Four individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a murder-for-hire conspiracy. On January 10, 2025, Judy Owen, 61, and Mitzy Smith, 54, both from Fairhope, Alabama, were convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, transferring a firearm in furtherance of a felony, and murder for hire.
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that Smith and Owen collaborated with others to engage a hitman for the murder of another person. Co-defendants Rebecca Murphy, Sandra Grimes, and Jessica Montgomery had previously pled guilty to conspiracy charges related to the same crime. Additionally, the sisters were found guilty of transferring a firearm in furtherance of a felony.
On May 5, 2025, United States Chief District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock handed down sentences: Judy Owen received 120 months in prison; Sandra Grimes was sentenced to 70 months; Jessica Montgomery received 60 months; while Mitzy Smith was sentenced to time served. Rebecca Murphy had already been sentenced on January 27, 2025, receiving a term of 60 months.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello from the Southern District of Alabama.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill and Tandice H. Blackwood representing the United States.