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Texas First Court of Appeals Justice Kristin Guiney Passes Away

HOUSTON, Texas — The Texas legal and judicial communities are mourning the passing of Justice Kristin Melissa Guiney, a distinguished jurist who served as an appellate justice, state district judge, and prosecutor. Justice Guiney passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 51. Born on August 11, 1975, Guiney earned her undergraduate degree from Emory University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she spent years as a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, trying over 100 jury trials to verdict. She later presided as judge of the 183rd, 232nd, and 179th Criminal District Courts in Harris County, where she oversaw more than 120 jury trials and contributed significantly to the specialty Star Court program. In November 2024, she was elected to Place 8 on the Texas First Court of Appeals, where she assumed office in January 2025. Official Court Announcements and Family StatusThe Texas First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals issued a joint statement on October 2, 2026, formally announcing her passing and extending condolences to her family.

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Texas First Court of Appeals Justice Kristin Guiney Passes Away

HOUSTON, Texas — The Texas legal and judicial communities are mourning the passing of Justice Kristin Melissa Guiney, a distinguished jurist who served as an appellate justice, state district judge, and prosecutor. Justice Guiney passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 51. Born on August 11, 1975, Guiney earned her undergraduate degree from Emory University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she spent years as a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, trying over 100 jury trials to verdict. She later presided as judge of the 183rd, 232nd, and 179th Criminal District Courts in Harris County, where she oversaw more than 120 jury trials and contributed significantly to the specialty Star Court program. In November 2024, she was elected to Place 8 on the Texas First Court of Appeals, where she assumed office in January 2025. Official Court Announcements and Family Status

The Texas First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals issued a joint statement on October 2, 2026, formally announcing her passing and extending condolences to her family.
Justice Guiney resided in Houston with her husband, Ed McClees, and their two daughters. Court officials and colleagues praised her fairness, tenacity, and dedication to public service, highlighting her work supporting rehabilitation through the Star Court. In accordance with joint court statements, specific medical details regarding her cause of death have been withheld, and the public and media have been asked to respect the family's privacy.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are being handled by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Houston. Community Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy
News of Justice Guiney's death prompted immediate tributes from state leadership, colleagues, and members of the Texas bar. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement honoring her decades of public service across trial and appellate benches, praising her brilliance, fairness, and commitment to justice. Fellow appellate justices and Harris County attorneys remembered her as an invaluable colleague, trusted friend, and dedicated public servant. Sincere condolences and support remain extended to her husband Ed, her daughters, and her extended family and colleagues.

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