Texas Teen on Trial for Murder of Girlfriend’s Grandmother in Chilling Galveston Case
GALVESTON, TEXAS — A shocking murder case out of Texas has reached trial as 18-year-old Uriah Lee Urick Jr. faces capital murder and credit card abuse charges in the February 2025 death of 63-year-old Tammy King, his girlfriend’s grandmother.
According to Court TV, prosecutors allege Urick shot and killed King inside her Galveston County home, then fled with his girlfriend, Tara King, across the state in a failed attempt to escape law enforcement.
Victim Found Shot and Covered With Sheets
Investigators say Tammy King was discovered shot to death in her bedroom on February 5, 2025, her body covered with multiple sheets. The home appeared ransacked, with empty safes, an overturned purse, and cash scattered across the floor.
Detectives found evidence suggesting the couple had stolen King’s credit cards and fled soon after the killing.
A week later, police tracked the teenagers to Laredo, Texas, where both were arrested on February 9.
Evidence and Testimony Reveal Graphic Details
In testimony this week, investigators presented surveillance footage, Instagram messages, and forensic evidence tying Urick and Tara King to the crime.
Detective Brian Barnard of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said video footage showed Tara purchasing hair dye before the pair dyed their hair and fled town.
Investigators also revealed disturbing Instagram conversations between Urick and Tara the night before the murder. The messages showed the couple discussing violence and robbery, with Urick writing:
“If she comes in, I’ll kill her.”
Tara, who referred to her grandmother as “Nanny,” appeared hesitant but ultimately joined Urick in what prosecutors allege was a premeditated plan to kill and rob King.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Aftermath
Travis Hodge, 36, a friend who later helped the couple flee, testified that Urick admitted to the murder while traveling to Laredo.
“He said he couldn’t get the smell of burning flesh out of his nose,” Hodge told the court.
Hodge also confirmed he was later found in possession of methamphetamine and the murder weapon, a rifle believed to have been used in King’s death. He accepted a plea deal for 10 years in prison in exchange for testifying against Urick.
Additional witnesses, including Tammy King’s boyfriend, testified that the victim had recently argued with her granddaughter over skipping school, adding further tension to an already unstable household.
Forensic Evidence and Crime Scene
Crime scene investigators described the home as filthy and chaotic, with bottles of urine, moldy food, and multiple firearms found lying around.
Dr. Monica Patel, the deputy medical examiner, testified that Tammy King died from a gunshot wound to the head, which entered above her left ear and traveled through her chest cavity, fracturing her ribs and spine.
“The manner of death is homicide,” Dr. Patel told jurors, adding that decomposition prevented determining the exact time of death.
Co-Defendant and Upcoming Trials
Tara King, now 17, was declared competent to stand trial in August. Her trial is scheduled to begin January 5, 2026, where she will face similar murder charges.
Meanwhile, prosecutors argue Urick was the ringleader, pointing to text messages and financial records showing his CashApp account linked to the victim’s stolen money.
Urick has pleaded not guilty. If convicted of capital murder, he could face life in prison without parole.
The case has stunned residents across Galveston County, revealing a disturbing mix of youth, drugs, and premeditated violence. For ongoing updates from inside the courtroom, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.