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Potters mother Barbara Potter had a job with Hewlett-Packard, and her father Marvin Potter, known as Buddy, was a former marine who served in Vietnam. Janie Hayworth, older sister to Billie Jean Hayworth, and Beverly Garland, mother of Payne, both said the loss of their loved one greatly affected their families, and their lives would never be the same. 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Barbara Mae Potter, 64, and her daughter, Jenelle Leigh Potter, 35, of Mountain City, were tried in May on charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree murder. Defense attorney Scott Shults listens as attorney Grace Studer makes closing arguments in a post-conviction hearing for Barbara and Jenelle Potter in July 2021. Greenwell introduced Jenelle to her cousin Jamie Curd, who is handy with computers. Police had a major breakthrough in their investigation of the murders after interviewing Potter's boyfriend, Jamie Curd, who admitted to being involved in the murders and told police that Jenelle Potters father, Marvin Potter, shot Hayworth and Payne to protect his daughter from what he perceived as an imminent threat? Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Please enter valid email address to continue. I've done everything. Midway through her interview with "20/20," Jenelle Potter shut down in tears and walked out back to her cell. Relative to Tennessee, Mountain City has a crime rate that is higher than 58% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. US Highway 421 connects Mountain City to Bristol, Virginia in the northwest direction and to Boone, North Carolina in the southeast. The murders happened in Mountain City, but the case is being tried in Jonesborough because of the pre-trial publicity that surrounded the so-called Facebook murders.. ", Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A Tennessee mother who was one of the three family members convicted in the so-called Facebook Murders case rejected her chance at a new trial and reached a deal with prosecutors that will send her to prison for 25 years. I plead guilty, your honor, Barbara reportedly said. The 7-month-old boy survived unharmed. Recommended for you - Johnson City Press Start your subscription for just $5 for 3 months Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The day after the womens verdict was announced, Brooks said he tried to unwind, but the facts of the case stayed on his mind. He survived unharmed, though he was found covered in blood. Curd was sentenced to 25 years in prison and will be eligible for parole after serving 30 percent. Facebook Murders revisited: I did that on purpose. Mr. Fallin was not granted power of attorney over the Potter family assets counsels daughter Jessica was. Director Adam Kassen Stars Marken Greenwood Danny McFarland Diana Caban Velez Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, Marvin Potter (left) and Jamie Curd (right), are both accused of killing a couple who unfriended Potter's adult daughter on Facebook, Ben Renick case: World-renowned snake breeder murdered, The crime scene evidence that convicted Alex Murdaugh, Colombia wants to deport "cocaine hippos" to stop them from multiplying. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "I don't want anybody murdered. Man killed in Johnson County officer-involved shooting [photo credit: YouTube] bcampbell@johnsoncitypress.com, One of three Facebook murder convictions overturned, mother granted new trial. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Barbara, you wanted to know if youd go to hell? The chance that a person will become a victim of a violent crime in Mountain City; such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape or murder; is 1 in 306. The feud ended with Payne and Hayworth unfriending Jenelle on the social media site, according to the report. Wed have the right to appeal that, but if a judge sets forth sound legal reasoning, its hard to win an appeal, Brooks said. I think they would be called masterminds. I didn't truly believe that Buddy Potter was capable of doing this, Lott said. In August 2013, authorities arrested Jenelle and Barbara for the murders of Payne and Hayworth. At that point all you need to show is that conflict adversely affected your attorneys performance. The fact that Mr. Fallin failed to engage his clients in the required discussions regarding conflict of interest and waiver of the potential conflict does not, standing alone, entitle Petitioner to relief. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. They kept referring to a guy Chris thats supposedly a CIA operative or something, special agent Lott said. Fallins argument at that trial was that Marvin Potter, convicted in 2013, had nothing to do with the murders. The murder occurred after months of allegations from Potter's. He survived unharmed, though he was found covered in blood. feet 1 baths 3 beds #3 Highway 133 Shady Valley, TN 37688 1,120 sq. Violent Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents), Property Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents). In her amended petition for post- conviction relief, Petitioner argues: A. Payne, 36, and Hayworth, 23, were killed about three years ago in their Mountain City home by Marvin Potter and Jamie Curd. Brig. Read more. — -- Jenelle Potter was a sheltered young woman. In a mystery that involved a supposed CIA agent, cyber bullying and a small Tennessee town, read below to see what led to the coldblooded murders. Further suggesting Mr. Fallin was more aware of his