You probably remember him as the charismatic, business-minded son of Miss Robbie on the hit OWN reality show Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s. He was the guy trying to expand the soul food empire, always dressed to the nines and seemingly dedicated to his family. But today, if you’re looking for Tim from Sweetie Pies, you won't find him in a kitchen or on a red carpet.
He’s in a federal cell.
The fall of James Timothy Norman wasn't just a tabloid headline; it was a cold, calculated tragedy that tore a famous family apart. We’re talking about a murder-for-hire plot involving his own nephew, Andre Montgomery Jr. It sounds like a scripted TV drama, but the legal reality is much darker.
The Crime That Shocked St. Louis
In March 2016, 20-year-old Andre Montgomery Jr. was shot and killed in St. Louis. At the time, fans of the show mourned with the family. We saw the grief on screen. What we didn't see was the paper trail. Federal prosecutors eventually laid out a case that painted Tim from Sweetie Pies as the architect of the whole thing.
Why? Money. Specifically, a $450,000 life insurance policy.
📖 Related: Is There Actually a Wife of Tiger Shroff? Sorting Fact from Viral Fiction
Norman had taken out the policy on Andre in 2014. He was the sole beneficiary. To make it work, he didn't pull the trigger himself. He allegedly used a network of people to track Andre down. This included an exotic dancer named Terica Ellis, who was paid to lure Andre outside, and Travell Anthony Hill, the man who eventually confessed to being the shooter.
The level of coordination was chilling. Burner phones. Secret meetings. Thousands of dollars in cash drops. It was a complete betrayal of the "family first" brand the Montgomerys had built over decades.
Where Is Tim From Sweetie Pies Now?
If you’ve been following the appeals, the news isn't good for Norman. In March 2023, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He didn't just get one life sentence; he got two.
He’s currently serving that time in federal custody.
👉 See also: Bea Alonzo and Boyfriend Vincent Co: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Honestly, he hasn't gone quiet. Even after the sentencing, Norman maintained his innocence on social media, claiming the "feds" knew he didn't handle the insurance policies and that the jury was misled. But the courts didn't buy it. In July 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit shot down his attempt to get the conviction overturned. He challenged everything from hearsay text messages to the testimony of his co-conspirators. The judges basically said the evidence was "overwhelming."
Most recently, his legal team has been pushing for a review by the Supreme Court, but as of early 2026, he remains behind bars with very little hope of a walk-out date.
The Impact on the Sweetie Pie's Legacy
It’s hard to overstate how much this ruined the business. Miss Robbie—the legendary Robbie Montgomery—had to witness her son being convicted of killing her grandson. That is a level of family trauma most people can't even fathom.
- The iconic Upper Crust location in St. Louis closed its doors shortly after the conviction.
- Miss Robbie has largely stayed out of the spotlight, focusing on her own healing.
- The reality show, once a beacon of Black excellence and entrepreneurship, is now forever stained by the trial.
People often ask if the show could ever come back. Given that the main "star" is serving life and the family is fractured beyond repair, it’s safe to say that chapter is closed for good.
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened With Dane Witherspoon: His Life and Passing Explained
Key Facts About the Case
- The Insurance Fraud: Norman worked with an insurance agent, Waiel Yaghnam (who also went to prison), to submit fraudulent applications for the $450,000 policy.
- The Payout: Norman actually tried to collect the money just days after Andre’s funeral. That’s what really tipped off the authorities.
- The Accomplices: Terica Ellis and Travell Hill both took plea deals and testified, which was the nail in the coffin for Norman's defense.
What This Means for True Crime Fans and Reality TV
The story of Tim from Sweetie Pies serves as a grim reminder that reality TV often hides a much messier truth. We watched him "mentor" Andre on camera while, behind the scenes, he was reportedly checking the status of an insurance policy that required Andre to be dead.
It's a heavy story. It’s about greed, but also about the fragility of a legacy built on the back of soul food and family values. If you're looking for closure on this case, the legal system has provided it, even if Tim himself refuses to accept the verdict.
Actionable Insights for Following the Case:
If you want to keep tabs on any further developments regarding his Supreme Court petition or potential clemency moves:
- Check the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system for the Eastern District of Missouri under James Timothy Norman.
- Follow reputable St. Louis news outlets like KSDK or the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, as they have the deepest archives on the local impact of the Sweetie Pie's closures.
- Avoid "fan-led" conspiracy theories on TikTok or Instagram; the federal appellate rulings provide the most factual, evidence-based summary of what actually happened.