", Jenelle Potter said of communicating with the supposed CIA agent Chris through email, "I thought he was someone that I was friends with in school. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. And the worst part of it their 8-month-old baby was found still lying in the arms of his dead mother. Marvin Potter finally, before his family and a judge, confessed fully to the 2012 murder of Bill Payne, one of the two first-degree murder convictions he is jailed on today. The murders happened in Mountain City, but the case is being tried in Jonesborough because of the pre-trial publicity that surrounded the so-called Facebook murders.. Said Jenelle Potter: "I didn't murder anyone.. Case suggested by Linda MorganSuggested Reading: Too Pretty to Live: The Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee byJames Brooks, Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma Radio, https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/pottermarvinopn_3.pdf, https://www.amazon.com/Too-Pretty-Live-Catfishing-Tennessee-ebook/dp/B01994PAE8, https://abcnews.go.com/US/social-media-feud-led-murder-young-tennessee-couple/story?id=34346840, https://www.thetomahawk.com/local-news/prison-guard-fired-writing-letter-judge-support-potter-women/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_City,_Tennessee, http://www.city-data.com/city/Mountain-City-Tennessee.html, https://www.wjhl.com/local/tenn-supreme-court-censures-assistant-carter-co-district-attorney-over-facebook-murders-book/1308165452, https://media.wjhl.com/nxs-wjhltv-media-us-east-1/document_dev/2018/07/17/brooks-44880-carter-county-lawyer-censured_1531864697067_48862486_ver1.0.pdf, https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Local/2016/08/12/Court-of-Criminal-Appeals-grants-stay-of-appeal-for-Jenelle-Potter, Catfishing in Mountain City, TN: The Facebook Murders. Potter is serving two concurrent life sentences for the murders of the couple who were found in their Mountain City, Tennessee, home with single gunshot wounds to their faces. Petitioner also could have argued that if she was guilty of anything, she was guilty of lesser offenses. In addition to the conflict between Mr. Fallins duties to the Potters as counsel and the Fallins business interests in the Potter property and finances, the system of dual representation and dual payment in this case appears to have created in Mr. Fallins mind the impression that Marvin and Barbara were in this together. Accordingly, Mr. Fallin chose to view the couples legal fortunes as one and the same rather than recognizing the distinct prosecutorial theories involved in the spouses cases and pursuing the different defenses required to rebut the different theories of prosecution. The business relationship imputed to Mr. Fallin by her daughters actions was adverse to Petitioner and therefore barred by the Rules of Professional Conduct. Jenelle Potter lived with her parents Barbara Potter and Marvin Potter, pictured together here. She certainly could have. That led to discord between the one-time friends that prosecutors said ultimately ended in Payne and Hayworths deaths and the Potters being convicted of murder. The 60-year-old father is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for killing Billy Payne Jr. and his girlfriend, Billie Jean Hayworth. Eventually both sides deleted each other as friends on Facebook. And I unfriended her., Jenelles Former Friends Are Found Murdered. Note: Because the rates of crime are so low in America, we use "per . That visit left the victims with execution-style shots to the head, Paynes throat cut, and the couples eight-month-old son asleep in Hayworths lifeless arms. His testimony has to be taken in light of the massive bias hed have to help his family, and it would have to be evaluated in light of the other evidence in the case, Brooks explained. Cost of living in Mountain City is 5% lower than the Tennessee average. I think they would be called masterminds, said Lott. feet 2 baths - beds #2 Old Us Highway 421 Zionville, NC 28698 1,344 sq. Washington County District Attorney's Office. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Its just not in her.. A Johnson County man pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder in a brutal 2012 double murder Tuesday, and the mother and daughter convicted of the crimes will serve their two life. Acrees ruling, filed Wednesday in Washington County, stated that Fallins representation of both Marvin and Barbara Potter negated Barbara Potter of a fair trial. Paynes throat had also been slashed as he lay in bed, and Billie Jean had been cradling their baby in her arms when she died. