Galveston Man Sentenced to Life for Murder of Girlfriend’s Grandmother

Galveston, TX – In a major development in a 2025 homicide case, Uriah Urick, 17, has been found guilty of capital murder in the death of his girlfriend Tara King’s grandmother, Tammy King. Urick was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Tammy King, 68, was found dead in her home on Thursday, February 6, 2025, by her boyfriend, who reported that the home had been “ransacked” and that guns from a safe in Tammy’s bedroom were missing. Investigators later discovered that thousands of dollars had been transferred from Tammy King’s bank account to her granddaughter Tara King’s Cash App account. Records also showed two attempted transfers of $5,000 and $20,000 that were unsuccessful. Detectives determined that an “unknown person” had linked their account to Tammy’s Cash App account, raising suspicions about Tara and her boyfriend Urick.

Authorities interviewed Urick’s mother, who told investigators that he suffered from mental illnesses, had a history of self-harm, and had been violent toward family members. She also stated that Tara “hated” her grandmother because Tammy would not allow Urick to stay overnight at their home.

Police attempted to locate Urick at his home on February 7, but he was not there. Using access provided by his mother, investigators found that Urick had received multiple Cash App transfers from Tara on February 5, 2025. The young couple went on the run, offering money to people for shelter and allegedly attempting to sell the guns stolen from Tammy’s safe.

Court documents indicate that one woman who interacted with the couple reported that Tara admitted to killing her grandmother because she was angry and high on meth at the time.

Urick and Tara King were apprehended on February 9, 2025, in Laredo, Texas, with the assistance of the USMS Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force. Urick’s conviction follows a thorough investigation, extensive evidence collection, and the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies.

Tara King, 17, is scheduled to stand trial in January 2026 on charges related to her grandmother’s death.

Sheriff Jimmy Fullen expressed gratitude to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, especially Chief Prosecutor Katlyn Willis and Prosecutor Michael Rinehart, for their dedication to securing justice. “This case demonstrates the tireless commitment of our Major Crimes detectives, Crime Scene investigators, prosecutors, and partner agencies who worked from the day of the crime through trial,” Fullen said. “Justice has been served for Tammy King and her loved ones.”