In a stunning turn of events, Michael Gray Sr., 67, and Shirley Gray, 64, have pled guilty to charges stemming from one of the most horrific child abuse cases in Tennessee's history. As reported by WVLT, the couple waived their right to a trial, accepting life sentences without parole for the felony murder of two of their adopted children.

The Grays' adopted children were reportedly subjected to unspeakable abuse, which authorities began to uncover in May 2020 after a tip led them to one of the children wandering alone. As stated by WBIR, the children were believed to have been starved and confined to "punishment rooms," such as filthy closets and animal cages, at the couple's homes in Roane and Knox counties. The ordeal culminated in the death of two of the children, who were subsequently buried in the backyards of the Gray's properties.

During the court hearing, Roane County Criminal Court Judge Jeff Wicks condemned the couple's actions, expressing disgust over the revelations. "I'm appalled at what I've heard here today," Judge Wicks said, acknowledging that the pair would henceforth live in better conditions than their adopted children ever did. The gruesome details were outlined during the proceeding, with the prosecution explaining how the Grays continued to collect state assistance for the girl’s care, even after her death.

Details of the abuse include confinement of the children to "punishment rooms" and neglect that likely led to the deaths, as reported by WATE. Shirley Gray faced similar charges and received a comparable sentence. Meanwhile, Michael Gray Jr., the biological son of the accused, is scheduled for a status hearing on May 17 in Knox County, in connection to the discovery of a another child's body at his property.