Smyrna Man Accused Of Killing Woman, Living With Dead Body Can Stand Trial, Judge Rules

MURFREESBORO, TN — A Rutherford County judge ruled that a man accused in a bizarre and macabre March 2016 murder in Smyrna is competent to stand trial.

Eric Ellis, 32, is charged with the murder of 45-year-old Kimberly Allen in her Smyrna home in March 2016. Investigators say after the murder, Ellis lived with Allen's body for three days before fleeing to the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Smyrna detectives say that Ellis stabbed Allen in the neck and then when she asked for a glass of water, crushed pills in it and then added Dr Pepper to cover up the bitter taste. After Allen fell asleep, investigators say Ellis duct-taped a plastic bag over her head and bound her hands and feet.

Police say Ellis confessed to the murder and told them he stayed at the home for three days afterward.

Judge Lynn Alexander ruled Tuesday that Ellis is mentally competent to stand trial and bound the case over to the Rutherford County grand jury.

(For more local updates, click here to sign up for the Nashville Patch's daily newsletter and free, real-time news alerts, or find your local Middle Tennessee Patch here.)

Image via Smyrna Police