Kelli Lea Graham Underwood, a 46-year-old woman from Princeton, Texas, tragically died on September 16, 2017. She was found shot and stabbed to death in her home by her daughter, Kayden Graham, who had become concerned after being unable to reach her mother for several days. The autopsy confirmed that Kelli had suffered multiple stab and gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Kelli's death revealed a disturbing murder-for-hire plot.
It was discovered that Kelli's boss, Ronnie Welborn, and his then-girlfriend, Kadie Robinson, had hired two men, Robert Veal and Delvin Powell, to carry out the murder. The motive behind the murder was rooted in a love triangle involving Kelli, Ronnie Welborn, and Kadie Robinson.
After a thorough investigation by Texas Ranger Bruce Sherman, along with the Collin County Sheriff's Office and the Princeton Police Department, all four individuals were charged. In August 2019, Robert Veal was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. Delvin Powell was also found guilty of capital murder in January 2020 and received a life sentence. Ronnie Welborn pleaded guilty to his role in the murder and was sentenced to life in prison in October 2020.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Dewey Mitchell, with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs and Victim Assistance Coordinator Stacey Taylor. The investigation and subsequent trials were instrumental in securing justice for Kelli and her family.
Kelli Lea Graham Underwood was remembered as a kind-hearted and helpful individual who was well-respected in her community. She was a loving mother to three children, Karli, Kayden, and Xander, and enjoyed spending time with her family. Her funeral was held on September 28, 2017, at Ridgeview Memorial Park in McKinney, Texas.
The tragic loss of Kelli Lea Graham Underwood and the subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the devastating impact of a murder-for-hire plot and the importance of thorough investigations in bringing perpetrators to justice.
