Former reality TV star James “Tim” Norman has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a heinous murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of his nephew, Andre Montgomery Jr., in 2016.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Norman, who is known for his appearance on the reality television show “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in September 2022.
Norman arranged for his nephew’s murder to cash out a fraudulent life insurance policy worth $450,000. The scheme involved “numerous false statements regarding Montgomery’s income, net worth, medical history, employment, and family background,” the press release noted. Montgomery, who also appeared on “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” was shot dead on March 14, 2016, as a result of Norman’s twisted plan.
JUST IN: Former Sweetie Pie’s star Tim Norman has been sentenced to life in federal prison. The judge said it was a “cold blooded premeditated planned execution” of his nephew. pic.twitter.com/yyfXuGwjTv
— Justina Coronel (@JustinaCoronel) March 2, 2023
During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Angie Danis stated that Norman “portrayed one image to the public, but there were more sinister intentions lurking underneath,” adding that “the measure of someone’s character is what they do when they think no one is watching.” Danis went on to say that “when he thought no one was watching, he planned the execution of his nephew and carried it out.”
Norman’s co-conspirators, Travell Anthony Hill, Terica Taneisha Ellis, and Waiel “Wally” Rebhi Yaghnam, all pleaded guilty to their roles in the murder-for-hire plot.
Norman and Montgomery both appeared on OWN Network’s reality TV show, which documented the family’s food business for nine seasons between 2011-2018. The tragic death of Montgomery shocked fans of the show and cast a pall over the production. Now, six years later, justice has finally been served.
The case against Norman was a long time coming. His guilt had been established since 2022, but it took several months before he was formally sentenced. During that time, the families of Norman and Montgomery were left to grapple with the devastating consequences of Norman’s actions.
It’s hard to fathom what could have led someone to do something so heinous, especially to a family member. The case has garnered widespread media attention and has shocked fans of “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” and reality television in general. Ultimately, though, the focus should remain on the victim and his family, who have suffered an unimaginable loss at the hands of someone they trusted.
Sources: DailyCaller, Justice.gov
