special to the monitor

TOOL‑The Monitor was informed on Oct. 21 of the following lawsuit against the City of Tool:
Re: Notice of Claim under Texas Tort Claims Act
Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.101(a)
Wrongful Death of Peggy Sue Mitchell, Deceased on or about April 24, 2026
Hon. Vera Bennett,
Please accept this correspondence as notice of a claim against The City of Tool, Texas under the Texas Tort Claims Act for the wrongful death of Peggy Sue Mitchell, Deceased which occurred at her residence at 824 Bradley’s Bend, Kemp/Tool, Henderson County, Texas 75143 on or about April 24, 2026.
Our initial investigation reveals that on April 24, 2026 a perpetrator wrongfully entered the Decedent’s home. Officer Ochoa of The City of Tool Police Department arrived while Decedent was living and Officer Ochoa of The City of Tool Police Department had the opportunity and duty to protect Decedent but while Officer Ochoa was on the scene and in his presence the perpetrator, according to the Certificate of Death, “stabbed the decedent multiple times.” The Certificate of Death indicates the manner of death was “homicide” and the cause of Peggy Sue Mitchell’s death was “multiple sharp force injuries” and that Peggy Sue Mitchell’s time of death was “8:34 p.m.” on April 24, 2026.
The purpose of this notice is to preserve the family’s right to seek compensation for the above mentioned claim(s).
Please direct all communication to the undersigned.
Sincerely,
SHACKELFORD, HAWKINS & SEARCY, P.C.
Raymond L. Shackelford, III
Attorney at Law
In a phone conversation with The Monitor  Oct. 21 Tool Chief of Police Robert Walker said, Officer Ochoa was release from the City of Tool Police Department October 7, 2026. See picture page 2.