Clear & Convincing - Episode 8 - State of Texas v. Tommy Lynn Sells

During the 1980s and 1990s, Tommy Lynn Sells was a drifter who traveled around the United States, killing  men, women and children.  After his arrest in Texas, he  confessed to murders in New York, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Texas between 1987 and 1999.  On December 31, 1999, Sells entered the Harris home, where he raped and murdered 13-year old Kaylene Jo “Katy” Harris.  He also attempted to kill her friend, 10‑year old Krystal Surles.  Krystal survived and identified the man who attacked her and killed Katy.  Sells was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death.  Join Lisa O’Brien and Michael Carnahan on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. Central for Clear and Convincing, Episode 8, State of Texas v. Tommy Lynn Sells.  We’ll talk about Sells’ history and his confirmed murders.  Then, we’ll talk about the attack on Katy and Krystal, Sells arrest, trial, direct appeal and post-conviction claims, including a belated Atkins claim. Finally, we’ll talk about Sells’ April 3, 2014 execution in Huntsville, Texas.