It may never be fully understood what happened to Thelma “Ileen” Barnett September 16, 2020, in Trigg County — her hands restrained behind her back and her belongings rummaged through just before her body, and home, burned on Will Jackson Road.
What has become clear, however, is that Allison Hunter was involved in the matter.
Wednesday morning in Trigg County Circuit Court, weeks after nearly backing out on her March 28 mediation plea, she reaffirmed her guilt on charges of second-degree burglary and second-degree persistent felony offender.
Circuit Judge Jamus Redd sentenced her to 15 years in prison — enhanced because of her PFO — joining Keisha Stewart and Jonathan McCoy to face time from this crime.
Hunter read a folded, handwritten letter to the court.
Connie Rogers, a daughter of Barnett’s, called Hunter “a career criminal.”
And Rogers didn’t stop there.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Carrie Ovey-Wiggins weighed in, as well.
Unless new evidence is brought forth, Redd’s decision closes the case of Barnett’s murder — nearly five years after it occurred.
