Was Crucial DNA Evidence in Tony Carruthers’ Case Never Fully Tested?

Imagine waking up knowing you're going Imagine waking up knowing you're going to die that day. And then when you to die that day. And then when you to die that day. And then when you unexpectedly survive, you learn there's unexpectedly survive, you learn there's unexpectedly survive, you learn there's a legal rain check on your death for 1 a legal rain check on your death for 1 a legal rain check on your death for 1 year. You are handed a new expiration year. You are handed a new expiration year. You are handed a new expiration date, which means you have 1 more year date, which means you have 1 more year date, which means you have 1 more year to prove to the world that you are to prove to the world that you are to prove to the world that you are innocent. In Tennessee, the recent innocent. In Tennessee, the recent innocent. In Tennessee, the recent attempted execution of a death row attempted execution of a death row attempted execution of a death row inmate in May of 2026 began, but it inmate in May of 2026 began, but it inmate in May of 2026 began, but it never ended because everything went never ended because everything went never ended because everything went horribly wrong during the process and it horribly wrong during the process and it horribly wrong during the process and it was called off after more than an hour was called off after more than an hour was called off after more than an hour of trying. But the botched part of this of trying. But the botched part of this of trying. But the botched part of this story isn't the only issue at play, story isn't the only issue at play, story isn't the only issue at play, because there's a chance this man didn't because there's a chance this man didn't because there's a chance this man didn't even commit the murders he's being even commit the murders he's being even commit the murders he's being executed for and it all hinges on executed for and it all hinges on executed for and it all hinges on untested DNA evidence. Crime Junkies, untested DNA evidence. Crime Junkies, untested DNA evidence. Crime Junkies, I'm Brianna Whitney and for this week's I'm Brianna Whitney and for this week's I'm Brianna Whitney and for this week's In the Headlines episode, I want to In the Headlines episode, I want to In the Headlines episode, I want to bring you into the twisted case of Tony bring you into the twisted case of Tony bring you into the twisted case of Tony Carruthers that began more than 30 years Carruthers that began more than 30 years Carruthers that began more than 30 years ago, but now could see its biggest twist ago, but now could see its biggest twist ago, but now could see its biggest twist of all.

It was early in the morning on May 21st, It was early in the morning on May 21st, 2026. Maria De Liberato was heading to 2026. Maria De Liberato was heading to 2026. Maria De Liberato was heading to the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville. Now, she's an attorney, so Nashville. Now, she's an attorney, so Nashville. Now, she's an attorney, so going to the prison was not abnormal. going to the prison was not abnormal. going to the prison was not abnormal. But this trip was not going to be a But this trip was not going to be a But this trip was not going to be a typical prison visit, because in a typical prison visit, because in a typical prison visit, because in a matter of minutes, her client, Tony matter of minutes, her client, Tony matter of minutes, her client, Tony Carruthers, would be put [music] to Carruthers, would be put [music] to Carruthers, would be put [music] to death in the state of Tennessee, 30 death in the state of Tennessee, 30 death in the state of Tennessee, 30 years after he was convicted of years after he was convicted of years after he was convicted of murdering three people in 1994. Let me murdering three people in 1994. Let me murdering three people in 1994. Let me set the scene for you. Maria was set the scene for you. Maria was set the scene for you. Maria was actually in the chamber as Tony's actually in the chamber as Tony's actually in the chamber as Tony's execution got underway. They locked eyes execution got underway. They locked eyes execution got underway. They locked eyes and the lethal injection process began. and the lethal injection process began. and the lethal injection process began. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Now, media witness members were waiting >> Now, media witness members were waiting >> Now, media witness members were waiting on the other side of the execution on the other side of the execution on the other side of the execution chamber curtain and that would be lifted chamber curtain and that would be lifted chamber curtain and that would be lifted once the IVs were in and the lethal once the IVs were in and the lethal once the IVs were in and the lethal concoction part of the process all concoction part of the process all concoction part of the process all started. I will say, in Arizona, I've started. I will say, in Arizona, I've started. I will say, in Arizona, I've been a media witness to an execution and been a media witness to an execution and been a media witness to an execution and we were able to see the entire process we were able to see the entire process we were able to see the entire process from start to finish, including the IV from start to finish, including the IV from start to finish, including the IV insertion. Arguably, that's still a insertion. Arguably, that's still a insertion. Arguably, that's still a really important part, but in Tennessee, really important part, but in Tennessee, really important part, but in Tennessee, they don't let the media witnesses see they don't let the media witnesses see they don't let the media witnesses see that. That becomes a huge problem here, that. That becomes a huge problem here, that. That becomes a huge problem here, because after a while, with the curtain because after a while, with the curtain because after a while, with the curtain still closed, Maria said the media still closed, Maria said the media still closed, Maria said the media members began hearing these loud groans members began hearing these loud groans members began hearing these loud groans coming from the other side, presumably coming from the other side, presumably coming from the other side, presumably coming from Tony Carruthers. And even coming from Tony Carruthers. And even coming from Tony Carruthers. And even without seeing him, they knew enough to without seeing him, they knew enough to without seeing him, they knew enough to know that that is not what they should know that that is not what they should know that that is not what they should be hearing. So, now they were confused be hearing. So, now they were confused be hearing. So, now they were confused and concerned about what was actually and concerned about what was actually and concerned about what was actually happening behind the curtain. That happening behind the curtain. That happening behind the curtain. That curtain curtain curtain never lifted, because [music] things never lifted, because [music] things never lifted, because [music] things went terribly wrong just trying to get went terribly wrong just trying to get went terribly wrong just trying to get the IVs into Tony Carruthers. The

