A Tennessee man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to murdering his ex-wife in a shocking act of violence. Craig Liner, 62, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after admitting to the first-degree murder of his ex-wife, Karen Liner, on January 27, 2025.
The Fatal Morning
On that morning, Karen Liner, 51, was leaving her home in Cleveland, Tennessee, when her ex-husband, Craig Liner, sneaked into her garage. The local realtor, who was known for helping clients find their dream homes, immediately called 911, capturing the chilling events that unfolded.
In the desperate 911 call, Karen can be heard shouting at Craig to leave her driveway before her voice turns frantic. “Please stop! Craig, please stop!” she screams, followed by what sounds like gunshots. The call abruptly ends, and Karen Liner was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The Investigation and Arrest
Authorities quickly identified Craig Liner as the suspect, with surveillance footage showing him driving to and from Karen’s house in a silver Lincoln MKZ. His cousin later told police that Craig had returned home and said, “Well, it’s over” and “I finished it.” This comment led the cousin to believe that Craig had just killed his ex-wife.
Craig and Karen had been divorced since September 2024 and had two children together. Craig, a clinical pharmacist, had been fired from his job just a week before the murder.
Attempted Hit on Ex-Mother-in-Law
While in jail awaiting trial, Craig Liner’s anger and violent tendencies didn’t seem to have subsided. He allegedly attempted to hire a fellow inmate to murder his ex-mother-in-law, offering a boat and a Range Rover in exchange for the “hit.” The inmate, who turned out to be a police informant, recorded the conversation, but prosecutors eventually dropped the solicitation for first-degree murder charge.
Sentencing and Family Impact
At his sentencing, District Attorney General Stephen M. Hatchett expressed hope that the outcome of the case would bring “peace and closure” to Karen Liner’s family. Karen is remembered by her loved ones for her generosity, kindness, and loyalty, with her obituary noting her dedication to charitable causes.
Craig Liner’s conviction for first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration, and aggravated burglary ensures that he will not see freedom again, with his life sentence serving as a small measure of justice for the devastating loss Karen’s family has endured.
