Robbie Montgomery, the star of OWN’s “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” has remained silent since her son and fellow reality TV star Tim Norman has been accused of plotting for her grandson’s death for money. A source close to their family has said the St. Louis-based restaurateur has made some limited comments about her son’s arrest.
Fans of the show and those shocked by the accusations against Norman have waited with bated breath for the 80-year-old to speak out about Norman and the murder-for-hire plot that allegedly led to the killing of her 21-year-old grandson Andre Montgomery. Last month, Norman was charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities (cellphone) in the commission of a murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
As of last week, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was seeking help identifying any witnesses who might have been present when Montgomery was fatally shot March 14, 2016.
Federal authorities allege Norman, whose real name is James Timothy Norman, obtained several life insurance policies on Montgomery, his nephew, in November 2014. Norman was the sole beneficiary on the policies, according to People. Those policies include a life insurance policy for $250,000 through Americo Insurance Company, as well as two different policies through Foresters Insurance for $200,000 and $250,000, according to the complaint. He later attempted to obtain another but was denied.
“The applications of all these policies contained numerous false statements regarding Montgomery’s income, occupation, and family history,” the complaint reads.
Investigators say they have evidence that shows that Norman communicated on a temporary cellphone with a woman, Terica Ellis, who met Montgomery on the night of his death. Police believe Ellis was present at the time he was shot and killed. Ellis also faces charges.
Norman has had his first hearing since the arrest and remains in a St. Louis-area jail.
Robbie Montgomery, who became known as the sassy, loving matriarch on the OWN reality series, has not released a statement to the media about the charges. April Simpson, a journalist and friend of the family, said Montgomery spoke to her through text about Norman’s arrest. Simpson said, via her Instagram, that Montgomery was heartbroken over the accusations. In a text message, the matriarch said she was “too weak” to offer extensive comments about the case.
In a text, Montgomery reportedly wrote: “Thanks For The Prayers, But At This Time I’m Weak And Can’t Make A Statement. Please Keep Praying For Me And My Son.”
At the time of her grandson’s death, Montgomery said in an episode of their OWN show that she felt someone who knew Andre Montgomery commissioned the killing. Montgomery was once an Ikette, performing with the Ike and Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s. Years later, she made a name for herself with “Sweetie Pie’s,” which has several locations. She starred on the OWN show about the restaurant and their family from 2011 to 2018. The show won an NAACP Award for Outstanding Reality Series.
In 2016, Montgomery sued Norman for allegedly stealing money and violating her Sweetie Pie’s trademark to open competing restaurants.
Fans have expressed concern about Montgomery dealing with the grief of the arrest and her grandson’s death.
Anyone with information on Montgomery’s death can call SLMPD’s homicide division directly at 314-444-5371 or anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
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