins, Colorado, with her son, daughter-in-law and their three sons. "I get up in the morning and think I've already died and gone to heaven living here," Hill said. But a Dallas County probate court says the 83-year-old can't stay. She must return to Dallas. "I don't want to leave,” Hill told WFAA. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cry.
Judge keeps most rap music out of Yella Beezy's capital murder trial Original
DALLAS — A Dallas judge has significantly narrowed the evidence prosecutors will be allowed to present when Dallas rapper Markies Conway, better known as Yella Beezy, stands trial on a capital murder charge. This story continues below. More in Local District Judge Chika Anyiam also ruled that jurors will not hear evidence about several prior shootings and killings prosecutors argued were connected to the case, finding those alleged extraneous offenses cannot be presented at trial.
'This is movie stuff' | How a Dallas mom says leaders of a nonprofit tried to take her baby
DALLAS — Editor’s note: WFAA repeatedly reached out to the leaders of Reflection Ministries, including traveling to Midland to try to talk to them. Both declined to answer questions. On a recent day inside a Dallas courtroom, there were baby gifts, balloons and a small celebration. For DeAmber Brown, it was a moment she wasn’t sure she’d ever see — holding her baby again after months of separation, court fights and weeks in jail. “I’m just happy to have my baby back,” Brown said.
'That's not our avenue': Anti-trafficking rescuers say they refused to help Reflection Ministries get a Dallas mom's baby
Got a tip? Email us at investigates@wfaa.com When Thomas Gentile answered the phone on May 13, he thought it was going to be like other calls he was used to getting at all hours of the night. A child was in trouble and needed rescuing. This story continues below. More in Local Gentile is a professional martial arts fighter and part of a network of people who rescue children and women from human traffickers. Most recently, he was part of a group that rescued a 12-year-old boy in Oklahoma.
Judge orders alleged Mo3 shooter tried before Yella Beezy in murder case Original
DALLAS — A Dallas judge has ruled that the man accused of fatally shooting rapper Melvin Noble will be the first of four defendants to stand trial in the case. Kewon Dontrell White's trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 24, despite objections from his attorneys, who argued that fellow defendant Markies Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy, should be tried first.
'This is movie stuff' | How a Dallas mom says leaders of a Midland nonprofit tried to take her baby
DALLAS — Editor’s note: WFAA repeatedly reached out to the leaders of Reflection Ministries, including traveling to Midland to try to talk to them. Both declined to answer questions. On a recent day inside a Dallas courtroom, there were baby gifts, balloons and a small celebration. For DeAmber Brown, it was a moment she wasn’t sure she’d ever see — holding her baby again after months of separation, court fights and weeks in jail. “I’m just happy to have my baby back,” Brown said.
'This is movie stuff' | How a Dallas mom says leaders of a nonprofit tried to take her baby
DALLAS — Editor’s note: WFAA repeatedly reached out to the leaders of Reflection Ministries, including traveling to Midland to try to talk to them. Both declined to answer questions. On a recent day inside a Dallas courtroom, there were baby gifts, balloons and a small celebration. For DeAmber Brown, it was a moment she wasn’t sure she’d ever see — holding her baby again after months of separation, court fights and weeks in jail. “I’m just happy to have my baby back,” Brown said.
Rap lyrics, shootings and social media at center of Yella Beezy court fight Original
DALLAS — A Dallas judge has yet to decide whether jurors in the upcoming capital murder trial of rapper Yella Beezy will hear rap lyrics, social media posts and evidence about a years-long feud prosecutors say led to the killing of fellow Dallas rapper Mo3. Markies Conway, who performs as Yella Beezy, was in court Tuesday as attorneys made their final arguments over what evidence jurors should be allowed to hear. This story continues below.
Dallas detective details alleged feud between Yella Beezy and Mo3 in rap lyrics hearing Original
DALLAS — Prosecutors spent Friday tracing what they say was a years-long feud between Dallas rappers Yella Beezy and Mo3 — one they argue unfolded not only on the streets but through rap songs, Instagram Live videos and public interviews before ending in Mo3's 2020 killing.
Expert warns jurors may misinterpret rapper Yella Beezy's lyrics as confessions in murder trial of Mo3
DALLAS — A nationally recognized expert on rap music testified Thursday that jurors could wrongly interpret rap lyrics as literal confessions if prosecutors are allowed to use them during the upcoming capital murder trial of Dallas rapper Yella Beezy. Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, is charged with capital murder in connection with the 2020 shooting death of fellow Dallas rapper Melvin Noble, who performed as Mo3. Prosecutors allege Conway orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot.
Federal officials respond to inquiry on trucking fraud and safety enforcement
DALLAS — Federal trucking regulators say they are stepping up efforts to identify trucking companies that evade oversight by shutting down and reopening under new names, a tactic known in the industry as “reincarnation” or “chameleon carrier” fraud. The response from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration came in a June 3 letter to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley after Grassley demanded answers about fraud, safety enforcement and licensing issues in the trucking industry.