the IVs into Tony Carruthers. The the IVs into Tony Carruthers. The Tennessee Department of Correction said Tennessee Department of Correction said Tennessee Department of Correction said they were able to establish a primary they were able to establish a primary they were able to establish a primary IV, but they failed to get in a backup IV, but they failed to get in a backup IV, but they failed to get in a backup line and failed to get a central line line and failed to get a central line line and failed to get a central line in, which were also required to go in, which were also required to go in, which were also required to go through with the procedure. And that through with the procedure. And that through with the procedure. And that might sound like a small thing if you're might sound like a small thing if you're might sound like a small thing if you're likening it to when you go to the doctor likening it to when you go to the doctor likening it to when you go to the doctor and get blood drawn, and the nurse has a and get blood drawn, and the nurse has a and get blood drawn, and the nurse has a hard time finding a good vein in your hard time finding a good vein in your hard time finding a good vein in your arm. Yeah, this was much different. arm. Yeah, this was much different. arm. Yeah, this was much different. Maria said it was completely unbearable Maria said it was completely unbearable Maria said it was completely unbearable to watch. This all went on for well over to watch. This all went on for well over to watch. This all went on for well over an hour. They tried Tony's [music] an hour. They tried Tony's [music] an hour. They tried Tony's [music] chest, his throat. There was blood chest, his throat. There was blood chest, his throat. There was blood oozing out from multiple puncture wounds oozing out from multiple puncture wounds oozing out from multiple puncture wounds that, for one reason or another, just that, for one reason or another, just that, for one reason or another, just weren't quite right. It was bad. And weren't quite right. It was bad. And weren't quite right. It was bad. And that's when officials finally called it that's when officials finally called it that's when officials finally called it off for now. They said they'd try again off for now. They said they'd try again off for now. They said they'd try again in 1 year. The botched execution made in 1 year. The botched execution made in 1 year. The botched execution made national news [music] immediately. But national news [music] immediately. But national news [music] immediately. But the truth is, the name Tony Carruthers the truth is, the name Tony Carruthers the truth is, the name Tony Carruthers was not brand new to at least a few was not brand new to at least a few was not brand new to at least a few hundred million people who follow Kim hundred million people who follow Kim hundred million people who follow Kim Kardashian on Instagram, because a week Kardashian on Instagram, because a week Kardashian on Instagram, because a week before Tony was supposed to be executed, before Tony was supposed to be executed, before Tony was supposed to be executed, she posted this to her stories. Quote, she posted this to her stories. Quote, she posted this to her stories. Quote, "Tennessee is about to execute Tony "Tennessee is about to execute Tony "Tennessee is about to execute Tony Carruthers without testing DNA and Carruthers without testing DNA and Carruthers without testing DNA and fingerprint evidence that could prove fingerprint evidence that could prove fingerprint evidence that could prove his innocence. Call Governor Lee's his innocence. Call Governor Lee's his innocence. Call Governor Lee's office to ask him to test the DNA before office to ask him to test the DNA before office to ask him to test the DNA before it's too [music] late." Okay, so the it's too [music] late." Okay, so the it's too [music] late." Okay, so the governor obviously had not intervened in governor obviously had not intervened in governor obviously had not intervened in the week leading up, but now, like like the week leading up, but now, like like the week leading up, but now, like like right now, Maria, who is with the ACLU, right now, Maria, who is with the ACLU, right now, Maria, who is with the ACLU, has one more year to try and prove to has one more year to try and prove to has one more year to try and prove to the world what Tony has been saying for the world what Tony has been saying for the world what Tony has been saying for 32 years, that he's innocent. [music] 32 years, that he's innocent. [music] 32 years, that he's innocent. [music] And Maria says, anyone who looks at the And Maria says, anyone who looks at the And Maria says, anyone who looks at the facts of Tony's case will see it. So, facts of Tony's case will see it. So, facts of Tony's case will see it. So, let's go back to where this case all

let's go back to where this case all let's go back to where this case all started in 1994 and look at it started in 1994 and look at it started in 1994 and look at it ourselves. Around 8:00 p.m. on February 24th, 1994, Around 8:00 p.m. on February 24th, 1994, a young woman tried calling her aunt, a young woman tried calling her aunt, a young woman tried calling her aunt, Delois Anderson, at home in Memphis. Delois Anderson, at home in Memphis. Delois Anderson, at home in Memphis. Now, according to court records, Now, according to court records, Now, according to court records, somebody did pick up that phone, but it somebody did pick up that phone, but it somebody did pick up that phone, but it wasn't Delois. She actually doesn't know wasn't Delois. She actually doesn't know wasn't Delois. She actually doesn't know who it was because the person on the who it was because the person on the who it was because the person on the other end wouldn't say anything. It was other end wouldn't say anything. It was other end wouldn't say anything. It was strange. So, she hung up, tried calling strange. So, she hung up, tried calling strange. So, she hung up, tried calling a couple more times, but now the phone a couple more times, but now the phone a couple more times, but now the phone just rang and rang. And by the time just rang and rang. And by the time just rang and rang. And by the time Delois's niece actually got to her Delois's niece actually got to her Delois's niece actually got to her house, around 9:00 p.m., her aunt was house, around 9:00 p.m., her aunt was house, around 9:00 p.m., her aunt was nowhere to be found. But her purse, her nowhere to be found. But her purse, her nowhere to be found. But her purse, her car, and her keys were still there. Even car, and her keys were still there. Even car, and her keys were still there. Even weirder, there was half-eaten food left weirder, there was half-eaten food left weirder, there was half-eaten food left in her bedroom, as if something or in her bedroom, as if something or in her bedroom, as if something or somebody interrupted her and then she somebody interrupted her and then she somebody interrupted her and then she just immediately left, or was taken. just immediately left, or was taken. just immediately left, or was taken. Compounding the concern was the fact Compounding the concern was the fact Compounding the concern was the fact that, as she and other family members that, as she and other family members that, as she and other family members began trying to track down Delois, they began trying to track down Delois, they began trying to track down Delois, they also realized no one could get in touch also realized no one could get in touch also realized no one could get in touch with Delois's 21-year-old son, Marcellus with Delois's 21-year-old son, Marcellus with Delois's 21-year-old son, Marcellus Anderson. He, too, was MIA. Last time Anderson. He, too, was MIA. Last time Anderson. He, too, was MIA. Last time anybody saw him, he was riding around in anybody saw him, he was riding around in anybody saw him, he was riding around in a Jeep with his friend, 17-year-old Fred a Jeep with his friend, 17-year-old Fred a Jeep with his friend, 17-year-old Fred Tucker, that same day. Something was Tucker, that same day. Something was Tucker, that same day. Something was really weird here, but no one realized really weird here, but no one realized really weird here, but no one realized how bad things were until the niece's how bad things were until the niece's how bad things were until the niece's home phone rang late that night, or home phone rang late that night, or home phone rang late that night, or technically the early morning hours. It technically the early morning hours. It technically the early morning hours. It was 2:40 a.m. on February 25th. The Jeep was 2:40 a.m. on February 25th. The Jeep was 2:40 a.m. on February 25th. The Jeep that Marcellus and Fred had borrowed and that Marcellus and Fred had borrowed and that Marcellus and Fred had borrowed and were driving in, aka the last time were driving in, aka the last time were driving in, aka the last time anybody saw them, was found burned and anybody saw them, was found burned and anybody saw them, was found burned and destroyed across state lines in

