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  • Michael Halla
    Michael Halla

Attorney faces manslaughter charges after striking, killing 2

FERRIS – Michael Halla, 52, of Lancaster was booked into Ellis County jail Thursday without incident and charged with two counts of manslaughter, a 2nd Degree Felony.

His bail was set at $100,000.

After a thorough and comprehensive investigation conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, with the assistance of the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office and the Ferris Police Department, Texas State Troopers arrested Halla.

Halla, a North Texas attorney, contracted with Ferris and Wilmer to do city attorney work.

His arrest stems from a crash that occurred on Nov. 17, 2021.

According to DPS documents, Halla was operating a 2020 Ford Explorer that struck and killed 36-year-old Edward Beltran, and his 5-year-old son Ethan Beltran, both of Ferris.

DPS reported Halla was traveling at 93 miles per hour when he struck the pedestrians.

The Ellis County Press reported at the time the Beltrans were struck by a vehicle heading eastbound near the intersection of Farm Road 664 and Jimmy Birdwell Boulevard on the roadway.

ECP reported Halla was on his way to a Ferris city council meeting at the time of the accident.

The Ferris City Council voted in a meeting Monday morning to indefinitely suspend legal services with the former city attorney.

“The city council understands this is a difficult situation, particularly since the incident took place in Ferris city limits,” said Ferris City Manager Brooks Williams.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the parties involved.”

Next steps for the city’s obtaining a new city attorney began immediately. Ferris is actively seeking new representation, and sent out a RFQ for attorney services Monday.

The city council also approved on Monday for Williams to immediately obtain new interim legal services.

Halla is also the city attorney for the City of Wilmer.

Wilmer City Manager Rona Stringfellow said, “The City of Wilmer is still gathering facts. We will have a meeting Jan. 19.

“If any action is decided to be taken, it will be determined at that time. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”

Ellis County Press

208 S Central St. 
Ferris, TX 75125
972-544-2369