Texas Woman Tearfully Admits to Beating Grandmother to Death With Hammer for Practicing ‘witchcraft’ on Her

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Texas Woman Tearfully Admits to Beating Grandmother to Death With Hammer for Practicing 'witchcraft' on Her

A tragic case from Texas has captured national attention as 28-year-old Tamera Laws stands trial for the brutal murder of her grandmother, 70-year-old Doris Novella. The incident, which took place in 2020, involved a shocking mix of drug addiction, mental health struggles, and family tensions rooted in bizarre beliefs about witchcraft.

What Happened?

Tamera Laws admitted in court that she killed her grandmother, breaking down in tears as she recounted the events. Laws, who had been addicted to methamphetamine at the time, claimed she was experiencing severe paranoia and hallucinations. She testified that she believed her grandmother was trying to harm her through witchcraft—a fear she said was fueled by conversations with her father.

“I was afraid my grandma was doing witchcraft on me. Because that’s what my dad told me,” Laws said during her emotional testimony.

Details of the Crime

According to court reports from WOAI-4 and NBC-15, Laws attacked her grandmother in a violent outburst. She admitted to hitting Novella five times with a hammer, choking her, and ultimately stabbing her in the throat.

Laws claimed she had no personal reason to harm the woman who raised her, stating,
“She’s never done anything to me for me to want to kill her.”

However, under the influence of drugs and delusional thoughts, she became convinced that Novella posed a threat to her life.

The Role of Drug Addiction and Mental Health

Laws’ meth addiction played a significant role in her mental deterioration. She testified that she was hearing voices, which intensified her fears and paranoia. These voices, combined with her father’s claims about witchcraft, pushed her into a state of extreme fear and confusion.

“I thought the energy was on me, so I was thinking to get it off, I had to beat it out,” she explained in court, attempting to rationalize her violent actions.

The Ongoing Trial

Laws is currently undergoing a bench trial, meaning there is no jury, and the verdict will be decided solely by Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl. The judge is expected to deliver her verdict later this week. If convicted, Laws faces life in prison.

This case raises critical questions about the impact of drug addiction, untreated mental health issues, and the influence of harmful family dynamics. It also highlights the tragic outcomes that can arise when these factors intersect in the absence of proper support and intervention.

The trial of Tamera Laws serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of how addiction and mental illness can destroy lives—not just of the individuals struggling with these issues but also of those around them. As the court prepares to reach a verdict, this case continues to spark discussions about the need for better mental health resources, addiction treatment, and family support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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FAQ

Who is Tamera Laws?

Tamera Laws is a 28-year-old woman from Texas who is on trial for the 2020 murder of her grandmother, Doris Novella. She admitted to killing her grandmother while under the influence of meth and suffering from paranoia.

What happened to Doris Novella?

Doris Novella, a 70-year-old woman, was brutally beaten, strangled, and stabbed to death by her granddaughter, Tamera Laws. Laws claimed she believed Novella was performing witchcraft on her.

What charges does Tamera Laws face?

Tamera Laws faces serious charges related to the murder of her grandmother. If convicted, she could face life in prison.

When will the verdict be announced in Tamera Laws’ trial?

The verdict in Tamera Laws’ bench trial is expected to be delivered by Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl within the week.

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