Authorities in Overton County say a quiet stretch of Upper Hilham Road has become the focus of a homicide investigation after an 83-year-old man was found dead in his Livingston home this week. Investigators have identified the victim as Teddy Turner and charged 54-year-old James Richard Mullins with felony murder in connection with his death. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe and says it has evidence tying Mullins to the case.
Investigation and arrest
According to the TBI, Turner was discovered on Monday at a residence on Upper Hilham Road. The next day, investigators moved in on Mullins, arresting him on Tuesday at his home in Baxter with help from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. He was then booked into the Overton County Jail.
So far, authorities are keeping the most sensitive details under wraps. The TBI has declined to say how Turner was killed or whether a murder weapon has been recovered, leaving plenty of unanswered questions as the case moves forward, as reported by WSMV.
Legal implications
Mullins is facing a felony murder charge, one of the most serious counts on the books in Tennessee. State law treats felony murder as a form of first-degree murder when a death occurs during certain underlying felonies, and prosecutors do not have to prove the killing was premeditated. A conviction under that statute can result in a life sentence and other severe penalties, depending on the circumstances of the case, per WomensLaw.
What’s next
Mullins remains behind bars while the TBI and local deputies continue building their case and preparing evidence for prosecutors. The Overton County Sheriff’s Department lists contact information on its website for anyone who may have tips or information that could help investigators.
More details about the arrest and the charge were reported by WSMV. The sheriff’s office can be reached through its site at Overton County Sheriff’s Department.