daughters activities than he insisted at the post-conviction hearing, Mr. Fallin filed a motion to quash a subpoena related to a criminal investigation of Jessica, perhaps ending any potential investigation into the Fallins involvement with the Potters finances. Subscribe Now. The two became an item, with Jenelle hiding her relationship from her strict parents. a tennessee mother who was one of the three family members convicted in the so called "facebook murders" case rejected her chance at a new trial and reached a deal with prosecutors that will send her to prison for 25 years. When they impounded Marvins truck, they found bags of shredded documents, pictured above. And I unfriended her.". I did not do that," Barbara Potter told ABC News' "20/20. Mountain City News, Weather, Safety, Sports | NewsBreak Mountain City, TN Data Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Crime in the U.S. MLA Citation: Other Cities in TN; City Name Population Rate; Ridgely: 1,662: 60.17: Bean Station: 3,094: 32.32: Savannah: 6,968: 28.70: And I unfriended her., Jenelles Former Friends Are Found Murdered. Curd said as soon as he realized what was happening and saw the bodies, he ran out of the house and back to the truck. Potter is serving two concurrent life sentences for the murders of the couple who were found in their Mountain City, Tennessee, home with single gunshot wounds to their faces. . Then, too, she wanted to make amends with what had happened. Reflects 2021 calendar year; released from FBI in Oct. 2022 (latest available). Assistant District Attorney Dennis Brooks said he will have to talk with District Attorney Ken Baldwin to determine the states next step, but appealing the ruling could be an issue. Both parties lawyers claimed the information was paramount, considering the Potter womens charges are under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-11-402, criminal responsibility for the conduct of another. Mountain City, TN - Unfriended Facebook Murders From Every Town 0 0 29 minutes Description You've got a Facebook friend request - or conversely, your friend request has been accepted - and the thrill of having a new virtual friend that may open beautiful possibilities is undeniable. I did that on purpose, Marvin testified about slitting Paynes throat in his confession at the post-conviction hearing. For Jenelle Potter, she will be 86 years old when shes eligible for release. Trial counsel H. Randolph Fallin operated under a conflict of interest resulting from his representing both Petitioner and her husband, Marvin Buddy Potter. The 2019 Mountain City crime rate fell by 41% compared to 2018. UPDATE: Mother, daughter receive concurrent life sentences in 2012 Mountain City double murder; co-conspirator gets 25 years - PHOTOS/VIDEO, Subscriber Verification(Must be Logged In Using Free Account). ", "[My mom and Chris] would write emails all the time back and forth, and she would tell me about him, she added. Marvin Potter, Barbara Potter and Jenelle Potter are all planning to appeal their convictions. This is about average for all cities and towns in America of all population sizes. Jenelle Potter said she had trouble making friends when she lived in Mountain City, Tenn. She was paranoid about it.. A veteran of more than 100 jury trials, including 18 jury verdicts of first-degree murder, Brooks wrote when he was younger. Brooks claims Marvins testimony is full of red flags that contradict the evidence. A Tennessee mother who was one of the three family members convicted in the so-called "Facebook Murders" case rejected her chance at a new trial and reached a deal with prosecutors that will send her to prison for 25 years. Potter and Curd were arraigned Wednesday. All three Potters are serving two life sentences each for the murders. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Yes, Barbara responded. Somebody wanted to kill her, Greenwell said. 39: Catfishing in Mountain City, TN: The Facebook Murders - Spreaker I just needed to lay it out. The states evidence hinged on hundreds of emails and Facebook posts and messages sent between Jenelle, her mother, Curd and a mystery man named Chris who was supposedly a CIA agent who wanted to kill Payne and Hayworth but couldnt, so he urged the Potter women to find someone else to do it. Importantly, when you compare Mountain City to other communities of similar population, then Mountain City crime rate (violent and property crimes combined) is quite a bit higher than average. Jenelle Potter had a love interest in Payne and apparently wasnt happy when he began dating Hayworth. Show Every Town, Ep Mountain City, TN - Unfriended Facebook Murders - Oct 8, 2021 He also said he never communicated by email with the women and hadnt seen Jenelle since high school. Choose wisely! Curd received a 25-year sentence on facilitation to second-degree murder charge. The evidence in this case was such that Barbaras best defense would have been to argue that she did not commit the crime, and if her husband did commit the crime, she was unaware of her husbands intentions, and therefore she did not assist or promote the offenses. Methodology: Janelle kind of spurred it. