- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Father and Son Charged in Johnson City Store Clerk's Murder
Mark Sexton, Jr. and Mark Sexton, III appear in court for 2023 killing of Tara Woodard
Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:15am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A father and son, Mark Sexton, Jr. and Mark Sexton, III, have been charged with first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in the June 2023 killing of 23-year-old Tara Woodard, a store clerk at the Roadrunner Market in Johnson City, Tennessee. The duo is accused of robbing the store and fatally shooting Woodard.
Why it matters
The tragic murder of a young store clerk has shaken the Johnson City community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for improved security measures in local businesses. The case also highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime involving family members.
The details
According to authorities, Mark Sexton, Jr. and his son, Mark Sexton, III, are accused of robbing the Roadrunner Market where Tara Woodard worked as a clerk and then fatally shooting the 23-year-old woman. The two men have been charged with first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in connection with Woodard's death.
- The incident occurred in June 2023.
- The father and son are appearing in court on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The players
Mark Sexton, Jr.
The father who has been charged with first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in the death of Tara Woodard.
Mark Sexton, III
The son who has been charged with first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in the death of Tara Woodard.
Tara Woodard
The 23-year-old store clerk at the Roadrunner Market in Johnson City, Tennessee who was fatally shot during the alleged robbery.
What’s next
The judge will decide on the father and son's bail status during their court appearance on Tuesday.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime involving family members and the need for the Johnson City community to come together to improve public safety and security for local businesses.
