Jury finds Longview man guilty of hammer killing

Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 1:11 PM

A jury has found a Longview man guilty of killing a woman in January of last year.

40-year-old Joshua McCuller was in a relationship with Lori Follis at the time of the murder. The Tarrant County medical examiner testified that Follis had been given a sleeping pill, causing disorientation before her murder.

A journal belonging to McCuller was entered into evidence showing that he had written about fixing her a cup of coffee with sleeping pills.

Follis had blunt force injuries throughout her body at the time of her death, with numerous bone fractures and abrasions. The medical examiner affirmed her belief that Follis was initially struck from behind.

McCuller’s defense attorney said in closing statements that while his intent to kill Follis was on paper, that isn’t the same as following through. He also stated that McCuller’s writings were only fantasies and pointed out that Follis knew where she was during her 911 call.

Follis could be heard pleading for an ambulance, but McCuller never called for one, only requesting police. Follis was hit five times with a hammer before her death.

The jury only deliberated for about an hour before delivering their verdict.

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