Neace convicted in murder of Kelli Markins

POMEROY, Ohio – Tammy Neace has been convicted of the murder of Kelli Markins and the attempted murder of Drake Markins following a guilty plea in the Meigs County Court of Common Pleas.

Neace, 46, has been incarcerated since July 12, 2019 after turning herself in to law enforcement after being on the run from law enforcement since shooting Kelli Markins on July 3, 2019. Meigs County Prosecutor James Stanley and Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Adkins presented the charges to the court.

Attorney Gregory Meyers appeared with his client, Neace, as she entered the guilty plea. During routine questioning by Judge Linda Warner, Neace strayed from the usual “yes” or “no” answers to understanding the proceedings to an emotional outburst. Neace seized the opportunity to admit guilt to the crime, while also leveling accusations at the victims. Neace claimed domestic violence was happening though those accusations are unfounded according to officials. Prior to the July 3 shooting, Neace’s daughter was court ordered to permit the father visitation rights. It was immediately following the exchange of the child that Neace approached the Markins and opened fire killing Kelli and attempting to kill Drake Markins.

The victims in the case have requested restitution along with restitution to the Crime Victim’s Fund which paid $7,500 in burial expenses. Theda Petrasko, victims advocate, presented the court with statements from the victims and reserved the victims right to have the statements read in open court at sentencing.

Neace is set to be sentenced on both counts on Nov. 6 in the Meigs County Court of Common Pleas. She faces life in prison for the death of Kelli and up to 11 years in the attempted murder of Drake Markins.

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