Event Brief
UPDATED Oct 28, 2026 at 8:20 AM ET
Oct 27, 2026 at 4:20 PM ET
Wilburn Convicted in Blount County Fire Deaths
By The BriefBrief
A Blount County jury convicted Johnny Ray Wilburn on 38 of 39 counts Tuesday in connection with a January 2025 fire at a Walland home that killed Norma, Delmar and Cas Farley. Jurors found him not guilty of aggravated animal abuse and are now deciding whether he will receive life in prison or life without parole.
WHO: Johnny Ray Wilburn; a Blount County jury
WHAT: Wilburn was convicted on 38 of 39 counts connected to a fatal Walland house fire.
WHEN: Reported Oct 27, 2026 at 4:08 PM ET
WHERE: Walland, Blount County, Tennessee
WHY: Investigators said Wilburn intentionally started the fire that killed three people; the jury's verdicts followed the criminal trial.
How this story developed (showing 2 of 2 earlier reports)
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