The Tragic Case Of Annie Sims: 5 Shocking Details From Her Grandson's Murder Confession And Where The Killers Are Now

The 2014 murder of Annie Lois Sims remains one of the most heartbreaking cases of familial violence in Texas history, a crime where a beloved grandmother was killed by her own grandson. This tragedy, which stunned the community of Powderly, Texas, has recently been thrust back into the public eye following its in-depth feature on the Netflix docuseries, *I Am A Killer* Season 5, which aired in late 2024, bringing the convicted killers' perspectives to the forefront. As of December 2025, the case continues to generate discussion, particularly regarding the conflicting narratives and the current incarceration status of the two people responsible. The case involves a complex web of alleged abuse, manipulation, and the cold-blooded execution of a retired North Lamar teacher. The most current information reveals the stark reality of the perpetrators' sentences and their differing accounts of the events leading up to the fatal shooting, providing a fresh, updated look at a decade-old crime.

Annie Lois Sims: A Beloved North Lamar Educator

Annie Lois Sims was a respected and cherished member of the Powderly, Texas, community. Her life was dedicated to education and her family, making her brutal death at the hands of her own kin all the more shocking.

• Full Name: Annie Lois Sims
• Occupation: Retired Teacher (North Lamar Independent School District)
• Residence: Powderly, Texas (Lamar County)
• Date of Incident: December 2014
• Cause of Death: Fatal gunshot wound to the head
• Relationship to Killer: Grandmother of Christian Vernon Sims

Sims was known for her kindness and was a pillar of the community. She had taken in her grandson, Christian Sims, to live with her, a decision that tragically led to her death.

The Chilling Timeline of the Murder and Investigation

The investigation into Annie Sims' death quickly focused on the two individuals closest to her: her live-in grandson, Christian Sims, and his then-girlfriend, Ashley Eva Morrison. The crime occurred in December 2014 at Annie Sims' home. Her body was discovered on the back porch with a single, fatal gunshot wound to the head. Missing from the scene was her grandson, Christian Vernon Sims, and his girlfriend, Ashley Eva Morrison, who were quickly identified as persons of interest. The subsequent investigation relied heavily on digital evidence, including cell phone location data and social media posts, which helped authorities track the pair and piece together the events. The evidence suggested a premeditated act, though the motive would later be disputed by the killers themselves.

Christian Sims' Confession and Plea Deal

Christian Sims, the primary perpetrator, eventually confessed to the murder. He claimed the act was a result of years of domestic turmoil and alleged abuse he suffered from his uncle, Anthony "Trent" Barbour, stating that the abuse caused him to snap and kill his grandmother. In October 2016, Sims avoided a capital murder trial by entering into a plea agreement. He pled guilty to the murder of his grandmother, Annie Lois Sims, and was sentenced to 35 years in a Texas state prison.

Where Are Christian Sims and Ashley Morrison Now? (2025 Update)

The legal journeys and current incarceration statuses of the two convicted individuals are a key focus of the recent media attention surrounding the case. Both are currently serving time in separate Texas prisons.

Christian Vernon Sims

Christian Sims is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

• Current Location: O.L. Luther Unit in Navasota, Texas.
• Sentence: 35 years for murder.
• Parole Eligibility: Sims will be qualified for parole in 2032.
• Narrative: In the *I Am A Killer* documentary, Sims maintains that his actions were a direct consequence of the alleged abuse he suffered, shifting the blame for his psychological state to his family environment.

Ashley Eva Morrison

Ashley Morrison’s legal battle was far more complicated than Sims' plea deal. She was initially convicted of murder, but her case saw a major turn on appeal.

• Initial Conviction: Convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 years.
• Appeal Success: In March 2019, the Texarkana Court of Appeals reversed her conviction, arguing that the evidence was legally insufficient to prove she was an accomplice to capital murder.
• Re-sentencing: Morrison later received a reduced sentence of 30 years after a plea from retrial, or a subsequent legal proceeding.
• Current Location: William P Hobby Unit in Marlin, Texas.
• Parole Eligibility: Morrison is eligible for parole in 2029.
• Narrative: Morrison's defense has consistently painted her as a victim of manipulation, claiming that Sims threatened to murder her family if she did not comply with his plans. She asserts she was not physically present during the shooting.

The fact that Ashley Morrison, the accomplice, is eligible for parole sooner than Christian Sims, the confessed shooter, is a point of significant contention and public debate, highlighting the complexities of accomplice liability in the Texas legal system.

The Lasting Impact on the Powderly Community

The murder of Annie Lois Sims left an indelible mark on the small, close-knit community of Powderly and the larger Paris, Texas, area. Annie Sims was a respected figure, and the crime—a fatal act of betrayal by her own grandson—shook the public’s sense of security and trust. The recent spotlight from the Netflix series has reignited interest in the case, forcing the community to revisit the painful details. The documentary's focus on the killers' perspectives, particularly Christian Sims' claims of a troubled past and Ashley Morrison’s defense of coercion, has fueled ongoing discussions about the nature of justice, the long-term effects of domestic violence, and the role of mental health in criminal acts. For the surviving members of the Sims family, the case remains a deeply personal tragedy. While the convictions brought a measure of closure, the continued media coverage serves as a persistent reminder of the violent loss of a beloved grandmother and teacher.

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