In the quiet city of Murray, Kentucky, a tragedy unfolded that cut short the life of 37-year-old Tera Todd. On February 7, 2019, she was found deceased at her residence in a double murder that also claimed the life of her 77-year-old aunt, Evelyn Scott. Tera was a mother and was described by her family as a 'loving, light and happy' person who was also selfless and God-loving.
The circumstances of their deaths were violent and grim.
An autopsy revealed that Tera Todd had been stabbed multiple times and also shot. Her aunt, Evelyn Scott, was found to have had her throat slit. The discovery of their bodies at their Catalina Drive home prompted an immediate investigation by the Murray Police Department. The scene was described as a 'gruesome picture' in court documents.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, Shannon Scott, who was identified as Tera Todd's 51-year-old boyfriend at the time. He was found inside the residence on the day the women's bodies were discovered. In addition to the two murders, Scott was also accused of killing a dog and hiding its body. He was arrested and faced multiple charges, including two counts of murder.
Shannon Scott initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, he later changed his plea to 'guilty but mentally ill.' In February 2021, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murders of Tera Todd and Evelyn Scott. He will be required to serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole. During the sentencing, heart-wrenching letters from Tera's family were read, expressing their profound loss and the hope that the perpetrator would have to live with the consequences of his actions every day.
