Newton County District Attorney Courtney Tracy Ponthier released a statement Wednesday explaining that she asked the district judge to recuse her from a murder trial because a defense attorney alleged that another Newton County official altered evidence in the case. She did not name the Newton County official.

“I did so in an effort to save the handling of the case from any appearance of impropriety by Newton County, “ Ponthier’s statement said.

“On August 21, 2025, I filed a Motion to Recuse and Appoint Attorney Pro Tem in Cause Number ND24-07935, State of Texas v. Zachary Allen Wilson. My motion asked that the presiding judge remove me as prosecutor on the case and appoint the Texas Attorney General’s Office in my place.”

“I filed this motion after the defendant’s attorneys alleged th

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