destroyed across state lines in destroyed across state lines in Mississippi. So, there's no ignoring the Mississippi. So, there's no ignoring the Mississippi. So, there's no ignoring the alarm bells and the red flags now. alarm bells and the red flags now. alarm bells and the red flags now. Delois's niece reported them both Delois's niece reported them both Delois's niece reported them both missing that day to Memphis PD. But for missing that day to Memphis PD. But for missing that day to Memphis PD. But for days, there was no sign of them. No word days, there was no sign of them. No word days, there was no sign of them. No word about where they even could have gone about where they even could have gone about where they even could have gone until March 3rd, when the Memphis PD is until March 3rd, when the Memphis PD is until March 3rd, when the Memphis PD is contacted by a guy named Jonathan contacted by a guy named Jonathan contacted by a guy named Jonathan Montgomery who says he needs to show Montgomery who says he needs to show Montgomery who says he needs to show them something at the Rose Hill them something at the Rose Hill them something at the Rose Hill Cemetery. And he leads police to a Cemetery. And he leads police to a Cemetery. And he leads police to a specific grave of a recently buried specific grave of a recently buried specific grave of a recently buried woman. And he tells them they need to woman. And he tells them they need to woman. And he tells them they need to dig because there's something under her dig because there's something under her dig because there's something under her casket. casket. casket. So they do. They remove mounds of dirt So they do. They remove mounds of dirt So they do. They remove mounds of dirt and unearth the buried casket. That part and unearth the buried casket. That part and unearth the buried casket. That part was expected. But underneath that was expected. But underneath that was expected. But underneath that casket, they make a horrific discovery. casket, they make a horrific discovery. casket, they make a horrific discovery. There are three additional bodies. And There are three additional bodies. And There are three additional bodies. And according to court docs, a bloody according to court docs, a bloody according to court docs, a bloody blanket was found in the grave next to a blanket was found in the grave next to a blanket was found in the grave next to a woman with two male victims on top of woman with two male victims on top of woman with two male victims on top of her. All three of them had their hands her. All three of them had their hands her. All three of them had their hands bound behind their backs. One of the bound behind their backs. One of the bound behind their backs. One of the victims had his feet bound and had signs victims had his feet bound and had signs victims had his feet bound and had signs of bruising on his neck. The woman had a of bruising on his neck. The woman had a of bruising on his neck. The woman had a sock around her neck.

sock around her neck. sock around her neck. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And both male victims had been shot. >> And both male victims had been shot. >> And both male victims had been shot. Though their bodies were already Though their bodies were already Though their bodies were already decomposing and in terrible condition, decomposing and in terrible condition, decomposing and in terrible condition, police were still able to quickly police were still able to quickly police were still able to quickly identify the three as [music] Delores identify the three as [music] Delores identify the three as [music] Delores Anderson and her son Marcellos and Anderson and her son Marcellos and Anderson and her son Marcellos and Marcellos's friend, Fred Tucker. Marcellos's friend, Fred Tucker. Marcellos's friend, Fred Tucker. Memphis PD now had a massive Memphis PD now had a massive Memphis PD now had a massive investigation on their hands and a investigation on their hands and a investigation on their hands and a million questions to answer. How on million questions to answer. How on million questions to answer. How on earth did this happen? And who put them earth did this happen? And who put them earth did this happen? And who put them in the grave? [music] in the grave? [music] in the grave? [music] When? But question number one, how did When? But question number one, how did When? But question number one, how did Jonathan Montgomery know to lead Jonathan Montgomery know to lead Jonathan Montgomery know to lead detectives to this grave? detectives to this grave? detectives to this grave? And what else did he know? Jonathan Montgomery told police he knew Jonathan Montgomery told police he knew where the bodies were buried because he where the bodies were buried because he where the bodies were buried because he knew two people who were at the crime knew two people who were at the crime knew two people who were at the crime scene. His own brother, James scene. His own brother, James scene. His own brother, James Montgomery, and their buddy, Tony Montgomery, and their buddy, Tony Montgomery, and their buddy, Tony Caruthers, who had recently gotten out Caruthers, who had recently gotten out Caruthers, who had recently gotten out of prison. Now, we don't know why of prison. Now, we don't know why of prison. Now, we don't know why Jonathan chose to lead police there that Jonathan chose to lead police there that Jonathan chose to lead police there that night. And what police learned is a night. And what police learned is a night. And what police learned is a little unclear. But they put two major little unclear. But they put two major little unclear. But they put two major points together to come up with a points together to come up with a points together to come up with a working theory of the crime.

