The Murder of Tammie Craycraft Smith
For this case, I watched an episode of Your Worst Nightmare. It’s season 6 episode 8, titled ‘Never Saw It Coming.’
A 30-year-old woman is found dead in her small town apartment.
Background
Tammie Craycraft Smith lived in the small town of Muncie, Indiana. Tammie had recently gotten divorced, and was trying to start her life over. Tammie worked two jobs, as a phlebotomist, someone who draws blood, and as a waitress. Tammie worked hard at everything she did, and was very reliable.
Due to working 2 jobs, Tammie didn’t have much of a social life outside of work. She did hit it off with one of the managers from the restaurant. They dated for awhile until she discovered he was married and had a child on the way.
Tammie Craycraft Smith
A New Friend
By November 2000, Tammie ended up leaving the restaurant she worked at to get away from her ex. She went to work at another restaurant, and found a new friend in a young man named Christopher Burns.
Christopher was young, and his family had a lot of financial problems. Tammie took him under her wing. Tammie also gave him rides as he didn’t have a car. She just wanted to help him, and according to her mom, Connie, wanted to be needed.
Christopher repaid Tammie by helping her around her house. Christopher confided in her and said he had a young daughter. He also told her about his his ex, Christy Williams. He said his ex was taking him to court for child support payment. Tammie gave Christopher money, and was hoping that would help him get his ex out of his life.
By December 2000, Christopher’s ex was not happy that he was spending time with Tammie. Christopher admitted that he had feelings for Tammie. Tammie was older, and just wanted to be a friend to him. Connie didn’t tryst Christopher, and didn’t want Tammie around him. Tammie believed he was harmless.
By February 2001, Christy was leaving threatening notes on Tammie’s car about staying away from Christopher. Christopher told Tammie at work that he had gotten back together with Christy. Christopher also became cold to Tammie, and it was clear that he was listening to Christy about staying away from her.
The Murder
On February 13, 2001, someone had tried to break into Tammie’s apartment around 2:30am.
That same day, Christopher called Tammie at the hospital. He asked if he could borrow her car, and she agreed. Christopher took advantage of the fact that Tammie would say yes to helping him.
By 4:45pm, Tammie returned home from work, and Christopher arrived to borrow her car. Christy also arrived, as had been waiting in the parking lot. There was a confrontation, and they started to attack her.
It’s believed that Christy was the instigator. The original plan was for them to steal Tammie’s car and money and leave Muncie. But, Christy wanted Tammie gone. Christy decided they needed to get rid of her. She egged Christopher on, and he stabbed her repeatedly.
The Discovery
On February 15, 2001, Connie received a phone call that Tammie didn’t show up to work, and hadn’t called in. Connie tried to get in touch with Tammie, but there was no answer.
Connie went over to Tammie’s apartment, and called her sister and Tammie’s aunt, Sharon. They realized that Tammie’s car was also missing. They busted the door open. Sharon went inside because she had a feeling something was wrong. Tammie was lying on the floor between the couch and the wall. Sharon told Connie not to enter the apartment, and the police were called.
The crime scene immediately suggested that it was a robbery gone wrong. Tammie’s ID was in her purse, but there was no cash or credit cards. Due to the amount of stab wounds, the police believed she knew her killer.
The police learned from Christopher’s mom that he had left town, and was with Christy. Christopher’s mom said she felt like he had something to do with Tammie’s murder.
The police learned from Tammie’s credit cards that they were being used repeatedly in Phoenix, Arizona. It led them to Christopher and Christy.
The Convictions
On February 16, 2001, they were arrested in Phoenix for possession of a stolen vehicle. Christopher immediately confessed to the murder, and said Christy was jealous. He said Christy had told him to kill Tammie to prove his love for her. Christy was on him all day about going to steal money and the car from Tammie. He said she just pushed his buttons, and he gave in.
Christy told the police that murdering Tammie was never part of the plan. They had planned to steal from her and that was it.
They were both charged with murder, and both entered a guilty plea. Christopher Burns was sentenced to life without parole. Christy Williams was sentenced to 65 years.
Christopher Burns
Christy Williams
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s just senseless. Tammie was never interested in Christopher, and only thought she was helping someone who clearly needed it. Christy made everything up in her head, and put the blame on someone other than Christopher. Both of them deserve life in prison if you ask me. I think they both wanted Tammie gone as they thought she was ruining their fucked up relationship.
Other
Both Christy and Christopher have tried to appeal their convictions. However, both are still in prison.
Sources
