Northeast Texas Woman Convicted In Boyfriend’s Murder

Tonya Ruth Barnett Bowie County

A Bowie County jury convicted 42-year-old Tonya Ruth Barnett of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of her ex-boyfriend. Barnett claimed she killed 35-year-old Cecil Ellis, Jr., in self- defense but evidence showed that Ellis was shot in the back of the head. The jury sentenced Barnett to 25 years in prison.