Event Brief
Oct 27, 2026 at 4:20 PM ET
Wilburn Convicted in Fatal Blount County House Fire
By The BriefBrief
A Blount County jury found Johnny Ray Wilburn guilty on 38 of 39 counts in connection with a January 2025 house fire on Payne Hollow Road that killed Norma, Delmar and Cas Farley. The jury acquitted him on an aggravated animal abuse count and is deliberating whether he will receive life in prison or life without parole; sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7.
WHO: Johnny Ray Wilburn and the Blount County jury
WHAT: Wilburn was convicted on 38 of 39 counts, including multiple murder charges, related to a fatal house fire.
WHEN: Reported Oct 27, 2026 at 4:05 PM ET
WHERE: Blount County, Tennessee
WHY: The convictions followed a house fire on Payne Hollow Road that killed three people.
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