Chandler man indicted for murder
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Timothy Lee Mullins

Timothy Lee Mullins, a 46- year-old man from Chandler, was indicted on Sept. 5 on the charge of murder. Mullins was also indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the Henderson County District Attorney's report.

Tony Duncan, an investigator with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, said the case started on June 21 when a call came in about 6:42 pm.

"The victim was Susie Lynn Strong, 47 years old," Duncan said.

Strong was dead from multiple gun wounds, and Mullins was suffering from a gun wound to the head.

"It looked like he had attempted to kill himself," Duncan said.

Mullins was taken to Tyler's East Texas Medical Center for recuperation. When he was well enough, he was arrested and taken to jail, where he still awaits trial. Mullins is held on a $750,000 bond.

The scene actually occurred in Chandler. Duncan said the call concerned a home in Sunrise Shores, an addition on F.M. 315 South.

James Mills, Mullins' defense attorney, stated Mullins would plead not guilty to the charges.

"The trial date hasn't been set yet," Mills said, "but I think it'll be around spring time."

Mills also said he was unable to disclose any more information as of the time this article was written.

Strong's family, Duncan said, is presently keeping away from the case.

"The family," Duncan said, "her kids, are mostly staying out of it."

Strong and Mullins met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting some time ago, Duncan began.

"They were in a common law relationship, and it developed from there," Duncan said.

As for the motive, it will be an issue when the trial date rolls around, Duncan stated. There are several unknowns about the case, and Duncan remarked that before the trial can even begin he will need "some lab stuff."

"We're still under investigation to an extent," Duncan continued.

For now, all there is to do is to wait for the trial date to be announced.