Father and Son Duo Face Court in Connection with Tragic JC Store Clerk Homicide

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A father and son face charges in connection with the robbery of a Roadrunner convenience store in Johnson City and the tragic death of a 23-year-old clerk in 2023. They appeared in court Monday to address the charges.

In Washington County court, Judge Stacy Street presided over the appearance of Mark Anthony Sexton Jr. and his son, Mark Anthony Sexton III.

Reports indicate that tips from the public helped lead authorities to arrest the father-son pair for their alleged involvement in the crime against the store clerk.

Judge Street has scheduled February 3, 2026, as a day for motions, where discussions will focus on evidence such as crime scene footage and photographs.

Meanwhile, Sexton Jr. is slated to stand trial starting April 27.

According to police, the clerk, Tava Woodard, complied with demands but was shot and killed when one of the men turned around at the door and fired a pistol shot.

The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) arrested Sexton Jr. and Sexton III on June 7, 2023.

An affidavit filed by the JCPD states Sexton Jr. gave a description to police of his and his son’s alleged robbery. In that affidavit, Sexton Jr. claimed they had not planned to shoot Woodard, and he told police he did not know his son had shot her.

Both men were charged with first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery and other charges when they were arrested in 2023.