working theory of the crime. working theory of the crime. One, they learned that Jonathan, James, One, they learned that Jonathan, James, One, they learned that Jonathan, James, and Tony were all involved in the drug and Tony were all involved in the drug and Tony were all involved in the drug trade. And two, Marcellus was apparently trade. And two, Marcellus was apparently trade. And two, Marcellus was apparently a pretty flashy guy, always wearing big a pretty flashy guy, always wearing big a pretty flashy guy, always wearing big expensive jewelry. He would flash a expensive jewelry. He would flash a expensive jewelry. He would flash a large diamond ring, and he kept large large diamond ring, and he kept large large diamond ring, and he kept large sums of cash not only on him, but also sums of cash not only on him, but also sums of cash not only on him, but also in his mom's attic. So, police concluded in his mom's attic. So, police concluded in his mom's attic. So, police concluded that there was a kidnapping and that there was a kidnapping and that there was a kidnapping and attempted robbery. The motive was money attempted robbery. The motive was money attempted robbery. The motive was money and drugs, and that's why these three and drugs, and that's why these three and drugs, and that's why these three were killed. Now, Jonathan pinned the were killed. Now, Jonathan pinned the were killed. Now, Jonathan pinned the whole thing on his brother and Tony. He whole thing on his brother and Tony. He whole thing on his brother and Tony. He said he wasn't even there, but police said he wasn't even there, but police said he wasn't even there, but police were not fully buying his story. were not fully buying his story. were not fully buying his story. According to the case records, According to the case records, According to the case records, detectives found out Jonathan had detectives found out Jonathan had detectives found out Jonathan had contacted a friend on the day the three contacted a friend on the day the three contacted a friend on the day the three victims went missing and said something victims went missing and said something victims went missing and said something along the lines of, "We got these guys along the lines of, "We got these guys along the lines of, "We got these guys out at the cemetery. We got $200,000, out at the cemetery. We got $200,000, out at the cemetery. We got $200,000, and they had to kill them." Whatever and they had to kill them." Whatever and they had to kill them." Whatever that meant, he clearly had involvement that meant, he clearly had involvement that meant, he clearly had involvement in this way more than he was letting on in this way more than he was letting on in this way more than he was letting on to police. So, he was charged with to police. So, he was charged with to police. So, he was charged with murder right alongside Tony and James. murder right alongside Tony and James. murder right alongside Tony and James. Now, I told you at the beginning of this Now, I told you at the beginning of this Now, I told you at the beginning of this episode, this is a twisted case. episode, this is a twisted case. episode, this is a twisted case. Jonathan Montgomery is the person who Jonathan Montgomery is the person who Jonathan Montgomery is the person who cracked this case wide open. So, cracked this case wide open. So, cracked this case wide open. So, assumably, he would have the most assumably, he would have the most assumably, he would have the most information for the trial, potentially information for the trial, potentially information for the trial, potentially take a plea deal to give up info. Well, take a plea deal to give up info. Well, take a plea deal to give up info. Well, that never happened because twist number that never happened because twist number that never happened because twist number one, Jonathan Montgomery hung himself in one, Jonathan Montgomery hung himself in one, Jonathan Montgomery hung himself in his jail cell before the trial began.

his jail cell before the trial began. his jail cell before the trial began. Without him, what evidence did the state Without him, what evidence did the state Without him, what evidence did the state have? The answer is not enough. The case have? The answer is not enough. The case have? The answer is not enough. The case was dismissed until Well, all of a was dismissed until Well, all of a was dismissed until Well, all of a sudden, a new witness seems to manifest sudden, a new witness seems to manifest sudden, a new witness seems to manifest out of thin air. According to court out of thin air. According to court out of thin air. According to court records, a man named Alfredo Shaw came records, a man named Alfredo Shaw came records, a man named Alfredo Shaw came forward to police and said Tony forward to police and said Tony forward to police and said Tony Carothers had actually confessed to him Carothers had actually confessed to him Carothers had actually confessed to him about the murders. His story was way about the murders. His story was way about the murders. His story was way more detailed than Jonathan more detailed than Jonathan more detailed than Jonathan Montgomery's. In Alfredo's later telling Montgomery's. In Alfredo's later telling Montgomery's. In Alfredo's later telling to a grand jury, he said Tony told him to a grand jury, he said Tony told him to a grand jury, he said Tony told him that the Montgomery brothers and himself that the Montgomery brothers and himself that the Montgomery brothers and himself went to Delois Anderson's home went to Delois Anderson's home went to Delois Anderson's home specifically looking for her son, specifically looking for her son, specifically looking for her son, Marcellus, and his money. That was the Marcellus, and his money. That was the Marcellus, and his money. That was the motive. But, Marcelos wasn't there. So, motive. But, Marcelos wasn't there. So, motive. But, Marcelos wasn't there. So, that's when [music] they forced Delores that's when [music] they forced Delores that's when [music] they forced Delores to call her son up and tell him to come to call her son up and tell him to come to call her son up and tell him to come home for something important. He did. He home for something important. He did. He home for something important. He did. He was still with his friend, Fred Tucker, was still with his friend, Fred Tucker, was still with his friend, Fred Tucker, and Tony said they forced them into the and Tony said they forced them into the and Tony said they forced them into the Jeep at gunpoint, drove them to Jeep at gunpoint, drove them to Jeep at gunpoint, drove them to Mississippi, and shot and killed Mississippi, and shot and killed Mississippi, and shot and killed Marcelos and Fred, but not Delores. Marcelos and Fred, but not Delores. Marcelos and Fred, but not Delores. Then, they burned the Jeep, stole Then, they burned the Jeep, stole Then, they burned the Jeep, stole another car, and drove the victims to another car, and drove the victims to another car, and drove the victims to the cemetery. When they put the boys' the cemetery. When they put the boys' the cemetery. When they put the boys' bodies in the grave, apparently Delores bodies in the grave, apparently Delores bodies in the grave, apparently Delores started screaming. Tony and the started screaming. Tony and the started screaming. Tony and the Montgomery brothers told her to shut up Montgomery brothers told her to shut up Montgomery brothers told her to shut up and then pushed her into the grave, too.