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He never testified. I didnt murder anyone, Jenelle, pictured in jail above, told 20/20., 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Cause I wasnt born and raised here. [Jenelle said] she wished that Bill and Billie Jean and that damn baby would die. Read more about Scout's Crime Data. Jenelle Potter's mother, Barbara Potter, told "20/20" that Chris told her in emails that he was watching her family's every move and was monitoring what Payne and Hayworth were allegedly saying on social media about her daughter. The Rules of Professional Conduct impute the actions of non-lawyers to their attorney employers. Hed have given the testimony he gave yesterday.. Clear skies. The Rules of Professional Conduct impute the actions of non-lawyers to their attorney employers. Detectives had Curd call Marvin to get a confession on tape. And if I have to forgive any of youns to stay out of hell, Ill see you there, Garland said. They also discovered printed photos of the victim and her friends in the living room. The 262-page book was written after the final verdicts were read in the case in Johnson County, Tennessee. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Listen to 39: Catfishing in Mountain City, TN: The Facebook Murders, an episode of Southern Fried True Crime, easily on Podbay - the best podcast player on the web. He said he was down here to protect me, protect my parents. Appearing in Washington County Court on Wednesday, Barbara Potter, 69, pleaded guilty to two counts of facilitation of first-degree murder in the 2012 killings of Billy Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth, Johnson City Pressreported. In a tiny town in Tennessee, a young couple are brutally shot, execution style in their home. When she invented Chris, she could assume a different identity and be as hateful as she wanted to be.". If you can show the attorney had a conflict of interest, then prejudice is presumed. Posing as Chris, Jenelle reportedly convinced Barbara that the CIA had sent an agent to Mountain City to protect Jenelle from Hayworth and Payne. Winds light and variable. Maybe somewhere along the way, hes had a change of heart, but, in my mind, if he wanted to help those women at their trial, hed have done it. For Jenelle Potter, she will be 86 years old when shes eligible for release. Jenelle spent time with Greenwell and her friends, including Greenwells brother Billy Payne. Thats apparently where Curd and Buddy Potter came into the picture, with the Potter patriarch becoming convinced that Payne and Hayworth were a threat to his daughters safety. This conflict, Petitioner asserts, denied her a fair trial and also constituted the ineffective assistance of counsel; B. Mr. Fallin rendered ineffective assistance of counsel at trial based on counsels other actions at trial and on appeal; C. The State withheld exculpatory evidence, in violation of its obligations under Brady v. Maryland, thus denying Petitioner due process and a fair trial.. Yeah, youre going to hell. But when police took a look at the computer they seized from the Potters' home, they learned the emails from the CIA agent Chris were all coming from an account that belonged to Jenelle Potter, and a review of the IP address confirmed that. Allegedly, threats and bullying on Facebook and the Mountain City, TN Topix forum added fuel to the fire, which eventually led to an early morning visit to the house on James Davis Lane by Marvin Potter and Jenelles boyfriend, Jamie Curd. Said Jenelle Potter: "I didn't murder anyone.. You have permission to edit this article. Discover your neighborhood's best match, anywhere. Mountain City TN Murder/Homicide Rate 2005-2018 | MacroTrends Because of health problems, including Type 1 diabetes, Potter spent most of her time living at home with her parents, who cared for her every day. The family patriarch, Marvin Potter, was already serving two consecutive life sentences after being convicted in October 2013 of the murders. The fourth defendant, Jamie Curd, described by prosecutors as Jenelles boyfriend, was also charged but hes worked out a plea agreement with the state in exchange for testifying against the Potter women. A withh. The matriarch of a family trio convicted on two counts of first- degree murder in the so-called Facebook murders was granted a new trial after a judge ruled her trial attorney who also represented her husband at a previous trial had a conflict of interest by representing them both. Please disable your ad blocker, whitelist our site, or purchase a subscription. I dont want people to think, Hes just prosecuting the case to write another book, said Brooks, who does not know whether hell ever write another book. The two men walked across a field in the dark, then Buddy Potter handed Curd a gun just before they went into the Payne home, but Curd said it was Buddy Potter who walked down the hallway and shot Payne, then Hayworth. The shocking murder left 36-year-old Billy Clay Payne and 23-year-old Billie Jean Hayworth dead. I didnt grow up here, Potter, 34, told 20/20. People here do not like outsiders.. Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Mountain City, TN - Unfriended Facebook Murders Tenn. father charged with murdering couple who"unfriended" daughter on By Becky Campbell This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And, finally, they just pushed him to his limit where he couldn't take it anymore.. He testified in the trial that some of the photos Jenelle and her mother emailed back and forth were from the public portion of his Facebook page, but most of them were not him at all. Barbara got it to happen.. Now, two of the three parties serving two consecutive life sentences for the 2012 murders of Bill Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth are asking for a new ruling. Chief Deputy Woodard said investigators found an arsenal of weapons around the home though none matched the murder weapon. Jenelle Potter, pictured above, said