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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

Hearings today for three charged in McMinn killing

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photo Thomas P. Odum, 48; Martha A. Thompson, 42; and Amanda L. Britnell, 34

Three suspects in the July 4 slaying of a 20-year-old man in McMinn County, Tenn., were arrested early Thursday morning in Athens by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and county deputies.

Michael W.T. “Tyler” Womack’s grandmother found him shot to death at a neighbor’s home on County Road 172. The house was reported to have been burglarized, according to the initial police report.

Tenth District Attorney General Steve Crump asked TBI special agents to investigate on July 15.

In a news release, McMinn Sheriff Joe Guy said officers “found and collected trace evidence at the scene that eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects.”

Thomas P. Odum, 48; Martha A. Thompson, 42; and Amanda L. Britnell, 34, were arrested without incident at the home shared by Thompson and Britnell. Each admitted to their participation in the crime, Guy’s release said.