Johnson City siblings sentenced to life in 2019 death of their mother

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A Johnson City brother and sister were sentenced to life in prison on Oct. 3 after being convicted of murder in the 2019 death of their mother.

Karen and Michael Murray were prosecuted for the charges of first-degree murder and aggravated neglect of a vulnerable adult, according to a Monday release from First Judicial District Attorney Steve Finney’s office.

A jury found both defendants guilty in June 2024.

On Oct. 3, the siblings were sentenced to life in prison.

The convictions stem from a TBI investigation into the 2019 death of their disabled mother Sheila Murray, the release said.

The release said the investigation revealed that Shelia Murray’s death was the result of neglect by Karen and Michael Murray, who were her caregivers.

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