Maryville Man Convicted of Federal Murder Plot, Faces Life in Prison | Tennessee

A Maryville man could face life in prison following his sentencing in federal court last week after a jury found him and a co-conspirator guilty of plotting to kill federal agents and employees.

Edward Kelley, 35, was convicted by a jury in the Eastern District of Tennessee on Wednesday, November 20, of conspiracy to murder federal employees, incitement to commit a crime of violence and influencing a federal employee by threat. According to court documents, Kelley worked with the 26-year-old Co-conspirator Austin Carter of Knoxville worked together to compile and distribute a “kill list” of federal agents and employees involved in an investigation into his actions in January. 6, 2021 at the US Capitol.

Carter, who pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy, testified for the prosecution that the two planned to use car bombs and other incendiary devices to murder people in their homes and public spaces. Also testifying for the prosecution was cooperating witness Christopher Roddy, who said that over a two-week period in December 2022, he was given a list of names and information about FBI agents by Carter to memorize, then burn. He later said he was asked by Kelley if he could store firearms and ammunition in his apartment.

As part of his cooperation, Roddy agreed to record conversations between himself, Kelley and Carter. Evidence presented in court included portions of recordings in which Kelley called for a “course of action” where “every punch must hurt.” Other notable phrases included “start doing that,” “attack,” and “clear out her office.”

Roddy has not been charged with any crimes in connection with his collaboration.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Kelley was arrested in May 2022 on charges of assault, resisting or obstructing officers, rioting, destruction of government property and in connection with his alleged involvement at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

A statement of facts filed by an FBI special agent prosecuting Kelley’s original allegations stated that he was in the capital for nearly forty minutes. He was recorded on personal and official video attacking the capital’s police, destroying federal property and entering areas of the capital without proper clearance. Investigators identified Kelley by the same hoodie, backpack and campaign button he was seen wearing in videos before entering the Capitol.

The 14-page document details Kelley’s movements, beginning with his trip to Washington, DC on January 5 and subsequent check-in at the Marriott Moxy Washington, DC Downtown Hotel; then his journey from the Peace Memorial across from the U.S. Capitol Building to the exterior of the U.S. Capitol Building before allegedly breaking an exterior window and entering near the Senate’s double doors.

Kelley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025. Unless Kelly or his lawyers file a motion, the jury trial transcript will be available later this year.