18-year-old co-defendant convicted in Bacliff grandmom's death sentenced to life in prison: Records

Monday, November 10, 2025
LAREDO, Texas (KTRK) -- An 18-year-old co-defendant charged and convicted in connection with the death of a 61-year-old woman in Bacliff has been sentenced to life in prison for his role, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

A jury found Uriah Urick guilty of capital murder, and he was also sentenced without the possibility of parole.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Galveston County Sheriff's Office identify 61-year-old grandmother found dead in Bacliff home

Back in February, a woman, Tammy King, was found shot to death inside her home in the 4700 block of 15th Street after a concerned neighbor said no one had heard from her.

Officials determined that the woman's granddaughter, 17-year-old Tara King, and her boyfriend, Urick, were initially named as "persons of interest" before being upgraded to suspects.



Tara was a student at Dickinson High School and was being raised by her grandmother, officials said.

According to investigators, Tara was upset that Tammy did not allow Urick to spend the night, possibly leading to the shooting. At least two weapons were recovered from the crime scene that night.

Court records said Tammy's boyfriend also told investigators that Tammy and Tara had argued about Tara skipping school.

The two teens fled the area, and a manhunt ensued. Soon, capital murder charges were filed against them.

Court documents revealed that the two suspects hitched a ride with a known drug dealer on the day of the murder. Officials said they offered money to multiple people to offer them a ride out of town. The dealer, 35-year-old Hodge, was later arrested and charged with hindering apprehension.



Five days after the murder, the teens were captured in Laredo, Texas.

The trial for Tammy's granddaughter, Tara, is set for January 2026, according to records.

SEE ALSO: Teens wanted in Bacliff grandmother's death arrested after days-long manhunt, authorities say

Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.