On Monday, May 24, 2021, a jury trial commenced at the White County Justice Center where the Defendant, Patsy Hensley was charged with the first-degree premeditated murder of her husband, Mark Hensley.

Today, the White County Jury rendered a verdict finding Patsy Hensley GUILTY of first-degree murder.

The Defendant shot her husband two times with a 12 gauge shotgun while he slept in a recliner in the living room of the home that the two of them shared. The Defendant initially reported to police investigators that “someone” had come into the home and killed her husband while she had left the home for a short time. The Defendant later admitted to shooting her husband.

The Defendant, Patsy Hensley will face the imposition of a life sentence at a sentencing hearing.

Assistant District Attorneys Mark Gore and Beth Willis prosecuted the case at trial. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and White County Sheriffs Office were involved in the investigation of the case.

The killing of Mark Hensley was senseless and cruel. We are thankful that the White County Jury saw the proof as we did. Patsy Hensley has been held accountable for her crime.

BRYANT C. DUNAWAY

District Attorney General