A young individual has been found guilty of murder for scheming to rob and kill his girlfriend’s grandmother. Uriah Lee Urick Jr. was convicted on Friday for the killing of 61-year-old Tammy King in February. Evidence presented during the trial included text messages and digital data indicating that Urick and his then 17-year-old girlfriend, Tara King, meticulously planned the robbery and murder.
The court proceedings revealed conversations where the teenagers discussed abducting and murdering Tammy while stealing her money, drugs, and weapons. They also falsely accused Tammy of mistreating them. Prosecutors emphasized multiple messages as evidence of premeditation, including discussions about using ammunition that can penetrate skin and setting a specific time to carry out the murder.
Tammy was shot in the head on February 5 at her residence in Bacliff, near Galveston, Texas. Her body was discovered concealed under blankets during a welfare check a few days later. Investigators claimed that after the homicide, the teenagers stole money from a secure box, leading to an upgraded charge of capital murder. Additionally, substantial sums were reportedly transferred from Tammy’s bank account to Tara’s Cash App.
Court documents revealed that Urick’s mother and stepfather expressed concerns about his potential for violence. Following the murder, Urick and Tara traveled to Laredo near the US-Mexico border where they were eventually apprehended on February 9 after hitchhiking and staying with strangers they met online.
During the trial, a witness testified that he had driven the couple to Laredo and was offered money by Urick. The witness also mentioned Urick’s disturbing comment about the smell of burning flesh. Defense attorney Bill Agnew argued that the killing was not premeditated but a result of drug-influenced teenagers seeking independence. He contended that the prosecution failed to prove robbery as a motive. A conviction for capital murder in Texas results in an automatic life sentence without parole.
The Galveston County Sheriff, Jimmy Fullen, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that justice had been served for Tammy King and her family. Tara King, the girlfriend, is also facing capital murder charges and is set to stand trial in January 2026.
