x
Breaking News
More () »

Austin man convicted in deaths of elderly couple, choir teacher gets life sentence

He has been found guilty of five counts in connection to their deaths.

AUSTIN — Timothy Parlin has been convicted of killing three Austinites including an elderly couple and a choir teacher in December of 2014.

Officials said on May 30 that Parlin was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Parlin was found guilty May 25 in the deaths of Austin choir teacher Kathy Blair and elderly couple Sidney and Billie Shelton. The verdict came after the jury deliberated for two hours, according to KVUE's news partners at the Austin American-Statesman. He has been found guilty of five counts in connection to their deaths.

RELATED:

Trial begins for man accused of killing three people, including Austin choir teacher

Judge declares mistrial in capital murder trial of Shawn Gant-Benalcazar

Parlin beat and strangled Billie and Sidney Shelton after breaking into their homes with the intent to burglarize, thus leading to their deaths. Billie Shelton, 83, was stabbed several times in the face, including the eye, according to prosecutors. Parlin was also accused of a burglary that led to the murder of Blair.

Parlin’s lawyers said that he was unaware of his co-defendant, Shawn Gant-Benalcazar, intentions to kill anyone after Parlin drove him to burglarize two Austin homes in late 2014. Gant-Benalcazar, 33, is also charged with capital murder for Blair’s death.

Gant-Benalcazar's martial arts skills paired with Parlin's supplies, transportation and knowledge of Austin neighborhoods were what Prosecutor Katie Sweeten referred to as “a match made in hell," the Statesman reported.

Before You Leave, Check This Out