A teenager has been found guilty of murder for orchestrating a plan to rob and kill his girlfriend’s grandmother. Uriah Lee Urick Jr. was convicted on November 7 for the February murder of 61-year-old Tammy King. Evidence presented during the trial included text messages and digital communications that detailed Urick’s scheme to rob and murder Tammy, allegedly in collaboration with his girlfriend, Tara King, who was 17 years old at the time.
The court heard that the teenagers exchanged messages discussing their intentions to kidnap and kill Tammy while stealing her money, methamphetamine, and firearms. Prosecutors pointed to multiple messages indicating premeditation, including discussions about having ammunition that could penetrate skin and planning to commit the crime at a specific time. Urick referred to the murder as the beginning of their future together.
Tammy was shot in the head on February 5 at her residence in Bacliff, located around 30 minutes from Galveston, Texas. Her body was discovered days later during a welfare check, concealed under blankets. Following the murder, the teenagers allegedly stole cash from a secure container, leading to a capital murder charge. Investigators also found large sums of money transferred from Tammy’s bank account to Tara’s Cash App.
Court documents revealed that Urick’s mother expressed concerns to authorities about her son’s potential for violence, citing Tara’s resentment towards her grandmother for restricting Urick’s overnight stays. Urick’s stepfather also indicated Urick’s violent tendencies, suggesting he was capable of committing murder.
After the murder, Urick and Tara hitchhiked and sought shelter with individuals they met online before being apprehended near the US-Mexico border. A witness testified that he transported the couple to the border and recounted Urick offering him money and admitting to the lingering smell of burning flesh. The witness later assisted in locating the weapons used in the murder.
During the trial, the defense argued that the killing was not premeditated but rather a consequence of drug-influenced teenagers seeking independence. The defense also disputed the prosecution’s claim that robbery was the motive. In Texas, a capital murder conviction results in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen remarked that justice had been served for Tammy King and her family following the verdict. Tara King, also charged with capital murder, is set to stand trial in January 2026.