Cleveland Man Pleads Guilty in Murder Case

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Charlton Craig Liner has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing his ex-wife, Karen Liner, according to the 10th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.

Liner entered guilty pleas to first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated burglary, bringing the case to a close without going to trial.  

Authorities say the charges stem from a domestic-related incident in which Craig Liner shot Karen Liner during a violent encounter that led to her death and the subsequent murder and burglary charges.

Cleveland Police Chief Mark Gibson says the resolution brought relief to the victim’s family after months of legal proceedings. 

Gibson said he was “honestly just relieved that he didn’t plea and didn’t take the family through a trial,” adding that Karen Liner’s mother was “pleased with the outcome” and that officials expected an emotionally difficult trial.

Gibson said the emotional impact of the case will continue for those involved, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are moving with the Liners and the Hopper family. They’re the ones that are really gonna carry this burden for the rest of their lives. But the impact it has on the community, they need to feel safe, they need to know that we’re gonna use every resource available to work these cases and carry them to the end.”

He added that the case serves as a broader warning about violent crime, saying, “I think that’s the big message for the community is that no is immune from this and these are things that we gotta remind us to cherish your time with our family again like I said this is gonna be an instance that’s gonna affect this community for a long time.”

Authorities say Liner received a life sentence with the possibility of parole, though he will not be eligible for parole for 51 years.