Man Pleads Guilty in Double Homicide Case

Shelby County, TN — Eric Otten, 54, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of second-degree murder in the September 2023 killings of his estranged wife, Jenni Otten, and Mark Cross at the Meridian Park Apartments in Collierville.

Otten was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Under the negotiated agreement, those charges were reduced to second-degree murder. He will serve a total effective sentence of 30 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Cross was initially hospitalized following the shooting and later died from his injuries. During a November 2023 preliminary hearing, Collierville Judge Lee Ann Pafford Dobson found probable cause to proceed with the case. Testimony revealed the three individuals had previously been involved in a relationship.

Otten had been scheduled for a pre-trial hearing but instead entered guilty pleas before Criminal Court Judge Carlyn Addison. The plea agreement was reached after discussion with family members of both victims.

There is no opportunity for appeal under the agreement.