and then pushed her into the grave, too. and then pushed her into the grave, too. Now, again, I want to reiterate, this Now, again, I want to reiterate, this Now, again, I want to reiterate, this was all solely the word of Alfredo Shaw was all solely the word of Alfredo Shaw was all solely the word of Alfredo Shaw repeating what he claimed Tony confessed repeating what he claimed Tony confessed repeating what he claimed Tony confessed to. to. to. But, it worked. That reported confession But, it worked. That reported confession But, it worked. That reported confession was enough for the grand jury to indict was enough for the grand jury to indict was enough for the grand jury to indict Tony Carothers and James Montgomery for Tony Carothers and James Montgomery for Tony Carothers and James Montgomery for three counts of murder and aggravated three counts of murder and aggravated three counts of murder and aggravated kidnapping, again. And, they would be kidnapping, again. And, they would be kidnapping, again. And, they would be going on trial together. But, Alfredo going on trial together. But, Alfredo going on trial together. But, Alfredo Shaw was a really shifty dude. Right Shaw was a really shifty dude. Right Shaw was a really shifty dude. Right before trial, he told the media covering before trial, he told the media covering before trial, he told the media covering the case that he actually made this all the case that he actually made this all the case that he actually made this all up and would recant his statement if he up and would recant his statement if he up and would recant his statement if he was called as a witness. Now, the state was called as a witness. Now, the state was called as a witness. Now, the state said, "Hey, if you do that, you will be said, "Hey, if you do that, you will be said, "Hey, if you do that, you will be charged with perjury." But, even a charged with perjury." But, even a charged with perjury." But, even a chance of him being unreliable wasn't chance of him being unreliable wasn't chance of him being unreliable wasn't good. So, the prosecution decided not to good. So, the prosecution decided not to good. So, the prosecution decided not to risk it and did not call him as a risk it and did not call him as a risk it and did not call him as a witness. They could stick with his witness. They could stick with his witness. They could stick with his original grand jury testimony for their original grand jury testimony for their original grand jury testimony for their case. It was also in the best interest case. It was also in the best interest case. It was also in the best interest of the defense not to call Alfredo Shaw of the defense not to call Alfredo Shaw of the defense not to call Alfredo Shaw to the stand, either, because [music] if to the stand, either, because [music] if to the stand, either, because [music] if he did stick with his original story to he did stick with his original story to he did stick with his original story to avoid charges, it looked terrible for avoid charges, it looked terrible for avoid charges, it looked terrible for Tony and James. So, here's twist number Tony and James. So, here's twist number Tony and James. So, here's twist number two for you guys. While James Montgomery two for you guys. While James Montgomery two for you guys. While James Montgomery had an attorney, Tony Carothers had an attorney, Tony Carothers had an attorney, Tony Carothers represented himself at trial, which was represented himself at trial, which was represented himself at trial, which was wild that was even allowed because he wild that was even allowed because he wild that was even allowed because he has documented mental health issues over has documented mental health issues over has documented mental health issues over the years that range from schizophrenia the years that range from schizophrenia the years that range from schizophrenia to psychosis to bipolar with brain to psychosis to bipolar with brain to psychosis to bipolar with brain damage, according to court records and damage, according to court records and damage, according to court records and media reports. But, after he had media reports. But, after he had media reports. But, after he had multiple issues with lawyers because of multiple issues with lawyers because of multiple issues with lawyers because of his mental health challenges. And I'm his mental health challenges. And I'm his mental health challenges. And I'm talking threats, cycling through six talking threats, cycling through six talking threats, cycling through six attorneys, etc. The judge basically attorneys, etc. The judge basically attorneys, etc. The judge basically said, "Fine, you can do it yourself."

said, "Fine, you can do it yourself." said, "Fine, you can do it yourself." And spoiler alert, he [music] did not do And spoiler alert, he [music] did not do And spoiler alert, he [music] did not do it well. Terrible, actually. He did the it well. Terrible, actually. He did the it well. Terrible, actually. He did the thing no defense attorney worth their thing no defense attorney worth their thing no defense attorney worth their salt would do. He ended up calling salt would do. He ended up calling salt would do. He ended up calling Alfredo Shaw to the stand, which did not Alfredo Shaw to the stand, which did not Alfredo Shaw to the stand, which did not bode well for him since Alfredo did bode well for him since Alfredo did bode well for him since Alfredo did indeed go back to his original grand indeed go back to his original grand indeed go back to his original grand jury testimony that implicated Tony. The jury testimony that implicated Tony. The jury testimony that implicated Tony. The state also had another bombshell up state also had another bombshell up state also had another bombshell up their sleeve. They called the medical their sleeve. They called the medical their sleeve. They called the medical examiner to the stand who testified that examiner to the stand who testified that examiner to the stand who testified that based on how the victims were found at based on how the victims were found at based on how the victims were found at the crime scene and what their autopsy the crime scene and what their autopsy the crime scene and what their autopsy showed, he determined they were buried showed, he determined they were buried showed, he determined they were buried alive. The ME found that Lois had dirt alive. The ME found that Lois had dirt alive. The ME found that Lois had dirt in her airway and found Marcellus and in her airway and found Marcellus and in her airway and found Marcellus and Fred had active bleeding inside the Fred had active bleeding inside the Fred had active bleeding inside the grave even after being shot. grave even after being shot. grave even after being shot. So, that upped the ante of the entire So, that upped the ante of the entire So, that upped the ante of the entire case for the jury, and it just continued case for the jury, and it just continued case for the jury, and it just continued to unravel for Tony Caruthers and James to unravel for Tony Caruthers and James to unravel for Tony Caruthers and James Montgomery. In April 1996, both were Montgomery. In April 1996, both were Montgomery. In April 1996, both were convicted of the three murders and both convicted of the three murders and both convicted of the three murders and both were sentenced to death. Four years were sentenced to death. Four years were sentenced to death. Four years later, though, James Montgomery was later, though, James Montgomery was later, though, James Montgomery was actually granted a new trial because an actually granted a new trial because an actually granted a new trial because an appeals court basically found that Tony appeals court basically found that Tony appeals court basically found that Tony did such a terrible job representing did such a terrible job representing did such a terrible job representing himself that it affected James's himself that it affected James's himself that it affected James's outcome, too, and it was only fair he outcome, too, and it was only fair he outcome, too, and it was only fair he got his own trial. He ended up taking a got his own trial. He ended up taking a got his own trial. He ended up taking a plea deal, was given a 27-year sentence, plea deal, was given a 27-year sentence, plea deal, was given a 27-year sentence, and was released at the end of 2015 with and was released at the end of 2015 with and was released at the end of 2015 with time served. So, that was kind of the time served. So, that was kind of the time served. So, that was kind of the end of the case for a long time. Tony end of the case for a long time. Tony end of the case for a long time. Tony Caruthers tried filing appeals over the Caruthers tried filing appeals over the Caruthers tried filing appeals over the years, but all of them were denied.

