Two Men Bound Over to Grand Jury in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

HENRY COUNTY — A preliminary hearing concluded with two men held without bond and bound over to the next grand jury following a murder-for-hire investigation into the death of Henry County resident Angela Claxton.

Henry County General Sessions Judge Chad Cox presided over the preliminary hearing.

Kenneth Eugene Claxton, the victim’s husband, and Travis Ryan, Jr. both faced Judge Cox following an investigation that law enforcement says unraveled an alleged plot within five days of the crime.

According to investigators, Kenneth Claxton allegedly promised Ryan $80,000 in life insurance proceeds to carry out the murder of his wife.

The investigation began on June 5, when Henry County deputies responded to a scene at 425 Cay Lawrence Road in Buchanan. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Angela Claxton, who had been stabbed more than 20 times.

Crucial evidence came directly from the victim's wearable tech. Digital forensics from Angela Claxton’s smart watch indicated her estimated time of death was approximately 2:07 a.m. on June 4, with only ten steps logged on the device during that timeframe. Combining smart watch movement metrics with local surveillance video, investigators from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and local law enforcement pieced together the sequence of events.

During court proceedings, a new charge was officially filed against Kenneth Claxton by TBI Special Agent Joe Hudgins: Criminal Responsibility to Commit 1st Degree Murder (a Class A Felony under TCA 39-11-402 and 39-13-202).

Prosecution efforts are being led by Assistant District Attorney Morgan Greer. Ryan is being represented by the Public Defender’s Office, while Claxton has retained private counsel with the Memphis-based firm of William Massey & Mariah McCallister.

Both defendants remain held without bond. Their cases are scheduled to go before the next Henry County grand jury on November 2, 2026.