Judge Presses Ahead in Liner Case

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Bradley County murder suspect Charlton “Craig” Liner was back in court Monday as questions continue over his legal representation.

Liner is charged with first-degree murder in the January shooting death of his ex-wife, Karen Liner. 

Prosecutors also say he later tried to hire a fellow inmate to kill his former mother-in-law while in jail, leading to an additional solicitation to commit murder charge.

The latest hearing revealed Liner has more than $3.5 million in assets, though the funds are frozen and out of reach. 

Civil Court previously allocated $150,000 for him to hire an attorney, but his defense team argues more money is needed.

In court, Liner initially told the judge he would represent himself. 

After conferring privately with his attorney, he returned and asked for a court-appointed lawyer instead.

Judge Sandra Donaghy emphasized that the case will not stall, with an attorney status hearing set for September 8, 2025, and a jury trial scheduled for May 2026.