years, but all of them were denied. years, but all of them were denied. Then, decades later, when the ACLU Then, decades later, when the ACLU Then, decades later, when the ACLU started doing some research into the started doing some research into the started doing some research into the case, what they found in the evidence case, what they found in the evidence case, what they found in the evidence case file was enough for them to not case file was enough for them to not case file was enough for them to not only fight for Tony's life to be spared, only fight for Tony's life to be spared, only fight for Tony's life to be spared, but to fight for what they believe is a but to fight for what they believe is a but to fight for what they believe is a wrongful conviction for the murders. This is where the biggest twist in the This is where the biggest twist in the story come into play. It's what Maria De story come into play. It's what Maria De story come into play. It's what Maria De Liberato with the ACLU found and why she Liberato with the ACLU found and why she Liberato with the ACLU found and why she took on Tony Carruthers' case in 2026 at took on Tony Carruthers' case in 2026 at took on Tony Carruthers' case in 2026 at all. As she looked through the case all. As she looked through the case all. As she looked through the case file, several things stood out. For one, file, several things stood out. For one, file, several things stood out. For one, James Montgomery's new trial. Maria said James Montgomery's new trial. Maria said James Montgomery's new trial. Maria said as part of that new trial, it was as part of that new trial, it was as part of that new trial, it was revealed that six unidentified revealed that six unidentified revealed that six unidentified fingerprints were found at Delores fingerprints were found at Delores fingerprints were found at Delores Anderson's home where she was taken Anderson's home where she was taken Anderson's home where she was taken from. And they were found on the from. And they were found on the from. And they were found on the doorknobs of the house and the phone doorknobs of the house and the phone doorknobs of the house and the phone receiver. They were not part of the receiver. They were not part of the receiver. They were not part of the original case evidence. Now, those original case evidence. Now, those original case evidence. Now, those prints do not match James Montgomery or prints do not match James Montgomery or prints do not match James Montgomery or Tony Carruthers. Tony Carruthers. Tony Carruthers. So, whose are they? So, whose are they? So, whose are they? Truth is, we still don't know. Maria Truth is, we still don't know. Maria Truth is, we still don't know. Maria said there is also an unknown male DNA said there is also an unknown male DNA said there is also an unknown male DNA profile that was found on that bloody profile that was found on that bloody profile that was found on that bloody blanket in the grave with the victims.

blanket in the grave with the victims. blanket in the grave with the victims. [music] [music] [music] And I know what you're probably And I know what you're probably And I know what you're probably thinking, well, what about Jonathan thinking, well, what about Jonathan thinking, well, what about Jonathan Montgomery, the guy who cracked this Montgomery, the guy who cracked this Montgomery, the guy who cracked this whole case open? The ACLU said nothing whole case open? The ACLU said nothing whole case open? The ACLU said nothing came back to him, either. And then, came back to him, either. And then, came back to him, either. And then, there's evidence that still has not been there's evidence that still has not been there's evidence that still has not been DNA tested at all. Maria said only one DNA tested at all. Maria said only one DNA tested at all. Maria said only one binding on the victims was tested and binding on the victims was tested and binding on the victims was tested and DNA found on it did not match Tony or DNA found on it did not match Tony or DNA found on it did not match Tony or James or John. They're pushing for all James or John. They're pushing for all James or John. They're pushing for all of the bindings of the victims to be DNA of the bindings of the victims to be DNA of the bindings of the victims to be DNA tested along with scrapings that were tested along with scrapings that were tested along with scrapings that were under the victims' fingernails, which under the victims' fingernails, which under the victims' fingernails, which were collected and stored in evidence were collected and stored in evidence were collected and stored in evidence after their autopsies. The ACLU did try after their autopsies. The ACLU did try after their autopsies. The ACLU did try to get this testing done before the to get this testing done before the to get this testing done before the execution, but the Tennessee Supreme execution, but the Tennessee Supreme execution, but the Tennessee Supreme Court denied it. So, you have DNA Court denied it. So, you have DNA Court denied it. So, you have DNA evidence in the case that either doesn't evidence in the case that either doesn't evidence in the case that either doesn't match any of the defendants or hasn't match any of the defendants or hasn't match any of the defendants or hasn't been tested at all. From the outside, been tested at all. From the outside, been tested at all. From the outside, that seems like a fair enough reason to that seems like a fair enough reason to that seems like a fair enough reason to get testing done before we, I don't get testing done before we, I don't get testing done before we, I don't know, put someone to death. know, put someone to death. know, put someone to death. But that's not all. It's the secrets But that's not all. It's the secrets But that's not all. It's the secrets that came out from the trial itself, that came out from the trial itself, that came out from the trial itself, [music] years and years later, that [music] years and years later, that [music] years and years later, that really makes you question everything really makes you question everything really makes you question everything [music] about this case. As Maria was [music] about this case. As Maria was [music] about this case. As Maria was looking at all of the records in the looking at all of the records in the looking at all of the records in the case file, she came across this case file, she came across this case file, she came across this affidavit filed in 2007. So, that's just affidavit filed in 2007. So, that's just affidavit filed in 2007. So, that's just over a decade after Tony Carruthers was over a decade after Tony Carruthers was over a decade after Tony Carruthers was [music] sentenced to death. And it was [music] sentenced to death. And it was [music] sentenced to death. And it was from the medical examiner who had from the medical examiner who had from the medical examiner who had testified at the trial the victims were testified at the trial the victims were testified at the trial the victims were buried alive. And he said he drew that buried alive. And he said he drew that buried alive. And he said he drew that conclusion at the time based on dirt in conclusion at the time based on dirt in conclusion at the time based on dirt in the airway of a victim and [music] the airway of a victim and [music] the airway of a victim and [music] active bleeding from the other two. So, active bleeding from the other two. So, active bleeding from the other two. So, he took those as signs of active life.

