SHERMAN, TX - Grayson County Criminal District Attorney John Kermit Hill announced that on October 20, 2025, Terry Austin Tucker, 66, of Howe, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound just minutes before his sentencing.
Tucker faced multiple charges stemming from allegations of prolonged child sexual abuse involving two victims, ages 11 and 12 at the time of their sexual assault nurse examinations. The investigation, led by the Howe Police Department, began after one victim confided in a classmate and later spoke with a school counselor at Howe Middle School, who reported the abuse to authorities.
As the investigation continued, a second victim came forward with similar allegations. In 2017, Tucker was indicted on one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and three counts of Indecency with a Child by Contact. A 2022 indictment added five more counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Indecency with a Child by Contact.
The case experienced several delays over the years. Tucker pleaded guilty in open court on June 4, 2025, after a pre-sentencing investigation was completed earlier that month. Prosecutors said additional victims later came forward describing other sexually violent acts by Tucker.
Assistant District Attorney Art Clayton said, “Terry Tucker’s selfish, abusive, and controlling decisions made throughout his life have victimized his loved ones and those who he should have cared for and protected. I wish the victims could have been able to look him in the eye while they told the judge what he did to them. However, it is over, and they can have peace.”
District Attorney Hill added, “This case was originally filed in 2017 and has been pending ever since. It has been a focus of mine to bring it to a proper conclusion. As has been said, justice delayed is justice denied. Today’s outcome at least brought finality.”
