In a shocking case that underscores how custody disputes can sometimes spiral into dangerous territory, three Alabama sisters have been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to murder a man involved in a contentious custody battle with one of the women’s daughters.
Sandra Grimes, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiracy to commit murder and transfer of a firearm to commit a felony, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a plot to kill her son-in-law, Raul Mina. Her sisters, Judy Owen and Mitzy Smith, who were convicted by a jury in January 2025 on the same charges, received sentences of 120 months and time served, respectively.
The case represents an extreme example of how family court disputes can escalate when emotions override judgment and when family members insert themselves inappropriately into legal proceedings.
A Murder Plot Unravels
According to court documents, the conspiracy began in February 2024 when the three sisters approached Rebecca Murphy and solicited her help in murdering Mina, who was engaged in a custody battle with Grimes’ daughter, Irma Nicole Bauer.
The plot took shape after a previous attempt to hire a hitman had allegedly failed when the individual took $10,000 and disappeared without carrying out the murder. The sisters then developed an elaborate scheme with Murphy that involved multiple interstate trips to Louisiana to surveil Mina’s home and plan the killing.
The women initially proposed that Murphy inject Mina with a fatal dose of heroin to make his death appear to be an accidental overdose. Later, they provided her with an unregistered firearm as an alternative method.
The scheme unraveled when Murphy, who had been delaying carrying out the murder despite accepting money from the sisters, eventually approached the FBI with details of the plot.
The Custody Battle at the Center
At the heart of this criminal conspiracy was a family court proceeding—a custody dispute between Mina and Bauer over their children.
While specific details of the custody case remain sealed to protect the privacy of the minors involved, the extreme actions taken by these family members highlight the intense emotions that can surround child custody litigation.
Family law experts note that this case, while extreme, illustrates how custody disputes can sometimes push individuals to desperate measures when they feel the legal system isn’t providing the outcome they desire.
Legal Implications Beyond Criminal Charges
From a family law perspective, this case raises several important considerations that extend beyond the criminal charges:
Impact on the Underlying Custody Case
When family members engage in criminal behavior related to a custody dispute, it can dramatically influence the outcome of the family court proceedings.
Actions like those taken by Grimes and her sisters would likely be viewed by family court judges as evidence of an unhealthy family environment and could potentially strengthen the case of the targeted parent.
“Criminal behavior by extended family members can certainly factor into a judge’s determination of what environment is in the best interest of the children,” explains family law attorney Jennifer Marshall, who is not affiliated with this case.
“Courts look at the totality of circumstances, including the influence of grandparents and other relatives who may have regular contact with the children.”
Restraining Orders and Protective Measures
Cases like this often result in expanded protective orders that extend beyond just the parents involved in the custody dispute.
When extended family members demonstrate a willingness to engage in harmful behavior, courts have the authority to issue orders restricting their access to the protected party and potentially to the children as well.
In Alabama, family court judges have broad discretion to implement protective measures when there is evidence of threats or attempted violence, regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed or convictions obtained.
Long-term Consequences for Family Relationships
Perhaps the most devastating aspect of this type of case is the permanent damage to family relationships.
The children at the center of this custody dispute now face the reality that their grandmother and great-aunts are serving prison sentences for plotting to kill their father.
Family counselors note that such extreme situations create complex trauma for children that may require years of therapeutic intervention.
Additionally, courts often restrict or supervise any future contact between children and family members who have demonstrated violent tendencies.
The Legal System’s Response
The federal prosecution of this murder-for-hire plot demonstrates how seriously the legal system takes threats against individuals involved in family court proceedings.
The sentences handed down—ranging from time served to 10 years in federal prison—reflect the gravity of the conspiracy.
It’s worth noting that Murphy and her girlfriend Jessica Montgomery also received five-year prison sentences for their roles in the plot.
Montgomery was specifically sentenced for purchasing ammunition for a known felon, while Murphy was sentenced for her participation in the conspiracy before reporting it to authorities.
Warning Signs and Prevention
Family law attorneys who regularly handle high-conflict custody cases identify several warning signs that a dispute might be escalating toward dangerous territory:
- Escalating rhetoric about the other parent being “unfit” or “dangerous” without substantiating evidence;
- Attempts to alienate children from the other parent;
- Excessive involvement of extended family members in the legal proceedings;
- Violations of existing court orders or expressions of contempt for the legal process; and
- Direct or indirect threats against the other parent or family members.
When these warning signs appear, prompt intervention through the proper legal channels—including reporting concerns to attorneys, judges, or law enforcement—can potentially prevent tragic outcomes.
Seeking Support Through Proper Channels
For families currently navigating custody disputes, this case underscores the importance of working through proper legal channels rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.
Alabama offers various resources for families in conflict, including:
- Court-appointed guardians ad litem who represent children’s best interests;
- Family court mediators who can help parents reach agreements outside of litigation;
- Supervised visitation programs for situations where safety concerns exist;
- Family therapy and co-parenting counseling services; and
- Legal aid and pro bono representation for those who cannot afford attorneys.
Utilizing these legitimate resources not only ensures compliance with the law but also provides families with constructive pathways to resolve disputes while protecting the emotional well-being of children caught in the crossfire of adult conflicts.
A Cautionary Tale for Families in Conflict
While the extreme nature of this case makes it unusual, the underlying emotions—frustration with the legal system, fear of losing access to beloved children or grandchildren, and anger toward an ex-spouse or in-law—are not uncommon in high-conflict family court cases.
The consequences faced by Grimes, Owen, and Smith serve as a stark reminder that attempting to circumvent the legal process, especially through violence or threats of violence, leads to outcomes far worse than any unfavorable custody ruling.
The children at the center of this custody dispute now face the additional trauma of family separation caused not by court order, but by the criminal actions of their maternal relatives—a tragedy that proper legal representation and conflict resolution might have prevented.
Get Expert Family Law Guidance in Alabama
If you’re facing a challenging custody dispute or other family law matter in Alabama, the experienced attorneys at Baxley Maniscalco are here to help guide you through proper legal channels.
Our team understands the emotional nature of these cases and can provide sound legal advice to protect your rights and your children’s best interests.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation about your specific situation.
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