he took those as signs of active life. he took those as signs of active life. But now, the doctor said other factors But now, the doctor said other factors But now, the doctor said other factors like postmortem pressure could have like postmortem pressure could have like postmortem pressure could have caused that, and he wrote he no longer caused that, and he wrote he no longer caused that, and he wrote he no longer could say with certainty they were could say with certainty they were could say with certainty they were buried alive at all. buried alive at all. buried alive at all. And then Maria and her team made another And then Maria and her team made another And then Maria and her team made another discovery. Remember Alfredo Shaw? He was discovery. Remember Alfredo Shaw? He was discovery. Remember Alfredo Shaw? He was the reason the charges were filed again the reason the charges were filed again the reason the charges were filed again in the murder case? The timing of it in the murder case? The timing of it in the murder case? The timing of it always just felt a little too always just felt a little too always just felt a little too convenient. And after he backtracked convenient. And after he backtracked convenient. And after he backtracked publicly, people wondered if he just publicly, people wondered if he just publicly, people wondered if he just made up the story, but [music] there made up the story, but [music] there made up the story, but [music] there were also rumors of something more were also rumors of something more were also rumors of something more sinister. Rumors that he was a paid sinister. Rumors that he was a paid sinister. Rumors that he was a paid [music] [music] [music] informant. The thinking was maybe informant. The thinking was maybe informant. The thinking was maybe someone motivated to get conviction paid someone motivated to get conviction paid someone motivated to get conviction paid or pressured him in coming forward with or pressured him in coming forward with or pressured him in coming forward with that story. Records showed though the that story. Records showed though the that story. Records showed though the state denied that he was a CI, or they state denied that he was a CI, or they state denied that he was a CI, or they did until 2024. did until 2024. did until 2024. That's when the ACLU found the Memphis That's when the ACLU found the Memphis That's when the ACLU found the Memphis PD actually gave the district attorney PD actually gave the district attorney PD actually gave the district attorney pages of info about Alfredo Shaw's pages of info about Alfredo Shaw's pages of info about Alfredo Shaw's employment as a confidential informant employment as a confidential informant employment as a confidential informant on cases from 1980 until 2003. on cases from 1980 until 2003. on cases from 1980 until 2003. This included during the time of Tony This included during the time of Tony This included during the time of Tony Caruthers' case. So, right before Tony's Caruthers' case. So, right before Tony's Caruthers' case. So, right before Tony's execution this year, in 2026, [music] execution this year, in 2026, [music] execution this year, in 2026, [music] you had all of these findings out on the you had all of these findings out on the you had all of these findings out on the table. No DNA or prints have matched table. No DNA or prints have matched table. No DNA or prints have matched Tony or James or Jonathan. The most Tony or James or Jonathan. The most Tony or James or Jonathan. The most egregious finding during the trial, that egregious finding during the trial, that egregious finding during the trial, that the victims were buried in the grave the victims were buried in the grave the victims were buried in the grave alive, was now in question and refuted alive, was now in question and refuted alive, was now in question and refuted by the medical examiner himself. And if by the medical examiner himself. And if by the medical examiner himself. And if that was in question, then Alfredo that was in question, then Alfredo that was in question, then Alfredo Shaw's statement about them pushing the Shaw's statement about them pushing the Shaw's statement about them pushing the Lowes in the grave alive, that didn't Lowes in the grave alive, that didn't Lowes in the grave alive, that didn't really stand up either. But did we really stand up either. But did we really stand up either. But did we really have a ton of faith in his story?

really have a ton of faith in his story? really have a ton of faith in his story? Because number three, Alfredo Shaw was Because number three, Alfredo Shaw was Because number three, Alfredo Shaw was confirmed to be a paid informant. That confirmed to be a paid informant. That confirmed to be a paid informant. That was enough for at least two of the was enough for at least two of the was enough for at least two of the original jurors to come forward right original jurors to come forward right original jurors to come forward right before Tony's scheduled execution and before Tony's scheduled execution and before Tony's scheduled execution and say, in writing [music] by the way, that say, in writing [music] by the way, that say, in writing [music] by the way, that with the new info, especially about the with the new info, especially about the with the new info, especially about the victims not being buried alive and that victims not being buried alive and that victims not being buried alive and that Alfredo Shaw was a paid informant, they Alfredo Shaw was a paid informant, they Alfredo Shaw was a paid informant, they would not have voted for the death would not have voted for the death would not have voted for the death sentence and now support a life in sentence and now support a life in sentence and now support a life in prison sentence instead. [music] And one prison sentence instead. [music] And one prison sentence instead. [music] And one of them actually went a step further and of them actually went a step further and of them actually went a step further and said they support the effort to have said they support the effort to have said they support the effort to have more of the testing done in this case more of the testing done in this case more of the testing done in this case around DNA given there's a chance it around DNA given there's a chance it around DNA given there's a chance it could potentially match someone else and could potentially match someone else and could potentially match someone else and potentially affect whether Tony potentially affect whether Tony potentially affect whether Tony Carruthers is guilty at all. Maria and Carruthers is guilty at all. Maria and Carruthers is guilty at all. Maria and the ACLU certainly did not think that the ACLU certainly did not think that the ACLU certainly did not think that they'd get a second chance in the courts they'd get a second chance in the courts they'd get a second chance in the courts to fight all of this, but the botched to fight all of this, but the botched to fight all of this, but the botched execution now has them even more fired execution now has them even more fired execution now has them even more fired up moving forward with litigation for up moving forward with litigation for up moving forward with litigation for DNA testing. That is in the works DNA testing. That is in the works DNA testing. That is in the works actually as we speak. So, if it's not actually as we speak. So, if it's not actually as we speak. So, if it's not James, it's not Tony, seemingly [music] James, it's not Tony, seemingly [music] James, it's not Tony, seemingly [music] not Jonathan either, then who? Well, not Jonathan either, then who? Well, not Jonathan either, then who? Well, according to the records, right before according to the records, right before according to the records, right before James Montgomery was released from James Montgomery was released from James Montgomery was released from prison, he actually told federal prison, he actually told federal prison, he actually told federal investigators that Tony was never investigators that Tony was never investigators that Tony was never involved in the crimes, but that he involved in the crimes, but that he involved in the crimes, but that he himself had help carrying this out by himself had help carrying this out by himself had help carrying this out by someone named Ronnie Eyeball Irving.