Guilty plea ends criminal case in deadly I-20 pileup that killed five
KAUFMAN, Texas — The truck driver accused in a deadly 2025 crash on Interstate 20 in Kaufman County that killed five people has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni entered the plea in Kaufman County court, resolving a case that drew statewide attention after investigators said he fell asleep behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler and slammed into stopped traffic near Terrell.
Truck driver gets 20 years in deadly I-20 pileup that killed 5, including East Texas man
Follow Truck driver gets 20 years in deadly I-20 pileup that killed 5, including East Texas man Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Truck driver pleads guilty and is sentenced to 20 years in prison for deadly 2025 crash on Interstate 20 in Kaufman County.
'It didn’t have to be that way': Texas families confront truck driver sentenced in deadly I-20 crash
More than a year after a crash that shattered multiple families, they came face to face with the man responsible. In a Kaufman County courtroom Thursday, victims' families saw Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni for the first time since the deadly Interstate 20 crash near Terrell. He pleaded guilty to five counts of manslaughter and four counts of aggravated assault. District Judge Casey Blair sentenced him to 20 years in prison. But for the families, the guilty plea was only part of the day.
Supreme Court shakes up troubled North Texas 1997 capital murder case
COOKE COUNTY, Texas — The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered Texas’ highest criminal court to reconsider its decision denying Michael Jerome Newberry a new trial in a 1997 Cooke County capital murder case. A WFAA investigation previously detailed Newberry’s case, including allegations that prosecutors withheld key evidence and questions about whether he received a fair trial.
'This is a massive win for truck safety': Supreme Court opens door to lawsuits against freight brokers
The Supreme Court ruled that freight brokers can be sued for hiring unsafe trucking companies in deadly crash cases. DALLAS — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that freight brokers accused of hiring unsafe trucking companies can be sued after deadly crashes, a decision that could reshape accountability across the trucking industry.
'This is a massive win for truck safety': Supreme Court opens door to lawsuits against freight brokers
DALLAS — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that freight brokers accused of hiring unsafe trucking companies can be sued after deadly crashes, a decision that could reshape accountability across the trucking industry. The ruling comes one day after WFAA aired an investigation examining the high-stakes case and what it could mean for families pursuing claims after catastrophic semi-truck crashes. In Montgomery v.
'This is a massive win for truck safety': Supreme Court opens door to lawsuits against freight brokers
WFAA-TV The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that freight brokers accused of hiring unsafe trucking companies can be sued after deadly crashes, a decision that could reshape accountability across the trucking industry. The ruling comes one day after WFAA aired an investigation examining the high-stakes case and what it could mean for families pursuing claims after catastrophic semi-truck crashes. In Montgomery v.
'They’re the ones who put that truck on the road.' | Supreme Court weighs broker liability in deadly crashes Original
DALLAS — A case before the U.S. Supreme Court could redefine who is held responsible when deadly truck crashes happen, and whether companies that arrange shipments can be sued for the choices they make. At issue in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport is the role of freight brokers, the companies that connect shippers with trucking carriers. The court is weighing whether those brokers can be held liable in state courts for selecting unsafe carriers involved in crashes.
Meet the mayor of a tiny Texas town who wants to limit how cities can govern
His town has embraced small government ideals but struggles to provide basic services and has no sewer system By Tanya Eiserer - Jason Trahan, WFAA Texas flag (DIGITALproshots/Getty Images) This article originally appeared on ProPublica. In February, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit accusing Dallas officials of failing to adequately fund the city’s police department and violating a voter-approved measure requiring it to hire up to 900 new officers.
AG Ken Paxton targets trucking schools in statewide investigation; Garland trucking school owner says, 'I don't understand why we would be targeted' Original
GARLAND, Texas — The first sign Zach Delgado had that his Garland trucking school was under state investigation wasn’t a call or letter from regulators. It was a wave of emails from reporters. Delgado, who runs Fast Track CDL, said he had no prior contact with investigators before the Texas Attorney General’s Office publicly named his school in a statewide crackdown on commercial driver’s license training programs.
After WFAA investigation, arrest made in case of dementia victim who lost home Original
ARLINGTON, Texas — A woman accused of exploiting an elderly Arlington woman with dementia and taking control of her home — which was later foreclosed on and sold — has been arrested in Florida, police said, in a case first highlighted by a WFAA investigation. Ireka Hamilton, 44, was taken into custody April 26 by police in Hollywood, Florida, according to Arlington police. She is being held in the Broward County Jail awaiting extradition to Tarrant County.
Meet the mayor of a tiny Texas town who wants to limit how cities can govern Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . This article is co-published with WFAA and ProPublica as part of an initiative to report on how power is wielded in Texas. In February, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit accusing Dallas officials of failing to adequately fund the city’s police department and violating a voter-approved measure requiring it to hire up to 900 new officers.
'Death is different:' Trial to start for delivery driver accused of killing 7-year-old Athena Strand
FORT WORTH, Texas — Prosecutors are asking jurors to sentence Tanner Horner to death in the killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand, a case that shocked North Texas more than three years ago. Horner’s trial begins Tuesday in Tarrant County after presiding Judge George Gallagher moved the case from Wise County, citing concerns he could not receive a fair trial there. A gag order remains in place, preventing attorneys from speaking publicly.