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. While being questioned by detectives, Marvin said, Ever since all this crap started, Ive had my life threatened. Brooks claims Marvins testimony is full of red flags that contradict the evidence. I was a bad person. She will eventually be coming up for parole. Sinkhole opens up in Mall at Johnson City parking, Greeneville man describes moment US shot down balloon, From the Archives: Carter County, Roan Mountain floods, Join News Channel 11s 70th celebration in Elizabethton, Continents largest salamanders native to region, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The two became an item, with Jenelle hiding her relationship from her strict parents. MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) A Mountain City man has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting a man in the neck in November 2020. I changed my password lots of times. Crime risk indices are nationally comparable on a 1 100 scale, where 100 means safer than 100% of U.S. neighborhoods. Please enter valid email address to continue. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. An agent meticulously reconstructed the shredded papers found in Marvin Potter's truck, pictured here, which appeared to be thousands of emails sent to the Potter family. Somebody hated her. Assistant District Attorney General Dennis Brooks. I wanted the harassment to stop," Potter said. According to a summary from the publisher, when Payne and Hayworth began their romance, they unknowingly set in motion a diabolical plot that would end with them murdered in their own home, Hayworth holding their infant, who was not harmed. A feud erupted on social media with Curd, Paynes cousin, taking Jenelles side. I did Bill first and then I think Billie did me. The search engine finds the neighborhoods that are the optimum fit to the set of criteria you choose. Low 33F. Curd is the only one charged who admitted any involvement in the killings, but told investigators and testified that he had no knowledge of it prior to the morning it happened and that it was Buddy Potter who killed the couple. All three convictions will be appealed, according to their attorneys Randy Fallin and David Robbins for Buddy Potter, Randy Fallin and Tate Davis for Barbara Potter and Cameron Hyder for Jenelle Potter. Considering this evidence, the Court concludes Mr. Fallin operated under a conflict of interest in representing both Barbara and Marvin Potter in this case.. February 3, 2023. Maximum Access, Minimal Investment Pay As You Scout $29.99 per report Get Started Subscribe & Save FROM $39.99 per month See Pricing License Scout Data API Bulk Processing Flat File Explore Now Scout Before You Invest. Buddy and Jenelles convictions were both upheld on appeal. Barbara, you wanted to know if youd go to hell? Jenelles Dad Admits to Being Involved in Murders. "He was watching these people that he said were harassing her on the computer and calling her. I already knew the story, he said. He entered that plea to facilitation to commit murder Tuesday prior to the Potter womens sentencing hearing. Both parties lawyers claimed the information was paramount, considering the Potter womens charges are under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-11-402, criminal responsibility for the conduct of another. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Agent Lott then arranged for Marvin to call his wife Barbara. The two men walked across a field in the dark, then Buddy Potter handed Curd a gun just before they went into the Payne home, but Curd said it was Buddy Potter who walked down the hallway and shot Payne, then Hayworth. Left to right: Jamie Curd, and his attorney Casey Sears sit with Barbara Potter (foreground), Jenelle Potter and her attorney Cameron Hyder during the sentencing hearing Tuesday as Barbara Potter's attorney, Randy Fallin addresses the court.Becky Campbell. MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WCYB) One of six people charged in the kidnapping and murder of a North Carolina man was found guilty in a Johnson County, Tennessee courtroom. There was controversy around how the Johnson County Sheriffs Office handled the murder case during the original investigation. January 24, 2013 / 2:29 PM You have to have hard, concrete facts in court, he added. Invalid password or account does not exist. Barbara Potters post-conviction attorney, Scott Shults, successfully argued that his clients trial attorney, Randy Fallin, was deficient in representing her because he also had represented Marvin Potter. Barbara Potter, her husband Marvin Buddy Potter, and their daughter Jenelle Potter had all previously been convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder by Washington County juries. Jenelles sister Christie Groover, whos been estranged from the family for a decade, said Jenelle struggled to make friends growing up. "We've had enough. Winds light and variable.. A clear sky. The post-conviction judge, William Acree, heard testimony for this appeal over a three-day period in July. Washington County District Attorney's Office. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Curd received a 25-year sentence on facilitation to second-degree murder charge. The Rules of Professional Conduct impute the actions of non-lawyers to their attorney employers. 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I think that we did it to each other. Yeah, youre going to hell. Further suggesting Mr. Fallin was more aware of his daughters activities than he insisted at the post-conviction hearing, Mr. Fallin filed a motion to quash a subpoena related to a criminal investigation of Jessica, perhaps ending any potential investigation into the Fallins involvement with the Potters finances. I didnt murder anyone, Jenelle, pictured in jail above, told 20/20., 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Marvin Buddy Potter husband of Barbara and father to Jenelle was also convicted of the murders. NeighborhoodScout provides exclusive crime risk analytics for every neighborhood in America with up to 98% predictive accuracy. But Jenelle said there were real threats of violence against her. rsorrell@bristolnews.com | 276-645-2531 | Twitter: @RSorrellBHC |Facebook.com/robertsorrelltn, EDITORS NOTE: Mack Crowder changed his plea to withhold of adjudication and served a period of probation, which ended in April 2018. Prosecutors believe Potter created a false online identity of a CIA agent named Chris, in a phenomenon known as "catfishing," to fool her parents and her boyfriend and to goad her father into killing Hayworth and Payne. The murder occurred after months of allegations from Potter's. Hayworth died while holding her 7-month-old baby boy. Read more about Scout's Crime Data. Potter was once friendly with Payne in person, hanging out at barbecues and even going rappelling together. "I love my daughter. I was horrible. Please disable your ad blocker, whitelist our site, or purchase a subscription. Jenelle Potter was jealous of the couples relationship and created a CIA agent, named Chris, to get into touch with her parents, Brooks said. . There was a web of jealousy, allegations of threats from Hayworth and Payne toward Jenelle Potter, emails between them all and even an alleged bounty for Jenelles murder, JCP reported. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Chief Deputy Woodard said investigators found an arsenal of weapons around the home though none matched the murder weapon. Because of health problems, including Type 1 diabetes, Potter spent most of her time living at home with her parents, who cared for her every day. He told Barbara, I did it. That's as close to a confession as we got from him, said Lott. The photos, apparently taken from Facebook, had been emailed between Jenelle Potter and her mother with titles like panface, and whores. Barbara Potter received a three-year prison sentence for the tampering conviction. Schults reportedly told JCP that Barbara requested him to reach a deal with prosecutorsagainst his advicebecause she did not want to go through another trial. "I went through a lot with them, but I never wished them dead. Every Town You've got a Facebook friend request - or conversely, your friend request has been accepted - and the thrill of having a new virtual friend that may open beautiful possibilities is undeniable. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Listen to 39: Catfishing in Mountain City, TN: The Facebook Murders, an episode of Southern Fried True Crime, easily on Podbay - the best podcast player on the web. She did want to go in there and plead guilty, Schults told the paper. Marvin Potter is accused in the shooting deaths of a couple who removed his adult daughter as a friend on the social network. Because Buddy did have some health issues.. At that time, Reeces only statement was that he would not respond to the letter in question. Midway through her interview with "20/20," Jenelle Potter shut down in tears and walked out back to her cell. Potter and Curd were arraigned Wednesday. Curd took a plea deal of 25 years in prison. Cause I wasnt born and raised here. Brooks believes Jenelle was pretending to be Chris. Mountain City real estate prices are 10% lower than the Tennessee average. Now let us turn to take a look at how Mountain City does for violent crimes specifically, and then how it does for property crimes. You can cancel at any time. The letter also included records of others seeking court-ordered protection from Jenelle because of the alleged harassment stretching back four years, claiming the victims should have been protected better. The 60-year-old father is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for killing