Charlton Liner faces court in ex-wife’s murder case

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Charlton Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of murdering his ex-wife, Karen Liner, appeared in a Bradley County courtroom this afternoon for a bond hearing.

The judge ruled that additional evidence was needed before deciding whether bond could be set.

Police responded to 911 calls around 9 a.m. Monday, which led them to a home on Arthur Lane Northwest. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive woman lying in the driveway.

“She was pronounced deceased at the scene,” officials said.

Shortly afterward, investigators arrested 61-year-old Charlton Craig Liner and charged him with first-degree murder.

In a recording of the 911 call, the victim is heard identifying “Craig” as the individual with her shortly before the incident.

During the bond hearing, Judge Clay Collins said, “Both sides argued well. I’m looking at TCA 40-11-102, which states that all defendants shall be sufficient for bond except when the offense is evident, or the presumption is great. What I’m going to do today is hold Mr. Liner until we have a hearing, and then I can reevaluate my decision at that time.”

District Attorney Ashley Zepeda highlighted the gravity of the charge. “If convicted, Mr. Liner is facing life in prison. This is a serious case, and we are committed to seeking justice for the victim.”

Defense attorney Paula Henderson did not comment on the specifics of the case but noted that her client maintains his innocence.

If convicted, Liner faces life in prison with the possibility of parole after 51 years.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, February 10, at 1 p.m.

The case remains under investigation, and police continue to gather evidence.

News 12 will provide updates as the case unfolds.