Daughter charged with murdering own mom
Authorities announced Thursday night an arrest in the 2010 death of 80-year-old Otylier Callens at her home on Ryan Street in Savannah.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Callens’ daughter, Patsy Lynn Shelby, 67, of Cheatham County, is “an individual responsible for the crime.”
Patsy Lynn ShelbyAccording to a statement from the Savannah Police Department, “this is still an active investigation and further arrests are forthcoming.”
Savannah police found Callens’ body in her home on Sept. 8, 2010. Donald Derr, the police chief at the time, told The Courier then that Callens was on the floor in the living room and had a piece of plastic material “wrapped around the facial area, which was indicative of foul play, no doubt.” He said her purse had been emptied and the contents thrown about.
Callens had a closed casket funeral. The newspaper reported that police declined to comment on unconfirmed reports that she had been severely beaten about the face.
TBI agents arrested Shelby, of Ashland City, Tennessee, on a charge of first degree murder and she was booked into the Cheatham County Jail, according to the TBI.
In a statement on social media, the Savannah Police Department said, “We are very proud of the work of all of our investigators, officers, and the Special Agents of the TBI who have worked tirelessly over the last eight years to bring justice in this case. We especially want to thank Sergeant Detective T.J. Barker and Detective Timmy Keen (both of SPD) and Sheriff Sammy Davidson and his team of investigators for their work on this case. If not for the hard work and determination of all involved, this case could have gone unsolved.”
I’m from Savannah Tn., and receive the weekly Courier. So glad this has been solved. My sister and OT were best friends, even though my sister has passed away she would be at rest knowing this has been solved. OT was a wonderful person and I pray her family can rest a little better now. Thank you for printing this story. A favorite reader, Wileda.
Were they all found guilty? What were their sentences & where are they incarcerated?
My parents were very good friends of Faye and OT for many years when they lived in California. They went to my Dad’s church. I knew Patsy well. When this first happened, my sister said that she was sure Patsy did it. I thought so too, but I so didn’t want it to be true. So sad and disgusting! I hope Patsy has since asked God to forgive her. So tragic!
Otylier & her husband Faye who proceeded her in death were very dear friends of my folks. Otylier was like a 2nd Mother to me when they lived in CA. Can someone please tell me if Patsy * the others were found guilty? I have prayed for justice in this case for years. Thank you Sgt. Det. T.J. Barker & Det. Timmy Keen SPD as well as Sheiff Sammy Davidson for never giving up. Otylier was a lady of class, honor & dignity. She was generous, kind & thoughtful. Shame on you Patsy!!!! She gave you everything including life & you took hers. May God have mercy on your soul.
I live in WA so I have no way of knowing the outcome of this trial. Please someone reply & let me know.
Sue Ferguson Underwood