A teenager has been found guilty of murder for orchestrating a heinous plan to rob and murder his girlfriend’s grandmother. Uriah Lee Urick Jr. was convicted on Friday for the killing of 61-year-old Tammy King in February. Prosecutors presented text messages and digital evidence during the trial, revealing Urick’s detailed plan to rob and kill Tammy, allegedly with the assistance of his then 17-year-old girlfriend, Tara King.
The court heard that the teens exchanged messages discussing their scheme to kidnap and kill Tammy while stealing her money, methamphetamine, and firearms. Prosecutors emphasized specific messages as evidence of premeditation, including discussions about ammunition that could penetrate skin and plans to execute the murder at a specific time. Urick referred to the murder as the beginning of their future, according to reports.
Tammy was fatally shot at her residence in Bacliff on February 5, with her body discovered days later during a welfare check. Investigators revealed that following the murder, the teenagers took cash from a lockbox, leading to a capital murder charge. Additionally, substantial amounts of money were transferred from Tammy’s bank account to Tara’s Cash App.
Court documents disclosed that Urick’s mother and stepfather expressed concerns to investigators about his capacity for violence. The pair was apprehended in Laredo near the US-Mexico border after hitchhiking and staying with individuals they met online. A witness testified that he drove them to Laredo, where Urick offered him money and made disturbing statements about the smell of burning flesh.
The defense argued that the killing was not premeditated but rather a consequence of drug-influenced teenagers seeking independence. They contended that robbery was not a motive. In Texas, a capital murder conviction mandates a life sentence without parole.
Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen stated that justice had been served for Tammy King, with Tara King also facing capital murder charges and set to stand trial in January 2026.