District Attorney Craig Northcott released the following information. Parental Discretion is Advised
On February 6, 2023, James Richard McCoy entered a guilty plea for the brutal and senseless killing of Lisa McCoy. Lisa was formerly married to McCoy and they had a son together that was 12 years old at the time McCoy murdered Lisa.
Throughout their relationship of approximately 13 years, McCoy physically, verbally, and emotionally abused Lisa. Lisa was described by everyone who knew her as sweet, calm, and patient. She kept returning to the relationship for the benefit of their son. During the times of abuse, McCoy threatened to kill Lisa should she ever leave him again. In fact, in between their two marriages and after their second divorce, McCoy confronted and physically assaulted men that Lisa was dating and even threatened one man with a gun. In the weeks before McCoy murdered Lisa, Lisa agreed to attempt another reconciliation. Just days before he murdered Lisa, McCoy again threatened to shoot Lisa in the head if she left him again. Lisa made it known to everyone that she intended to leave McCoy and that their attempted reconciliation was a horrible idea.
On September 8, 2018, McCoy followed through on his threats. At a concert at Bean’s Creek Winery, McCoy was behaving unusually and even more possessive of Lisa than normal. Lisa was visibly frightened, and her friends were scared for her safety. She told her friends that McCoy was going to kill her. However, she decided to return home with McCoy. Upon returning home, McCoy shot Lisa in the head and neck no less than 12 times. Their son was in the home when this happened. McCoy then proceeded to cover up his crime. He scrubbed the crime scene thoroughly. Gathered the shell casings. He then cut Lisa’s legs off below the knees and packed Lisa’s dismembered body and legs, and placed them in the trunk of her car. McCoy never rendered aid to Lisa and never called 911 or the police. Instead, he called his attorney approximately 6 hours after killing Lisa. McCoy was taken into custody at approximately 4 a.m. on September 9, 2018 and has remained in custody since that time.
Today, McCoy pled guilty to Second Degree Murder, Abuse of a Corpse, and Tampering with Evidence. He received a 30-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. This sentence is not nearly enough to be proportionate to the horrendous acts committed by McCoy. However, they are sufficient to ensure that he spends the rest of his life in custody.
Lisa was a wonderful lady, a caring and devoted mother, a great sister, and a friend to all that knew her. Her family is in complete support of this resolution so that they can have closure without having to expose Lisa’s son to the evidence that would have been presented at trial as well as save themselves from the same trauma. They have offered McCoy far more grace and mercy than he ever deserved. They are hopeful to use this horrible tragedy as a springboard for educating others about the dangers of domestic violence.
Please pray for Lisa’s family as they continue to deal with this loss.
