CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas – After more than a week of testimony and nearly two hours of closing arguments, Sarah Hartsfield has been found guilty of murder after jurors deliberated for about an hour.
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Hartsfield, 50, was accused of killing her husband, Joseph Hartsfield, by injecting him with a fatal dose of insulin inside their Chambers County home in January 2023.
Over the course of the trial, jurors heard from detectives, medical professionals, family members, and Sarah’s former partners as prosecutors painted a picture of motive, deception, and control.
The defense argued that Joseph’s death was a tragic medical event, not a crime, and that there was no proof that Sarah administered the insulin.
Closing arguments concluded Wednesday afternoon, with the state describing Hartsfield as “vindictive” and “calculating,” while the defense urged jurors to focus on reasonable doubt and the lack of direct evidence.
The jury began deliberations on Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. and reached a verdict shortly after around 2:30 p.m.
Following the guilty verdict, the trial moved into the sentencing phase. Witnesses called to the stand painted a picture of Hartsfield’s past and her relationships with her children.
Barb Stuart, Hartsfield’s foster mother, testified that she cared for Sarah starting around age 12 or 13. She said their first year together was “fine,” but that Sarah became prone to false accusations against others and was very strict with her children, often spanking and yelling at them from a young age. Stuart said Sarah served in the Army from 1997 to 2015 and had no prior convictions.
Hartsfield’s daughters also testified about the abuse they said they suffered while living with her.
Ashley described periods of extreme physical punishment lasting hours, using hands, spoons, and shoes, and emotional abuse, including threats and manipulation.
Hannah said she experienced similar abuse, including being prevented from speaking to her father and being left alone for extended periods. She also described being given unprescribed medications.
Emma recalled beatings with belts or objects and punishments for small mistakes.
Finally, Chambers County Jailer Jordan Harris provided testimony during the sentencing phase about Sarah’s time while in jail, saying she got into a physical altercation with another inmate about her “bunk.”
The sentencing phase is now underway, and the jury will determine what punishment Sarah Hartsfield will face for her conviction. She is facing up to life in prison.