GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Cairo Bank Robbery Turns Deadly
A superseding indictment was returned against James Nathaniel Watts, Otha D. Watkins, and Sharita S. Tipler in the 2014 attempted robbery of the First National Bank in Cairo, Illinois.
According to the indictment, Watts, 32, of Cairo, IL, attempted to rob the bank on May 15, 2014, resulting in the deaths of Anita Grace and Nita Smith, and critically injuring a third bank employee.
The indictment charges Watts with attempted armed bank robbery resulting in death (Count 1) and being a convicted felon in possession of a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol which had previously traveled in interstate commerce (Count 2).
Otha D. Watkins, 33, of Cairo, IL, is charged with aiding and abetting James Nathaniel Watts in the attempted armed bank robbery (Count 3) and making a materially false statement to a Special Agent of the FBI (Count 4).
Sharita S. Tipler, 30, of Ullin, IL, is charged with disposing of a firearm to Otha D. Watkins, knowing he was a convicted felon (Count 7).
The possible penalties for the charges range from death to life imprisonment without parole, to up to 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Watts has been in custody since May 15, 2014.
This is a developing story. Grimy Times will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- James Johnson, Bank Robbery, Columbus OH, 2023 · Illinois
- Shawn Caldwell, Armed Bank Robbery, OH, 2014 · Illinois
- Germain D. Davis, Jr., Armed Bank Robbery, Euclid OH, 2023 · Illinois
- Derrick Swinney, Armed Bank Robbery, Ohio 2024 · Illinois
- Matthew J. Higgins-Vogt, Circle K Armed Robbery-Murder, IL 2015 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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