'Death is different:' Trial to start for delivery driver accused of killing 7-year-old Athena Strand
FORT WORTH, Texas — Prosecutors are asking jurors to sentence Tanner Horner to death in the killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand, a case that shocked North Texas more than three years ago. Horner’s trial begins Tuesday in Tarrant County after presiding Judge George Gallagher moved the case from Wise County, citing concerns he could not receive a fair trial there. A gag order remains in place, preventing attorneys from speaking publicly.
'Death is different:' Trial to start for delivery driver accused of killing 7-year-old Athena Strand
FORT WORTH, Texas — Prosecutors are asking jurors to sentence Tanner Horner to death in the killing of 7-year-old Athena Strand, a case that shocked North Texas more than three years ago. Horner’s trial begins Tuesday in Tarrant County after presiding Judge George Gallagher moved the case from Wise County, citing concerns he could not receive a fair trial there. A gag order remains in place, preventing attorneys from speaking publicly.
WFAA analysis shows federal trucking safety enforcement dropped 84% in 2025 — 'a dereliction of duty,' advocates say
DALLAS — Even as the Trump administration has been promising a crackdown on unsafe trucking companies following high-profile deadly crashes, federal regulators sharply reduced enforcement actions against motor carriers in 2025, according to a WFAA analysis of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data. The FMCSA closed 3,843 enforcement cases in 2024. In 2025, the agency closed 617. That is an 84 percent decline, according to FMCSA data.
'Unbelievable' | Lawsuit reignites alleged deed fraud battle over Dallas homes
DALLAS — More than five years after his death, the estate of a retired Dallas schoolteacher remains entangled in a legal battle involving allegations of deed fraud. Arnold Young’s niece, Audrey Hogg — executor of his estate — is being sued by a nonprofit seeking control of one of those properties. “Oh, he would be absolutely angry, upset,” Hogg said.
WFAA analysis shows federal trucking safety enforcement dropped 84% in 2025 — 'a dereliction of duty,' advocates say
DALLAS — Even as the Trump administration has been promising a crackdown on unsafe trucking companies following high-profile deadly crashes, federal regulators sharply reduced enforcement actions against motor carriers in 2025, according to a WFAA analysis of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data. The FMCSA closed 3,843 enforcement cases in 2024. In 2025, the agency closed 617. That is an 84 percent decline, according to FMCSA data.
'Unbelievable' | Lawsuit reignites alleged deed fraud battle over Dallas homes
WFAA-TV More than five years after his death, the estate of a retired Dallas schoolteacher remains entangled in a legal battle involving allegations of deed fraud. Arnold Young’s niece, Audrey Hogg — executor of his estate — is being sued by a nonprofit seeking control of one of those properties. “Oh, he would be absolutely angry, upset,” Hogg said.
WFAA analysis shows federal trucking safety enforcement dropped 84% in 2025 — 'a dereliction of duty,' advocates say.
DALLAS — Even as the Trump administration has been promising a crackdown on unsafe trucking companies following high-profile deadly crashes, federal regulators sharply reduced enforcement actions against motor carriers in 2025, according to a WFAA analysis of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data. The FMCSA closed 3,843 enforcement cases in 2024. In 2025, the agency closed 617. That is an 84 percent decline, according to FMCSA data.
U.S. Senator cites WFAA investigation's findings in push for trucking safety enforcement
DALLAS — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is citing a WFAA investigation as part of a broader push for answers from federal regulators on trucking safety, enforcement and driver standards.
U.S. Senator cites WFAA investigation's findings in push for trucking safety enforcement
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is pushing for answers from federal regulators on trucking safety, enforcement, and driver standards, citing a WFAA investigation that found multiple trucking companies registered to the same addresses.
Outgoing Dallas County DA John Creuzot looks back on nearly 8 years in office after primary loss Original
DALLAS — After decades inside Dallas County’s criminal justice system — as a prosecutor, judge and district attorney — John Creuzot is preparing to leave the office he once hoped to lead for another term. Creuzot lost the Democratic primary earlier this week to former state district judge Amber Givens. In an interview with WFAA, he reflected on nearly eight years leading the office and the reforms he pursued during his tenure.
'They had us basically blocked' | Wrongly flagged as a possible scam by T-Mobile, local business seeks WFAA's help - and gets a fix
IRVING, Texas — A recorded warning is not what most businesses want callers to hear. And yet it's what some T-Mobile customers heard when they tried calling Dallas By Definition, an Irving-based company that conducts focus groups and mock trials. “The number you are calling has been identified as probably a scam,” that recorded message said. “It’s recommended that you hang up now.” The warning played before anyone at the company could even pick up the phone on their end.
Former Tarrant County deputy sued without a lawyer, federal jury awards him $625,000 Original
FORT WORTH, Texas — An eight-member federal jury has awarded a former Tarrant County sheriff’s deputy $625,000 in an employment discrimination case. Brandon Walker, the former deputy, represented himself during the three-day trial. Jurors deliberated for about eight hours. “This case has always been about accountability and the importance of protecting employees who speak up,” Walker said in a statement to WFAA.
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