Chief of Staff and Lead Investigator

Connie Santillan serves as the Chief of Staff and Lead Investigator at the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender Office. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing investigative operations and administrative functions, ensuring the delivery of effective legal defense services across the region. Through her leadership, the office strives to uphold the constitutional rights of indigent defendants, providing them with dedicated and competent legal support.

Forensic Social Worker - Supervisor

Kay Edwards is a Forensic Social Worker with a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals within the justice system. Kay currently supervises the Mental Health program at the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender. She is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), currently practicing under clinical supervision.

Kay brings experience from her time at the Capital Punishment Center at UT Austin, where she worked on high-stakes capital appeals involving individuals with severe mental illness on death row. Kay also brings experience from Our Community Our Kids, where she specialized in serving high-risk youth, including those affected by sex trafficking, substance use disorder, and other trauma-related challenges.

Her background in these areas shapes her approach to forensic social work, focusing on both the psychological and legal aspects of her clients' needs. Kay’s work is grounded in a trauma-informed perspective, aiming to create meaningful change and provide critical support for those navigating the legal system. Kay’s work is driven by the belief that those in rural and marginalized communities deserve equitable access to mental health services and support, not criminalization.

Investigator

Yaneth Mucharraz is a dedicated Criminal Defense Investigator with a critical role in supporting multiple defense attorneys in complex criminal cases. With a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to justice, she gathers and analyzes evidence to build compelling defenses for clients. Her responsibilities include collecting new evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing materials previously obtained by law enforcement to uncover inconsistencies or overlooked facts.

Ms. Mucharraz works closely with criminal defense attorneys to ensure that every client's constitutional rights are upheld throughout the judicial process. Her thorough investigations often reveal critical information that can substantiate a defendant's innocence or provide mitigating context in the face of serious allegations. Her work is instrumental in achieving fair outcomes and reinforcing the integrity of the legal process.

Assistant Public Defender

Steele Musgrove is an attorney at the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender's Office.  He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Philosophy and Government in 2021.  In 2024, he graduated from the Texas A&M University School of Law with a concentration in Criminal Law, Justice, and Policy. 

In high school debate Steele found an interest in studying the systems of law, politics, and government.  Focusing on these same subjects in college and working in philanthropy he developed a passion for service and helping those in need.  Finally, in law school Steele did a full-time internship in federal public defense and from there decided he wanted to use his legal career to help indigent people from rural communities like his own. 

Mental Health Caseworker

Kimberly B. Is a dedicated Mental Health Case Worker with the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender’s Office. With over 8 Years of experience in the mental health field, Kimberly brings a deep understanding of client advocacy, case management and community support to her role.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in Sociology from Sul Ross State University. Her career includes valuable experience working in two mental health clinics and the Brewster County Judge’s Office, where she supported individuals navigating complex mental health and legal systems.

Kimberly is passionate about serving the community both professionally and personally. She has volunteeered with meals on wheels and two food pantries, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to help those in need. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is able to serve a diverse population with empathy and cultural awareness.

Assistant Public Defender

JT Mvundura is a recent graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctorate. She was previously a research fellow at the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center where she conducted research about the federal public defense system across the state of Texas. She is passionate about the right to counsel, criminal justice reform, and ensuring that people within in the system are more than statistics. 

Administrative Assistant

As an Administrative Assistant at the Public Defender’s Office, Savannah supports the daily operations of a fast-paced legal environment with a strong focus on efficiency, organization, and clear communication. Her responsibilities include scheduling appointments, managing high volumes of phone calls and emails, preparing and entering dockets, and coordinating correspondence for attorneys and clients. She works closely with multiple attorneys throughout the day to ensure that our office runs smoothly and our clients are well-served.

With a background in the hospitality industry, She brings a client-centered approach to her role, along with the ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, clerks, and clients alike. Known for being honest, direct, and dependable, I take pride in my work and am committed to supporting our mission of justice and advocacy.

Assistant Public Defender

Deja Wells, a Tulane University Law School graduate, is a dedicated to justice and equity. With a background in legal advocacy and community engagement, she brings compassion, insight, and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of the underserved and challenging systemic inequities within the legal system.

Senior Administrative Assistant

With over a decade of experience in administrative and supervisory roles, Vanessa serves as the Senior Administrator for the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender's Office. In this capacity, she supports the legal team by managing day-to-day operations, handling sensitive case material with care and confidentiality, and ensuring timely and accurate data entry in the office system. She also oversees the financial operations of the office, helping maintain the integrity and efficiency of the team’s work.

Deeply involved in her community, she has volunteers with various organizations. In addition to her public service, Vanessa is a licensed massage practitioner, esthetician, and massage therapy instructor with more than four years of teaching experience. She owns and operates a wellness business outside of office hours, reflecting her commitment to healing and supporting others in multiple ways.

Known for her quiet strength, compassion, and precision, Vanessa brings both administrative expertise and lived experience to her role. She is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges many clients face and strives to create a space where dignity, respect, and hope are foundational to every case.