Wife convicted in plot to murder husband

Monday, May 12, 2014

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - A Bedford County woman has been found guilty of plotting to kill her husband in 2012.

According to the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, a jury on Friday convicted Susan Walls of criminal responsibility to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy in the death of her husband, 55-year-old Larry Walls.

Larry Walls was found dead Aug. 8, 2012, inside his Unionville home. A medical examiner said he died from a head injury and 49 stab wounds.

Also charged with murder in the case are Larry Walls' daughter Dawn Walls and Sean Gearhardt. Another co-defendant, Jason Starrick, has begun a 51-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in the case.

Assistant district attorney Mike Randles said Susan Walls didn't have to personally commit the murder, but hiring someone to do it makes her responsible.