Erin Caffey was just 16 years old when she masterminded the brutal murder of her mother and two younger brothers in their home in Alba, Texas in 2008. Her story was featured in the first episode of the ITV documentary series “Killer Women with Piers Morgan” in 2016, in which journalist Piers Morgan conducts interviews with convicted female murderers in prison.
The murders shocked the small community of Emory and garnered national media attention. Now, over 15 years later, many are still wondering – where is Erin Caffey now?
What Caused Erin to Plot the Murders?
By all accounts, the Caffeys seemed like a normal, churchgoing family. Terry Caffey was a local preacher and he and his wife Penny had three children – 16-year-old Erin, 13-year-old Matthew, and 8-year-old Tyler.
However, tensions arose when Erin began dating 18-year-old Charlie Wilkinson. Her parents disapproved of the relationship and eventually forbade Erin from seeing Wilkinson anymore after finding disturbing content on his MySpace page.
This enraged Erin. She, Wilkinson, and his friend Charles Waid began plotting to kill her family. In the early hours of March 1, 2008, Wilkinson and Waid entered the Caffey home armed with guns and a samurai sword. They proceeded to shoot Terry, Penny, Matthew, and Tyler multiple times. They then set the house on fire before fleeing.
Miraculously, Terry managed to escape the burning house and survive despite being shot five times. All other family members perished.
Did Erin Plan the Murders?
At first, Erin pretended to be a victim. She claimed she had been taken from the house against her will and had no knowledge of the attacks. However, her story soon unraveled.
Other teenagers who had been aware of the plot came forward, and Erin’s involvement became clear. In 2009, she pled guilty to masterminding the murders and was sentenced to two life terms plus 25 additional years.
Terry Caffey publicly forgave his daughter and petitioned against the death penalty for the others involved. Wilkinson and Waid received life sentences, while Waid’s girlfriend Bobbi Johnson, who had waited outside the Caffey home, received 40 years.
How is Erin’s Life in Prison?
Erin Caffey is currently incarcerated at the Hilltop Unit in Gatesville, Texas. She will be eligible for parole in 2048 at the age of 59.
According to her father, Erin has taken Bible study courses in prison and sings in the prison choir. She obtained her GED and has a job transcribing braille.
Terry visits Erin every few months and says she is remorseful about what happened. However, in a 2016 interview, Erin continued to deflect blame and said she “couldn’t stop” the murders.
Prosecutors and criminal experts remain convinced that Erin was the true mastermind based on her history of manipulation and lies. Former boyfriends also came forward revealing she had asked them to kill her parents in the past.
When Piers Morgan interviewed her in 2016 for his show ‘Killer Women with Piers Morgan’, she expressed some remorse but still did not take full responsibility for planning the attack. She stated:
“I feel like it just happened…I wasn’t thinking they were gonna do what they did.”
Erin participates in various self-help and education programs as part of her rehabilitation in prison. She has taken courses to become a certified dental assistant. Erin also revealed to Piers Morgan that she has kept a journal throughout her incarceration as a form of therapy.
Despite being in prison for over 15 years now, Erin still maintains her youthful appearance which shocks many people. When asked if she thinks she has changed much since her teenage years, Erin told Piers:
“On the inside I have, but physically, I don’t think I look much different than I did back then.”
Erin remains in periodic contact with her father Terry, who visits her when he can and still holds out hope that she can turn her life around despite her unforgivable actions as a teenager.
Also Read: Where is Rosa Peral Now? Girl From ‘Rosa Peral’s Tapes’
Conclusion
The 2008 murder of Penny Caffey and her young sons in their Emory, Texas home continues to haunt the small community. Ringleader Erin Caffey remains behind bars at the Hilltop Unit prison, steadfastly maintaining her innocence despite overwhelming evidence of her integral involvement.
The tragic case highlights how even seemingly normal teenagers can become capable of horrific violence. While her father visits and hopes Erin has reformed, she is not eligible for parole until 2048, when she will be 59 years old.
The Caffey family murders remain one of the most shocking crimes in east Texas history. For Erin Caffey, redemption and freedom likely lie decades away, if ever.
