Hank Hall

Testimony lasted seven days. Then it was in the jury's hands. They deliberate a single day. And on September 8th, 2016, they spoke as one. Convicted of both aggravated assault and murder, Frances Hall faced a possible life sentence.

Testimony lasted seven days. Then it was in the jury's hands. They deliberate a single day. And on September 8th, 2016, they spoke as one. Convicted of both aggravated assault and murder, Frances Hall faced a possible life sentence.

But along with the guilty verdict came one last step. A separate sentencing trial. Frances had a final opportunity and her legal team conjured a bold defense. Sudden passion.

But along with the guilty verdict came one last step. A separate sentencing trial. Frances had a final opportunity and her legal team conjured a bold defense. Sudden passion.

But along with the guilty verdict came one last step. A separate sentencing trial. Frances had a final opportunity and her legal team conjured a bold defense. Sudden passion.

Sudden passion, a legal term for a profoundly human moment, a wife chasing down her cheating husband and his unrepentant mistress.

Sudden passion, a legal term for a profoundly human moment, a wife chasing down her cheating husband and his unrepentant mistress.

Sudden passion, a legal term for a profoundly human moment, a wife chasing down her cheating husband and his unrepentant mistress.

Lee Cutter and Adam Cortez made their passionate case for sudden passion. And this time, Frances Hall took the stand in her own defense.

Lee Cutter and Adam Cortez made their passionate case for sudden passion. And this time, Frances Hall took the stand in her own defense.

Lee Cutter and Adam Cortez made their passionate case for sudden passion. And this time, Frances Hall took the stand in her own defense.

The prosecution fought back, saying Francis sideswiped her car into Bill Hall's powder blue Harley in a mad, mindless attempt to confront Bonnie Contreras.

The prosecution fought back, saying Francis sideswiped her car into Bill Hall's powder blue Harley in a mad, mindless attempt to confront Bonnie Contreras.

The prosecution fought back, saying Francis sideswiped her car into Bill Hall's powder blue Harley in a mad, mindless attempt to confront Bonnie Contreras.

Four days after her conviction, Frances learns her fate.

Four days after her conviction, Frances learns her fate.

Four days after her conviction, Frances learns her fate.

Passion is what this tale came down to. And for at least one Texas family, love for a man whose passions for life led him down the wrong road.

Passion is what this tale came down to. And for at least one Texas family, love for a man whose passions for life led him down the wrong road.

Passion is what this tale came down to. And for at least one Texas family, love for a man whose passions for life led him down the wrong road.