Encyclopedia.com, “Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982–83” — trial details: April 1982 indictments; prosecution theory $250,000 contract; key evidence including recorded conversations, Joe Chagra testimony, Elizabeth Chagra letter, Jo Ann Harrelson rifle purchase; defense theory of Pete Kay setup; defendants and outcomes: Charles Harrelson convicted December 14, 1982, two life terms plus five years; Jo Ann Harrelson 25 years; Elizabeth Chagra 30 years (conspiracy conviction overturned Fifth Circuit February 15, 1985); Joe Chagra 10-year plea; Jimmy Chagra acquitted of murder; Woody’s 1998 appeal effort with Dershowitz, resource disproportion ($7,000 defense vs. $5–10 million prosecution). URL: https://encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/charles-harrelson-trial-1982-83
Texas Monthly, “The Man Who Killed Judge Wood” (Gary Cartwright, September 1982) — contemporaneous reporting: Wood shot May 29, 1979, “Maximum John” nickname, Chagra family context, Lee Chagra death 1978, Jimmy Chagra motive, FBI investigation scope. URL: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/man-who-killed-judge-wood/
History.com, “December 14: Woody Harrelson’s Father Convicted of Murder” — conviction date confirmed December 14, 1982; rifle purchase traced to Jo Ann Harrelson under false name; Supreme Court rejected final appeal 2004; Jo Ann Harrelson paroled; Woody funded appeals with Dershowitz. URL: https://history.com/this-day-in-history/woody-harrelsons-father-convicted-of-murder/
Snopes.com fact-check — verified core claims: Charles Harrelson was Woody’s father; conviction for killing Judge Wood; Woody’s visits once a year; proxy wedding 1987; Woody called Charles “one of the most articulate, well-read, charming people I’ve ever known” (1988 People interview); Woody spent approximately $2 million on appeal; described conviction as “a travesty” and said he was “just being a son trying to help his dad.” URL: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/woody-harrelsons-father-kill-judge/