Family, prosecutor and Dickson County investigators fight to keep killer behind bars

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The family of a Dickson County teenager fought to keep her killer behind bars at a parole hearing Wednesday.

Thirty-one years ago, James Spann shot and burned Karie Ann Newberry, then 17, to death. After her murder, he was sentenced to life in prison.

DJ Tucker said he only has one photo with his mother, Karie Ann Newberry, before she was murdered when he was five months old.

While Tucker wants to turn over a new leaf and put the past behind him, he must face his mother's killer at a parole board hearing every two years. Wednesday was the third time Spann has asked for parole since his incarceration.

“I'm here today to ask for a second chance,” he said. “I stand by what I did. I take full responsibility for what I did. I am deeply sorry for what I did.”

“He wants a second chance,” said Charles Newberry, Karie Ann Newberry's father. “But my daughter is not getting a second chance.”

“I didn't have a mother my entire life because he took her away from me,” Tucker said at the hearing.

“Granting him (Spann) probation at this time would do nothing but diminish his offense,” said Dickson County Attorney General Ray Crouch.

“This is one of the five worst murder cases I have dealt with in my 30-year career,” said Mike Breedlove, who investigated the case.

After a few tense minutes, a BOP member voted to keep Spann in his blue jumpsuit.

“There is nothing he could ever tell me that would change anything,” Charles Newberry said.

“I'm relieved, but it's been two years, so it's only a short-lived time,” Tucker said.

Three other members of the BOP must also vote on Spann's parole in the next few days or weeks. However, the BOP stated that four votes were needed to grant Spann parole and release him.

Spann will be released on parole in two years.

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