A teenager has been found guilty of murder for planning the robbery and murder of his girlfriend’s grandmother. Uriah Lee Urick Jr. was convicted on November 7 for the killing of 61-year-old Tammy King in February. Prosecutors in the week-long trial presented evidence of text messages and digital communications detailing Urick’s plot, allegedly involving his then 17-year-old girlfriend, Tara King.
Court proceedings revealed conversations where the teens discussed kidnapping and killing Tammy to steal money, methamphetamine, and firearms. The prosecution emphasized various messages as evidence of premeditation, including plans to use ammunition that could “shred through skin” and scheduling the murder for a specific time. Urick reportedly 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, Texas, and her body was discovered days later during a wellness check. Investigators stated that the teenagers stole money from a secure box after the murder, leading to a capital murder charge. Additionally, significant funds were transferred from Tammy’s bank account to Tara’s Cash App.
According to court documents, Urick’s mother and stepfather expressed concerns to investigators about his potential for violence. Following the murder, Urick and Tara were apprehended near the US-Mexico border on February 9 after hitchhiking and staying with strangers they met online.
During the trial, a witness testified that he had driven the couple to their location and later assisted in locating the murder weapons. The defense argued that the killing was not premeditated but a consequence of drug-influenced teenagers seeking independence. Despite the defense’s claims, Urick received a life sentence without parole upon his capital murder conviction in Texas.
Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen stated that justice was served for Tammy King and her family following the verdict. Tara King, who faces similar capital murder charges, is set to stand trial in January 2026.