Family of Robbery Victim Speaks Out Following Suspects' Court Hearing

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In Johnson City, Tennessee, the tragic loss of 23-year-old Tava Woodard continues to weigh heavily on the community and her family. It has been over two years since Woodard, while working as a clerk at the Roadrunner Market on North Broadway Street, was fatally shot during an alleged robbery. The incident occurred after the assailants had already been handed the cash, according to police reports.

Not long after the crime, authorities charged two individuals, Mark Anthony Sexton Jr. and his son, Mark Anthony Sexton III. Despite the swift apprehension of these suspects, the case has yet to proceed to trial. This delay has tested the patience of Woodard’s family, including her uncle, Brad Moore, who shared their sentiments with News Channel 11.

“The justice system really opens your eyes with how slow it can be,” Moore expressed. “We have to keep faith that the system will eventually deliver justice as it should.”

The prolonged wait for closure has not diminished the grief felt by Woodard’s family. Her mother, Melissa Jones, reflected on the ongoing struggle, noting that some days are more challenging than others, particularly during the holiday season. Despite the heartache, Jones emphasized how these times push the family to cherish their moments together even more.

“Us as a family, we try to make sure that we get together on the holidays,” Jones said. “We’re all busy and we’ve always been kind of fly by the seat of our pants. And if we get together, we get together. If not, I’ll see you next time. But we may not have next time. So we try to get together as much as we can, especially for holidays and birthdays.”

News Channel 11 also talked to Woodard’s cousin, Kaylee Moore. She said Woodard was more like a best friend since they were only three months apart. She is keeping her memory alive by carrying on with things Woodard loved.

“We make sure to do things that she loves. So we have, like, a book list of books that she wanted to get to. So I’m working my way through that list.”

As Woodard’s family clings to memories and each other, the fact that the two suspects are also a family – a father-son duo – is hard for Moore to even believe.

“We were just appalled. I mean, shocked. It’s hard to describe it,” Brad Moore said of being told the identity of the suspects.

The Sextons appeared in court Monday for a brief hearing, but no matter how short the appearance, Woodard’s family will be there.

“I want them to see that we loved her,” Jones said. “She was our family. She’s my firstborn child. So, of course, I’m going to be there every time, even if it’s, what, 12 minutes we drove. I drive an hour and a half. He drives about two-ish hours, a little bit more than two, to go sit there for 12 minutes so that they know that we’re there, and they know we’re there because they always look. They always look.

“They always make eye contact with me. That, for now, that’s been the most difficult for me to deal with when going in there. And then, you know, seeing family members in there, they get to see them when I never get to see my daughter again.”

At Monday’s hearing, Judge Stacy Street set Feb. 3, 2026, aside for several other motions, including a motion to admit crime scene video footage and photos. A trial date has been set for Sexton Jr. for April 27, 2026, nearly three years after the crime happened.