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New charges in Butler double-murder case

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KINGSVILLE, Texas — Kleberg County officials held a press conference this morning, announcing three new charges against both Adam Curtis Williams and Amanda Noverr.

The first charge is tampering with evidence, the other is felony theft, and the final charge is a felon in possession of a firearm.

"At 90 days in the state of Texas if you're not indicted, you are entitled to a reasonable bond," Hubert said.

To avoid that, new charges came down from Judge Jack Pulcher.

The bond that was initially set at $1 million each, has gone up to $1.2 million each.

Williams and Noverr were arrested in November on felony theft charges in connection with the murder investigation of New Hampshire couple James and Michelle Butler.

Action 10 News first broke this story in October when the couple was reported missing. A short time later, the Butlers were found buried in a shallow grave on Padre Island.

"Whether we indict on murder or capital murder, or not, will depend largely upon additional evidence as it comes in and we'll make that decision when appropriate," said Kleberg Co. District Attorney John Hubert.

Both WIlliams and Noverr have been behind bar for the last 90 days. They were arrested in Mexico and extradited to Texas after they were seen driving the Butlers' missing truck across the U.S./Mexico border.

"Both have been charged," Hubert said in regards to the new charges against Noverr. "But we are not alleging at this time that she is a felon. We are alleging that she obviously either aided, abetted or encouraged the act."

Williams faces more severe punishments, such as life in prison, because he has prior convictions.

Hubert said these indictments will keep them in jail until the resolution of these charges.

He said he spoke with the family about the punishment ranges, deals and plea agreements. He said the family is going to have input.

"This is a long process, and I think putting the family under that kind of pressure this early on isn't the best," Hubert said.

Deborah van Loon, James Butler's sister, said the new charges are "a start until they finish looking at all the evidence."

"All we can do is hope and pray they will do the job and get what they need in this whole thing," she said. "It seems like they really do believe that he is the one behind it all."

A trial date has yet to be set.

The Kleberg Co. Sheriff's Office still is under a department gag order. Hubert said that is to protect the process.

Authorities declined to reveal in which area counties both Curtis and Noverr currently are being held.