Tommy Brown’s Case Uncovered: Insights Before Snapped: Behind Bars on Oxygen

On September 5, 2013, Tommy Brown was tragically murdered in his own home. His sister, Andrea Brown, discovered his lifeless body two days later after failing to reach him for several hours.

The next episode of Snapped: Behind Bars, titled “Cristina Rodriguez”and airing on Oxygen at 7 PM EST on October 6, 2024, will recount this shocking murder case. It will also include an exclusive interview with one of the individuals convicted in the killing of Tommy Brown. The episode’s synopsis states:

“Cristina Rodriguez recounts her chilling experience observing her then-boyfriend violently killing Tommy and her feelings as he later testified against her; another convicted accomplice shares his perspective, revealing new details.

Tommy Brown’s brutal beating and suffocation

According to reports from Oxygen True Crime, Tommy Brown met a brutal end in his East Worth residence. After being unable to connect with him, his sister arrived at his home only to confront a horrifying scene.

Tommy was discovered dead, face down near the bathroom, bound at the wrists with shoelaces, and with a bag covering his head. Investigations revealed he was killed with a porcelain toilet lid, suffering multiple blows that partially fractured his skull, leaving him with extensive bruises and injuries. The autopsy concluded that his death resulted from asphyxia and blunt force trauma.

Authorities found two distinct sets of footprints at the crime scene, presumed to belong to the murderers. Several valuables were reported missing from the home, including Tommy’s bank cards, cellphone, television, and even his Toyota vehicle.

How law enforcement tracked down the killers

Tommy’s vehicle was later discovered impounded, containing pivotal evidence that led to the identification of the culprits. Among the items found were a piece of the murder weapon and a bus ticket bearing Cristina Rodriguez’s name along with several blood-stained objects. Following Tommy’s death, his stolen cards were used to buy fuel and medication.

Initially, investigators began searching for Cristina Rodriguez after uncovering her name on the bus ticket. Tracking Tommy’s stolen cellphone ultimately brought authorities to Rodriguez and her accomplice, Braylon Ellis.

It came to light that Braylon had developed feelings for Cristina, who was intended to be the surrogate for Tommy and his girlfriend Connie Moreno. Cristina had previously misled Tommy, claiming she was pregnant—a statement later found to be untrue.

On the fateful day, Cristina falsely informed Ellis that she was expecting his baby and accused Tommy (with whom she’d shared a brief sexual encounter solely for surrogacy) of being abusive. Later that same day, the pair went to Tommy’s home, where Cristina proceeded to steal items while Ellis violently attacked and killed him.

With Braylon Ellis’s DNA matching evidence on the murder weapon, he was charged with Tommy Brown’s murder and sentenced to life in prison, with potential parole eligibility. Rodriguez faced similar charges, accused of orchestrating the murder through Ellis, resulting in a sentence of life without parole.

To delve deeper into this chilling case and hear from Cristina Rodriguez as she reflects from behind bars, tune into Snapped: Behind Bars, season 2, episode 6.

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