Man gets probation in 2014 Garland murder case delayed 30 times

DALLAS - A murder case that was delayed dozens of times over nearly a decade finally ended this week with a plea deal.

The victim, 71-year-old Janet Vanderslice, was found stabbed to death in her Garland home in July of 2014.

Janet Vanderslice

Security cameras helped police identify David Wade McDermett. He was a handyman that she hired to do roof work.

McDermett was indicted for the murder in 2015, but the case stalled with repeated changes in attorneys, a recusal by the district attorney’s office, and court disruptions caused by the pandemic. FOX 4 reported in October that Dallas County paid Special Prosecutors in the case a total of $1.5 million dollars over the course of the case based on information provided by the County.  Based on new information provided by the County as of yesterday, we are no longer able to verify an amount.  The amount paid appears to be an amount less than originally provided by the County. 

McDermett pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday in exchange for 10 years of probation.

Vanderslice’s son, who previously shared his frustrations about the trial delays, expressed his displeasure to the judge.

"What it does, it sends a signal to the community at whole that a heinous act such as was committed can be met with only token consequences," David Vanderslice said.

McDermett will be required to spend four days in jail each year during his probation term around the victim’s birthday and around the date of the murder.

He’s been free on a personal recognizance bond since 2017.