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Husband Of Dead Viola Woman Denied Child Visitation
FIRST REPORTED 5pm 11/14/11 A so-called "person of interest" in the death of a Viola woman almost a month ago won't get custody or visitation rights with children involved in the case for the foreseeable future.

Mercer County Judge Greg Chickris Monday ruled that the four-year-old and six-year-old children William and Melissa White had together must remain in the custody of the State Department of Children and Family Services.

The judge also denied 43-year old William White to see the children at any time, citing orders of protection against him, a criminal history, and a history of allegedly making threats among other things.

39-year old Melissa White was found dead in the yard of her Viola home October 21st, and her estranged husband has been called a person of interest.

Melissa White's father, Larry Johnson, didn't want to say much to reporters following the hearing.

"I want Melissa's family and friends to know that this is a very strong family, and we are law-abiding citizens," he said. "And justice will prevail, that's all I want to say."

William White and his attorney, Dan Dalton, declined to comment.

Viola Police Chief Thomas Mulder says William White and others are being investigated for Melissa White's death, but that no arrests have been made.

Another hearing in the custody issue has been set for late-January, days after William White is sentenced on a felony driving conviction.
11 15 11 by Newsroom
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