Billy Payne Jr. and his girlfriend, Billie Jean Hayworth. I never wanted them dead," Jenelle Potter, 34, told ABC News' "20/20" in an exclusive interview about the murders. In the upcoming months, officials will decide whether the Potter women will receive a new trial, get a chance at an appeal, or be left to serve their sentences as planned. By being able to show conflict of interest, we were able to show ineffective assistance of counsel.. In a major breakthrough, Curd told detectives hed been texting with a man named Chris who told him he was in the CIA and that it was his job to protect Jenelle at all costs. An agent meticulously reconstructed the shredded papers found in Marvin Potter's truck, pictured here, which appeared to be thousands of emails sent to the Potter family. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The fourth defendant, Jamie Curd, described by prosecutors as Jenelles boyfriend, was also charged, but he worked out a plea agreement with the state in exchange for testifying against the Potter women. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Defense attorneys did not present any evidence, but argued that concurrent sentencing was warranted in the case. Jenelle Potters convictions were upheld in a separate opinion issued by Acree. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. I dont want people to think, Hes just prosecuting the case to write another book, said Brooks, who does not know whether hell ever write another book. His wife told 20/20 he later worked with the CIA. Whats happening this weekend around the Tri-Cities? All three Potters are serving two life sentences each for the murders. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Potters mother Barbara Potter had a job with Hewlett-Packard, and her father Marvin Potter, known as Buddy, was a former marine who served in Vietnam. Wed have the right to appeal that, but if a judge sets forth sound legal reasoning, its hard to win an appeal, Brooks said. But when police took a look at the computer they seized from the Potters' home, they learned the emails from the CIA agent Chris were all coming from an account that belonged to Jenelle Potter, and a review of the IP address confirmed that. feet - baths - beds #5 Nc 194 S Todd, NC 28684 - sq. Jenelle and Her Family Adjust to Life in Mountain City. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Mountain City is 1 in 76. Enhanced Cost of Living Calculator Now includes childcare, taxes, health, housing for home owners vs renters, insurance costs and more when you upgrade to premium. Mr. Fallin asserted at the post-conviction hearing that there were no conflicting interests between Petitioner and her husband, but the testimony of the other witnesses and the evidence presented at the two trials paint a far different picture. Hayworth was holding their young son, but he was not injured. He survived unharmed, though he was found covered in blood. I did that on purpose, Marvin testified about slitting Paynes throat in his confession at the post-conviction hearing. The tragic slaying of Billy Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth, which involved Facebook, catfishing and jealousy, reached a national audience, and has now evolved into a true crime book written by the lead prosecutor in the infamous case. Barbara Potter was also convicted of tampering with evidence, which stemmed from her tearing up photos of Hayworth and some of Hayworths friends while investigators were executing a search warrant at the Potter home. Mr. Fallin was not granted power of attorney over the Potter family assets counsels daughter Jessica was. Data Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Crime in the U.S. MLA Citation: Other Cities in TN; City Name Population Rate; Ridgely: 1,662: 60.17: Bean Station: 3,094: 32.32: Savannah: 6,968: 28.70: — -- Jenelle Potter was a sheltered young woman. First published on January 24, 2013 / 2:29 PM. Prosecutors believe Jenelle used the false identity to fool her parents and to goad Marvin into the killing. Detectives had Curd call Marvin to get a confession on tape. While it seemed that Jenelles social life was finally blooming, she was being relentlessly bullied online with anonymous comments appearing on her Facebook page. Authorities seized 51 items from the house, including their family computer. A life sentence in Tennessee requires a inmate serve 51 years before being eligible for parole. Jenelle Potter had a love interest in Payne and apparently wasnt happy when he began dating Hayworth. 