someone named Ronnie Eyeball Irving. someone named Ronnie Eyeball Irving. Yes, Eyeball, that's actually the name Yes, Eyeball, that's actually the name Yes, Eyeball, that's actually the name he went by. It's actually documented in he went by. It's actually documented in he went by. It's actually documented in the records. So, where is Eyeball now? the records. So, where is Eyeball now? the records. So, where is Eyeball now? Police never got a chance to question Police never got a chance to question Police never got a chance to question him because according to the court him because according to the court him because according to the court documents, he was murdered in 2002. Now, documents, he was murdered in 2002. Now, documents, he was murdered in 2002. Now, they do have his DNA and fingerprints on they do have his DNA and fingerprints on they do have his DNA and fingerprints on file, but the ACLU says for whatever file, but the ACLU says for whatever file, but the ACLU says for whatever reason, they have never tested or reason, they have never tested or reason, they have never tested or compared Eyeball's DNA against the compared Eyeball's DNA against the compared Eyeball's DNA against the samples in this triple murder case. And samples in this triple murder case. And samples in this triple murder case. And that is something they are calling on that is something they are calling on that is something they are calling on officials to do as they fight to get officials to do as they fight to get officials to do as they fight to get Tony Carruthers off death row. [music] Tony Carruthers off death row. [music] Tony Carruthers off death row. [music] Now, this case still very much revolves Now, this case still very much revolves Now, this case still very much revolves around three people who lost their lives around three people who lost their lives around three people who lost their lives in a truly horrific way. And while Maria in a truly horrific way. And while Maria in a truly horrific way. And while Maria and the ACLU fight for Tony Carruthers, and the ACLU fight for Tony Carruthers, and the ACLU fight for Tony Carruthers, [music] [music] [music] I needed to know how the families of the I needed to know how the families of the I needed to know how the families of the victims feel about this case now given victims feel about this case now given victims feel about this case now given everything that has happened. everything that has happened. everything that has happened. Unfortunately, there's really no trace Unfortunately, there's really no trace Unfortunately, there's really no trace of family members of Delowise and of family members of Delowise and of family members of Delowise and Marcellus Anderson sharing anything Marcellus Anderson sharing anything Marcellus Anderson sharing anything publicly about the crime itself since publicly about the crime itself since publicly about the crime itself since the trial. And I did check all of the the trial. And I did check all of the the trial. And I did check all of the local media reports. But before Tony's local media reports. But before Tony's local media reports. But before Tony's scheduled execution, Fred Tucker's dad scheduled execution, Fred Tucker's dad scheduled execution, Fred Tucker's dad spoke to several local Nashville and spoke to several local Nashville and spoke to several local Nashville and Memphis news stations about his son, who Memphis news stations about his son, who Memphis news stations about his son, who to him is forever 17, and how he felt to him is forever 17, and how he felt to him is forever 17, and how he felt about Tony Carruthers now. He told them about Tony Carruthers now. He told them about Tony Carruthers now. He told them he would be attending the execution as he would be attending the execution as he would be attending the execution as closure to the awful situation he has closure to the awful situation he has closure to the awful situation he has lived, that [music] he forgave Tony for lived, that [music] he forgave Tony for lived, that [music] he forgave Tony for killing his teenage son, but that it was killing his teenage son, but that it was killing his teenage son, but that it was time for him to go meet his maker.

time for him to go meet his maker. time for him to go meet his maker. That was before the botched execution. I That was before the botched execution. I That was before the botched execution. I did reach out to Fred's dad after, did reach out to Fred's dad after, did reach out to Fred's dad after, [music] but I haven't heard back. [music] but I haven't heard back. [music] but I haven't heard back. I did hear back though from Tony I did hear back though from Tony I did hear back though from Tony Carruthers himself from prison. He has Carruthers himself from prison. He has Carruthers himself from prison. He has maintained his innocence since day one, maintained his innocence since day one, maintained his innocence since day one, and he still does. While his messages and he still does. While his messages and he still does. While his messages are a bit scrambled and incoherent, are a bit scrambled and incoherent, are a bit scrambled and incoherent, seemingly due to his mental capacity, he seemingly due to his mental capacity, he seemingly due to his mental capacity, he is clear about two things: that Alfredo is clear about two things: that Alfredo is clear about two things: that Alfredo Shaw was paid to frame him, [music] and Shaw was paid to frame him, [music] and Shaw was paid to frame him, [music] and that he is innocent. I am very curious that he is innocent. I am very curious that he is innocent. I am very curious what all of you crime junkies think what all of you crime junkies think what all of you crime junkies think about this case and how all of the about this case and how all of the about this case and how all of the unexpected twists and turns have unexpected twists and turns have unexpected twists and turns have unfolded in the last 30 years. [music] unfolded in the last 30 years. [music] unfolded in the last 30 years. [music] So, let us know in the comments below. So, let us know in the comments below. So, let us know in the comments below. We will keep you updated on what happens We will keep you updated on what happens We will keep you updated on what happens now that the clock is literally ticking now that the clock is literally ticking now that the clock is literally ticking on Tony Carruthers' life again until May on Tony Carruthers' life again until May on Tony Carruthers' life again until May 2027. Make sure to subscribe and hit the 2027. Make sure to subscribe and hit the 2027. Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon for additional updates on this bell icon for additional updates on this bell icon for additional updates on this [music] and other cases our team covers.