she had trouble making friends when she moved to Mountain City, Tennessee, in 2005. It appears to this Court that Jessica Fallin exploited the lack of a written fee agreement between the Potters and Mr. Fallin, counsels lack of direct supervision over his daughters actions, and the Potters preoccupation with their legal issues to sell Potter family property (at least some of which was done in Mr. Fallins office) and otherwise appropriate Potter family finances to the tune of approximately $300,000 during the life of Mr. Fallins representation of the family. Mountain City Tn Unfriended Facebook Murders - ThemeLower Winds light and variable.. A clear sky. It was higher than in 27.8% U.S. cities. Petitioner also could have argued that if she was guilty of anything, she was guilty of lesser offenses. "He was watching these people that he said were harassing her on the computer and calling her. Date(s) & Update Frequency: "He said he couldn't use his real name, his real identity," Barbara Potter said. Listen to Mountain City, TN - Unfriended Facebook Murders and seventy-seven more episodes by Every Town, free! "I didn't murder anyone," Jenelle Potter told ABC News' "20/20. I thought lets see where this goes. I rekindled my love of writing.. While it seemed that Jenelles social life was finally blooming, she was being relentlessly bullied online with anonymous comments appearing on her Facebook page. A Johnson County man pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder in a brutal 2012 double murder Tuesday, and the mother and daughter convicted of the crimes will serve their two life sentences concurrently, a judge ruled, giving the younger woman at least some chance of being paroled. The statement also said Buddy Potter was innocent and that it was Curd who planned and carried out the murders. Jenelles sister Christie Groover, whos been estranged from the family for a decade, said Jenelle struggled to make friends growing up. appearing in washington county court on wednesday, barbara potter, 69, pleaded guilty to two counts of . The prosecutor noted that the case is layered and the subjects are compelling. Because of what they were saying about my daughter.. Jenelle and Her Family Adjust to Life in Mountain City. After being at the interrogation for nearly six hours, Curd told police Jenelles dad Marvin killed Hayworth and Payne. In previous trials, the prosecutor presented several signs of possible knowledge of the plan, such as an article Barbara reportedly emailed to herself entitled Can God Forgive a Murder? 15 days before the murders took place. It is available as an e-edition book at all major online book retailers, as well as in print. But Jenelle said there were real threats of violence against her. Story of Mountain City Facebook murders reaches national audience in book, tv special. Moreover, the rate of property crime in Mountain City; burglary, larceny ($50 or more), grand theft auto, and arson; is 10 per 1,000 residents. The case was a tangled web of jealousy, allegations of threats from Hayworth and Payne toward Jenelle Potter, emails between them all and even an alleged bounty for Jenelles murder. For those that are fuzzy on the nearly decade-old crime, this case, known as the Facebook Murders, revolves around a social media feud that made its way to the real world. Subscriber Verification(Must be Logged In Using Free Account). In a major breakthrough, Curd told detectives hed been texting with a man named Chris who told him he was in the CIA and that it was his job to protect Jenelle at all costs. In a mystery that involved a supposed CIA agent, cyber bullying and a small Tennessee town, read below to see what led to the coldblooded murders. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Brady case determined that prosecutors are required to turn over any evidence that would be in favor of the defendant. Mountain City, TN Crime Report, 2022 - HomeSnacks Attorneys respond to 'guilty' plea, reduced sentence of - WJHL — -- A Tennessee woman in prison for the murders of a young couple with whom she had been feuding online said she didn't want them to die. I remember I wrote, Please do not write on Jenelles Facebook. I begged them. The murders shocked the public conscious, leading cases to be moved out of the county because of pre-trial publicity, and were also the subject of a book penned Deputy District Attorney Dennis Brooks titled, Too Pretty to Live, the Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee.. In May 2015, three and a half years after the shootings, Jenelle and Barbara finally went on trial. Regardless of how Mountain City does relative to all communities in America of all sizes, when NeighborhoodScout compared it to communities of similar population size, its crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most. Their infant son was still cradled in his dead mother's arms. According to a summary from the publisher, when Payne and Hayworth began their romance, they unknowingly set in motion a diabolical plot that would end with them murdered in their own home, Hayworth holding their infant, who was not harmed. Armed with evidence that he believed proved the entire family was involved, prosecutors also charged Barbara Potter and Jenelle Potter in the killings. 2021. Mountain City, TN - Unfriended Facebook Murders Best Places to Live in Mountain City, Tennessee This is important because the overall crime rate can be further illuminated by understanding if violent crime or property crimes (or both) are the major contributors to the general rate of crime in Mountain City.