8,376,755. His letter accused Reece of damaging the prosecutions case with his public comments. A Crime That SHOCKED The Nation - Mary Holmes - Thatcher, AZ. Yes, Barbara responded. Police had a major breakthrough in their investigation of the murders after interviewing Potter's boyfriend, Jamie Curd, who admitted to being involved in the murders and told police that Jenelle Potters father, Marvin Potter, shot Hayworth and Payne to protect his daughter from what he perceived as an imminent threat? For those that are fuzzy on the nearly decade-old crime, this case, known as the Facebook Murders, revolves around a social media feud that made its way to the real world. Hed have given the testimony he gave yesterday.. Keep an eye out for more updates on the Facebook Murders. Because of what they were saying about my daughter.. A week after the crime, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of Marvin "Buddy" Potter (of no relation to the mayor) and his daughter's then-boyfriend, Jamie Lynn Curd. However, Jessica Fallin, in addition to being counsels daughter, was her fathers employee. Mountain City is located just a few miles from both the Virginia and North Carolina state lines. Invalid password or account does not exist. The matriarch of a family trio convicted on two counts of first- degree murder in the so-called Facebook murders was granted a new trial after a judge ruled her trial attorney who also. Regardless of how Mountain City does relative to all communities in America of all sizes, when NeighborhoodScout compared it to communities of similar population size, its crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. In the last 5 years Mountain City has seen decline of violent crime and decreasing property crime. The murder occurred after months of allegations from Potters daughter, Jenelle Potter, and his wife, Barbara Potter, and a Facebook defriending. The evidence was presented to the Johnson County Grand Jury and Mr. Jimmy Gale Morefield was charged with Second Degree Murder, the release reads. Jenelle spent time with Greenwell and her friends, including Greenwells brother Billy Payne. She said she was the victim of anonymous cyberbullying, some of which she believes came from Hayworth. A life sentence in Tennessee requires a inmate serve 51 years before being eligible for parole. Clear skies. You have permission to edit this article. This is about average for all cities and towns in America of all population sizes. The release states officers found Teddy Allen Street lying on the roadway with a gunshot wound to the neck.. In recounting the evidence against Barbara during Wednesdays plea hearing, Deputy DA Brooks reportedly described how investigators found hundreds of emails that showed how Jenelle catfished by pretending to be a CIA agent named Chris. She was paranoid about it.. Curd was sentenced to 25 years in prison and will be eligible for parole after serving 30 percent. Listen to "39: Catfishing in Mountain City, TN: The Facebook Murders" on Spreaker. Payne, 36, and Hayworth, 23, were killed about three years ago in their Mountain City home by Marvin Potter and Jamie Curd. A Johnson County man pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder in a brutal 2012 double murder Tuesday, and the mother and daughter convicted of the crimes will serve their two life sentences concurrently, a judge ruled, giving the younger woman at least some chance of being paroled. Maybe somewhere along the way, hes had a change of heart, but, in my mind, if he wanted to help those women at their trial, hed have done it. Nothing ever showed up in my sent box," Jenelle Potter said. Barbara Mae Potter, 64, and her daughter, Jenelle Leigh Potter, 35, of Mountain City, were tried in May on charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree murder. Emailus. Curd said Buddy picked him up and drove to a church parking lot near the Payne home. Methodology: Because you are guilty? Rice asked. MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) - A Mountain City man has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting a man in the neck in November 2020. Now, two of the three parties serving two consecutive life sentences for the 2012 murders of Bill Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth are asking for a new ruling. Our nationally-comparable school ratings are covered under US Patent No. Jamie Lynn Curd, 38, of 2358 Pleasant Valley Road, Mountain City, Tn., and Marvin "Buddy" Potter, Jr., 60, of 727 Hospital Road, Mountain City, Tn., were both charged overnight with two counts . I did not do that," Barbara Potter told ABC News' "20/20. After seven days of testimony, the jury found both Jenelle and Barbara guilty of first degree murder, and they were both sentenced to life in prison in July. It took a lot of work to get here and I truly believe that she could have had a better outcome at trial. In one incident, police photographed a rock, pictured above, that was found in the Potters front yard with the names Billy Payne and Billie Jean written on it.