Debra Patton, 72, was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2021 shooting death of her sister Karen Pais, 66, in their shared Tampa, Florida home in Carrollwood. The case surfaced after Pais’ friends reported her missing on May 29, 2021, leading deputies to find her body buried in a shallow backyard grave wrapped in trash bags, towels, and duct tape, with a gunshot wound to the chest confirmed by autopsy.​
Investigation Details
Surveillance from a neighbor’s camera last captured Pais alive entering the home on May 24, 2021, followed by Patton disposing of large trash bags; a fresh dirt patch prompted a warrant, revealing the body with Pais’ “Karen” necklace and Patton’s DNA on latex gloves inside. Patton denied knowledge of her sister’s whereabouts despite Pais’ car, purse, and ID remaining at the house, and friends testified to the sisters’ strained relationship, with Pais predicting Patton would harm her. A spent shell casing in Patton’s room and Pais’ DNA on a doorjamb supported the homicide ruling.​
Trial and Next Steps
The trial, delayed by Patton’s two-year incompetency commitment to a state hospital, concluded with a six-person jury’s guilty verdict after brief deliberation in Hillsborough Circuit Court. Prosecutors highlighted Patton’s cold-blooded act amid no evidence of intruders, rejecting defense claims of speculation. Sentencing is scheduled for February 16, 2026, with a minimum 25 years up to life possible.​
