In the quiet town of Loudon, Tennessee, the life of 64-year-old William 'Billy' Roberts came to a tragic and violent end in February 2017. A neighbor, making a welfare check, discovered a scene of disarray at Roberts' Dutton Road home that hinted at the brutal events that had transpired. Money was scattered in the driveway, and a door was left ajar, leading to the grim discovery of Roberts' body.
Investigators found that Roberts had been shot once in the head and also struck with a blunt
object. The subsequent investigation painted a grim picture of a planned robbery that escalated to murder. Authorities determined that the perpetrators targeted Roberts with the belief that he kept a large amount of cash and narcotic pills in his home.
Within a short period, the Loudon County Sheriff's Office made arrests in connection with the homicide. Two men, Robbie Covington and James Albert Clapham, both convicted felons, were taken into custody. Investigators learned that after the robbery and murder, the pair went to the home of Clapham's father to divide the stolen money. During questioning, both Covington and Clapham admitted their involvement in the robbery but pointed the finger at each other for the act of shooting Roberts.
The investigation further revealed the involvement of a third individual. Brittney Smith was later arrested and charged in connection to the crime. All three suspects faced charges of first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, and especially aggravated robbery for their roles in the death of William 'Billy' Roberts.
