On 07/29/2021, the Odessa Police Department took custody of Clara Ledward in Brewster County at a hospital in Alpine, Texas. Her charges stemmed from the murder of her husband, Jacob Ledward on May 16, 2021, in Odessa, Texas. Early into the investigation, the Odessa Police Department became aware of the fact that Ms. Ledward fled to Mexico. Our partners with the FBI assisted by issuing an Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution arrest warrant in order for us to work with the Government of Mexico in her apprehension.
On 07/29/2021, Clara Ledward was taken into custody by Mexican authorities in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. During her arrest, Clara Ledward sustained non-life threatening gunshot wounds. The Mexican authorities extradited Ledward to the United States and to Brewster County for medical care.
In the coming days, the Odessa Police Department will be working with partner agencies to ensure the safe transportation of Ledward back to Ector County for prosecution. Clara Ledward's charges are for Murder (F1) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3).