Tennessee is known for its country music, delicious barbecue, and breathtaking natural beauty. But did you know that it’s also home to some of the most notorious crime cases in history? From serial killers to infamous robberies, Tennessee has seen it all. So, let’s take a closer look at 5 high profile true crime cases in Tennessee that will shock and surprise you.
- Paul Dennis Reid Jr. – The Fast Food Killer
Paul Dennis Reid Jr., also known as the “Fast Food Killer,” was a serial killer who robbed and killed seven people at fast-food restaurants in Nashville and Clarksville between 1997 and 1998. Reid would often tie up his victims and shoot them execution-style before robbing the restaurant. He was eventually caught and sentenced to death in 2004.
- Edward “Worm” Mullins – The Brinks Robbery
In 1981, a group of men orchestrated one of the biggest robberies in history, stealing $3.6 million from the Brinks Armored Car Company in Rochester, New York. Edward “Worm” Mullins, a notorious criminal from Knoxville, was one of the masterminds behind the heist. He was eventually caught and sentenced to life in prison.
- Mary Winkler – The Preacher’s Wife
In 2006, Mary Winkler, the wife of a Church of Christ minister, shot her husband in the back while he slept in their home in Selmer, Tennessee. Winkler initially claimed that her husband was abusive and that she shot him in self-defense, but the evidence showed otherwise. She was eventually found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to three years in prison.
- Gaile Owens – The Murder-for-Hire Case
In 1985, Gaile Owens hired a hitman to kill her husband, Ron Owens, in order to collect his life insurance policy. Owens was eventually caught and sentenced to death, but her case garnered national attention when it was revealed that she had suffered years of physical and emotional abuse from her husband. Her sentence was commuted to life in prison in 2010.
- Philip Workman – The Pizza Delivery Murder
In 1981, Philip Workman robbed a Wendy’s in Memphis and shot and killed a police officer who responded to the scene. Workman claimed that he only intended to rob the restaurant and did not mean to harm anyone. He was eventually sentenced to death, but his case became controversial when it was revealed that the officer was likely killed by friendly fire. Despite protests from activists and celebrities, Workman was executed in 2007.
Tennessee may be known for its music and food, but it’s also a state with a rich history of true crime cases that continue to shock and fascinate us. These five cases are just a few examples of the heinous crimes that have occurred in Tennessee. Let’s hope that justice will continue to be served for the victims and their families.
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Tennessee true crime cases
Shocking crimes in Tennessee
Notorious crimes in Tennessee
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