Terry Lee Hankins: A Detailed Account of His Crimes
Early Life
Terry Lee Hankins was born on October 10, 1974, in Tarrant County, Texas. His early life was marked by familial instability; following his parents' divorce, he resided with his father, Ernie Hankins. During this period, he was reportedly subjected to sexual abuse by two stepmothers. At 18, he married Tammy Bryce and became a stepfather to her three children.
Murders
Between October 2000 and August 2001, Hankins committed a series of brutal murders, claiming the lives of five family members in Mansfield, Texas.
- Pearl Sevenstar: On October 1, 2000, Hankins killed his 20-year-old half-sister, Pearl Sevenstar, by striking her multiple times in the head with a car jack. He then concealed her body in a car at his father's automotive shop.
- Ernie Hankins: Approximately a week later, on October 8, 2000, during an argument, Hankins shot his 55-year-old father, Ernie Hankins, in the head with a .45-caliber pistol. He hid the body in an Arlington mobile home and assumed control of his father's business, misleading others about his father's whereabouts.
- Tammy Hankins: On August 26, 2001, Hankins entered the trailer of his estranged wife, 34-year-old Tammy Hankins, and fatally shot her in the head while she slept.
- Kevin Galley: On August 27, 2001, Hankins shot his 12-year-old stepson, Kevin Galley, in the head as he slept.
- Ashley Mason: On the same day, August 27, 2001, Hankins also shot his 10-year-old stepdaughter, Ashley Mason, in the head while she slept.
Arrest and Trial
Following the discovery of Tammy and her children's bodies on August 29, 2001, Hankins became the prime suspect. After a five-hour standoff at his girlfriend's Arlington apartment, he surrendered to authorities. During interrogation, Hankins confessed to all five murders and led police to the concealed bodies of his father and half-sister. Despite his confessions, he pleaded not guilty at trial. In May 2002, he was convicted of two counts of capital murder and sentenced to death.
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