(TSN): James "Tim" Norman of the former OWN program "Welcome to Sweetie Pies" has been sentenced to 2 life terms in prison. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge John A. Ross said in a court that Norman committed a "cold blooded and incredibly premeditated execution" of his nephew, Andre Montgomery -- who also appeared on the show --to collect on a $450,000 life insurance policy. He was 21 at the time of the March 2016 murder.in which he was lured to a lo ation and gunned down. While Norman did not take to stand to defend himself he had previously proclaimed his innocence online.
“I’m still in disbelief. The feds knew 100% I did not do those insurance policies. But the jury didn’t get to hear that,” he said in a Feb. 23 Instagram post. Others who conspired with Tim, including the woman who helped track his relative's whereabouts and the gunman were issued various sentences last year. Norman's sentencing wraps up a trial of family deceit that also saw the show end and the flagship restaurant "Upper Crust" crumble.
Robbie Montogomery, Tim's mother and the victim's grandmother founded the soul food restaraunt that brought their names into the national spotlight. wrote a letter pleading for leniency.
“I don’t know whether Tim did what he was accused and convicted of,” wrote Robbie Montgomery, who is also the victim’s grandmother. “He is still the baby that I bore, and I love him as every mother involved loves their child.”
Andre's mom had hoped for a life sentence.
Tim rejoined his family after serving time in prison for crimes he committed as a youngster. He managed his mother's watery and eventually tried to run his own.
All reactions:
2Aja Peterson and Helena M. Titus
Comments