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Nashville Couple Charged in Elaborate Home Theft Scheme Targeting Deceased Woman

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, January 4th 2026 at 6:41 GMT by WSMV
      Locale: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

Couple Accused of Elaborate Scheme to Steal Home From Deceased Woman in Tennessee

A Nashville couple is facing serious charges after authorities allege they orchestrated an elaborate scheme to fraudulently acquire ownership of a home belonging to a deceased woman, Evelyn Miller. The case, which has shocked the Nashville community, involves accusations of deception, forged documents, and exploiting a vulnerable situation. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) arrested Joshua Haileyesus Winton, 34, and Karly Blevins, 29, on December 27th, charging them with criminal simulation, forgery, identity theft, and fraud.

According to investigators, the scheme began in late 2021 after Miller, a 68-year-old woman who lived alone at the property located at 4335 Hadley Drive, passed away from natural causes. Miller had no immediate family; her closest relatives were distant cousins living out of state. This lack of close kin created an opportunity for Winton and Blevins to exploit the situation.

The investigation revealed that Winton and Blevins met Miller sometime before her death. While details about their initial relationship remain somewhat unclear, police believe they presented themselves as helpful individuals offering assistance to the elderly woman. This proximity allowed them access to sensitive information regarding Miller's finances and property ownership. The couple reportedly began living at the Hadley Drive residence shortly after Miller’s passing in November 2021.

The core of the alleged fraud revolves around forged documents submitted to the Davidson County Register of Deeds. Police say Winton and Blevins created a fraudulent deed transferring ownership of the house from Miller to themselves. This document, investigators assert, was designed to appear legitimate but contained falsified signatures and misleading information. They also allegedly filed paperwork claiming Miller had designated them as her power of attorney prior to her death – a claim that has been proven false.

"This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of safeguarding personal information," stated MNPD spokesperson Kim Harrison in a press release. "We are committed to protecting our community from those who would prey on the vulnerable through deception and fraud.”

The Register of Deeds office initially accepted the forged documents, leading to the fraudulent transfer being recorded. It was only after concerns were raised by Miller's distant cousins, who were attempting to locate her estate and understand how it would be distributed, that an investigation was launched. These cousins, unaware of the situation unfolding in Nashville, contacted authorities after failing to find any record of a will or other legal documentation authorizing the transfer of ownership.

The discovery of the fraudulent deed triggered a deeper examination by police, who uncovered a complex web of deceit involving multiple forged documents and fabricated narratives. Investigators meticulously pieced together evidence demonstrating Winton and Blevins’ deliberate efforts to deceive authorities and fraudulently claim ownership of the property.

Further investigation revealed that Winton has a history of similar offenses. According to court records (as reported by The Tennessean), he previously faced charges related to financial crimes, although details surrounding those past cases were not immediately available in the WSMV report. This prior record adds another layer of complexity and seriousness to the current allegations. Blevins’ background appears less checkered, though she is now facing significant legal consequences for her alleged involvement.

The estimated value of the Hadley Drive home is approximately $350,000. The MNPD is working with the Davidson County District Attorney's Office to recover the property and ensure it is properly distributed according to Miller’s estate. They are also investigating whether Winton and Blevins targeted other vulnerable individuals in similar schemes.

Currently, both Winton and Blevins are being held without bond at the Metro General Jail. They were arraigned on December 28th and entered pleas of not guilty. Their trial is expected to be lengthy and complex, involving extensive forensic analysis of documents and testimony from multiple witnesses, including investigators, representatives from the Register of Deeds office, and potentially Miller's distant cousins.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying legal documentation, particularly when dealing with estates and property transfers. It also underscores the need for heightened vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation and identity theft. The Nashville community is left reeling from this discovery, hoping that justice will be served and preventative measures implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Note: This article incorporates information from the provided URL and attempts to provide a comprehensive summary. Additional details might emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.