Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: "Sharon Hurt"

Podcast by Oxygen | Released: February 8, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder" explores the case of Sharon Hurt, who, along with her sister and brother-in-law, was convicted of orchestrating the murder of her husband, Don Hurt, in rural Tennessee in 1991. Through interviews, detective insights, and legal proceedings, the narrative unravels a complex scheme involving financial desperation, adultery, and a tragic betrayal. The case is a chilling study of greed, deception, and familial fallout in the pursuit of money.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crime and Initial Investigation

• Discovery of Don Hurt’s Body
  • On December 20, 1991, Don Hurt is found shot twice in the head inside his car outside Goodlettsville, TN ([02:33]).
  • Detective Hackett: “He had been literally executed and left in the passenger seat of a vehicle.” ([00:44])
• Nature of the Crime
  • No signs of robbery; Don’s wallet and valuables were untouched ([03:34]).
  • Shock in the community—murders are rare in Goodlettsville ([03:59]).

2. Don and Sharon’s Backgrounds

• Don Hurt’s Life
  • Born and raised in Nashville; described as hardworking, family-oriented, and jolly ([05:32]-[06:27]).
• Sharon Wylie Hurt’s Story
  • One of eight children from Kentucky, dreamed of a singing career, and had two previous marriages ([07:08]-[09:46]).
  • Family Friend: “She made an album. She worked hard at it, but it never went anywhere.” ([10:53])

3. Marriage Dynamics and Motive

• Don and Sharon’s Marriage
  • Met when Don made deliveries to Sharon’s workplace; Don was "head over heels" in love ([11:11]).
  • Sharon’s ambitions and financial strains put pressure on the marriage.
  • Family Friend: "She was hunting, and Don made a really good living." ([19:49])
• Affair and Financial Instability
  • Sharon began an affair with her employer, Joe Rowe, who supported her materially ([21:22]).
  • Joe gifted Sharon a pink Cadillac and involved her in questionable financial dealings ([22:08]).

4. Previous Attempt on Don’s Life

• Prior Shooting Incident
  • Six months before his murder, Don survived a shotgun attack by a red Firebird ([16:49]-[17:31]).
  • Investigation lapsed after Don refused to pursue charges despite family suspicions ([17:47]).
  • Don Hurt’s Child: “...he thought he had a blowout, and then he started seeing his blood everywhere.” ([16:49])

5. Escalation: Life Insurance and Family Suspicion

• Insurance Policy Increases

  • Don’s life insurance sharply increased shortly before the first shooting ([22:59]).
  • After Don’s death, Sharon aggressively pursued the $250,000 payout ([25:23]).
  • Family member: “I think she got dollar signs in her eyes. And to hell with everything else.” ([41:07])

• Don's Children Take Legal Action

  • They file a lawsuit to block Sharon from collecting on the insurance, suspecting her involvement ([28:31]).

6. Breakthroughs in the Investigation

• Physical and Circumstantial Evidence
  • A witness sees Sharon’s pink Cadillac at the crime scene on the night of the murder ([26:08]).
  • Toxicology reveals Don was incapacitated with a “very large amount of Benadryl” ([30:15]).
  • Police assert only someone close could have administered the drug—namely, Sharon ([30:24]).
• Affair Partner’s Role
  • Joe Rowe is identified as both a participant and a source of key evidence; he provided the murder weapon ([34:36]).

7. Arrest, Confessions, and the Murder’s Unraveling

• Arrests and Charges
  • Sharon, her sister Marcy, and Marcy’s husband James Murray are charged after significant surveillance and a two-month pursuit ([32:53]-[38:02]).
• Joe Rowe Turns State’s Witness
  • Testifies about the murder plot: Benadryl was used to sedate Don, whom the Murrays and Sharon then shot ([34:36]-[36:05])
  • Lead Investigator: “The plan was to get the $250,000.” ([35:31])
  • Joe’s recorded calls with co-conspirators help affirm their involvement ([35:53]-[36:31]).

8. Trial and Verdict

• Prosecution’s Argument
  • Sharon’s motive: financial gain and support for her fading singing career ([38:57]).
  • The Murrays' motive: money due to their ongoing financial troubles ([39:16]).
• Defense Counterpoint
  • Argued Joe Rowe fabricated the story; denied all involvement ([40:23]).
• Guilty Verdict
  • Jury returns convictions for first-degree murder and conspiracy in two hours ([40:52]).
  • Sentences: Sharon (life + 24 years), James Murray (life + 22), Marcy Murray (life + 20) ([41:17]).

9. Aftermath and Reflections

• Consequences
  • Joe Rowe pleads guilty to conspiracy after testifying and receives 18 years ([42:30]).
  • Don’s family reflects on the tragedy and loss of a decent man for money ([43:05]).
  • Don Hurt’s Child: “Nobody deserves what he got. Nobody. All for just the love of money. All I got to say is world one less of a good man.” ([43:05])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He had two gunshot wounds, one through the ear canal and one in the back of his ear." —Lead Investigator ([00:38])
• "I think she got dollar signs in her eyes. And to hell with everything else." —Family Friend or Relative ([41:07])
• "If a killer gets that close to someone, that indicates that he knew who killed him." —Detective Hackett ([15:34])
• "The amount of Benadryl in Don Hurt's system could really have only been placed in a drink by someone close to him. That would have been Sharon Hurt." —Detective Hackett ([30:24])
• "[Joe] knows they gave Don a drink laced with Benadryl and that they took him... Sharon, Marcy and Jimmy took Don out... and that Jimmy Murray at one point told him that he and Marcy had both shot Don with the same gun so that each of them would be equally responsible." —Detective Hackett ([34:36])
• "Justice was served in this case. Absolutely." —Detective Hackett ([41:33])
• "Nobody deserves what he got. Nobody. All for just the love of money. All I got to say is world one less of a good man." —Don Hurt's Child ([43:05])

Timeline: Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:38 – Lead Investigator describes murder scene
• 11:11 – Don and Sharon’s courtship and marriage
• 16:49 – Don Hurt’s child describes previous shooting
• 19:49 – Motives behind Sharon’s relationship with Don
• 21:22 – Sharon’s affair with employer, Joe Rowe, comes to light
• 22:59 – Life insurance motives revealed
• 26:08 – Witness sees pink Cadillac at crime scene
• 30:15 – Discovery of Benadryl in Don’s system
• 34:36 – Joe Rowe describes the murder plot
• 38:02 – Arrests of Marcy and James Murray
• 40:52 – Jury convicts all three defendants
• 41:33 – Detectives and family reflect on the verdict

Closing Thoughts

This detailed examination of Sharon Hurt's case reveals a compelling and tragic criminal conspiracy rooted in deception, betrayal, and the lure of easy money. The podcast methodically lays out the facts, family perspectives, and detective work, giving listeners an engaging portrait not just of a murder, but of the devastating ripple effects it brought to a working-class Tennessee community. Despite convictions and justice served, the episode closes with a somber reminder of a life lost and the corrosive nature of greed.