Snapped on Oxygen: The Story Behind Brenda Watson's Murder of Tommie Kellum
Documentary series about a Florida woman who shot her ex-husband during a bitter divorce and attempted to flee to Canada
What is the series about?
Snapped season 35, episode 1 documents the tragic case of Brenda Watson, who in 2009 became the center of one of the most talked-about murder cases in Lake City, Florida. The series follows the investigation into the murder of her ex-husband, 76-year-old Tommie Kellum, who was a respected and beloved grandfather in his community. Through interviews with investigators and relatives, the program highlights how a long-term marriage ended in a deadly conflict driven by financial demands and personal grudges during an ongoing divorce process.
The real case
The real case began on June 23, 2009, when police received an anonymous tip about an unpleasant smell from a property in Lake City. Upon arrival, officers found the body of 76-year-old Tommie Kellum. He had been shot multiple times in the chest and subsequently rolled up in a carpet. The initial investigation focused on his ex-wife, Brenda Watson, who was initially considered to be in danger as she had also disappeared from her home.
However, it quickly became clear that Brenda Watson was not a victim but the perpetrator. The investigation revealed that she had been lurking and shot the defenseless Kellum just as he stepped out of a bathroom. The motive was found in the couple's bitter divorce, where Watson felt wronged and refused to accept Kellum's terms. During her flight, she attempted to cross the border into Canada before authorities caught up with her. The case was further complicated by revelations of infidelity on both sides, which contributed to the explosive environment leading up to the murder.
Timeline of the case
- June 2009: Tommie Kellum is murdered in his home in Lake City, Florida.
- June 2009: Police find the body after reports of odor complaints and initiate a search for Brenda Watson.
- July 2009: Brenda Watson is arrested after an attempted escape and charged with first-degree murder.
- 2025: The case is revisited in a nationwide TV broadcast on the channel Oxygen.