Baldwin County, Alabama — Three sisters have been sentenced to federal prison after conspiring to murder one of their relatives amid a bitter custody dispute. Sandra Grimes, along with her sisters Judy Owen and Mitzy Smith, plotted to kill Grimes’ son-in-law, Raul Mina, due to an ongoing legal battle over custody of their children.
Grimes, who pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit murder and weapon transfer for a felony, was sentenced to 70 months in prison. Her sisters faced different outcomes; Owen received a 120-month sentence, while Smith was sentenced to time served.
The scheme unraveled when the woman they attempted to hire for the job reported their plans to the FBI. According to court documents, the plot began in February 2024 when the sisters approached Rebecca Murphy and commissioned her to eliminate Mina.
Murphy testified that Owen previously assisted her with a financial matter, which led to the sisters believing she was indebted to them. During a trip that involved driving past Mina’s residence, the women disclosed that a prior attempt to hire a different hitman had failed due to him absconding with their cash.
Murphy learned that the sisters intended for Mina to be administered a lethal dose of heroin, designed to look like an accidental overdose. They provided her money to obtain the drug, but when plans evolved to execute the crime outside a courthouse, Murphy hesitated and ultimately withdrew from the plot.
Following several tense exchanges about the murder, Murphy ceased her communication with the sisters when she refused to proceed with the hit or return their funds. The situation escalated further when Murphy later revealed details of the conspiracy to federal authorities.
In October, Grimes accepted a plea deal with prosecutors, while Owen and Smith opted for a trial. Both were found guilty of multiple charges in January 2025. Additionally, Murphy and her girlfriend Jessica Montgomery faced separate sentencing for their involvement, with each receiving five years in prison.
The case highlights the lengths individuals may go to amid personal disputes, underscoring the severity of conspiracy and attempted murder charges. As part of the sentencing, the court emphasized the critical role of cooperation in preventing the execution of such violent plans.