RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - UPDATE - Two men from Kentucky have pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the 2020 killing of Erick Bixler in Murfreesboro, TN. Chris White, 34, and Christopher Robinson, 42, both residents in the area of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, will serve at least 37 years in the state penitentiary as part of their plea agreements.

Bixler, a 45-year-old U.S. Veteran who was known by friends as "Maverick," was found murdered in his residence on Asbury Lane in July 2020. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation that determined Bixler's murder was targeted. Early in the investigation, Lieutenant Todd Sparks noted, "We don't feel like this was a random situation," suggesting a deliberate act against the victim. Captain Britt Reed of the Criminal Investigation Division further stated, "We don't feel like this act has any connection with anyone in the neighborhood."

Initially, White and Robinson faced a range of serious charges, including first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, and aggravated burglary, according to Rutherford County District Attorney Jennings Jones. However, they ultimately entered guilty pleas to the lesser charge of second-degree murder in front of Judge Barry Tidwell.

In addition to the murder charge, both suspects were convicted on multiple charges, including robbery and burglary. The court ordered them to return items that did not belong to them, which notably included a 2016 Jeep Wrangler valued at a minimum of $30,000. Furthermore, any property seized during the investigation will also be forfeited by White and Robinson.

The convictions of White and Robinson mark a significant development in a case that has deeply affected friends and family of the victim.