Sentencing in roommate murder case

ATHENS — A man could be facing up to 50 years in prison after entering an open plea on Wednesday to the murder of his roommate at a sober living home in February. According to an arrest affidavit, the family members of Derris Reynolds reported him missing in February after last being seen at a sober living residence and asked the property owners to review security footage.

The security footage found that 38-year-old Nicki Lee Gibby, who was also a resident of the home, had entered Reynolds’ bedroom and had a verbal altercation. Later on, the affidavit details that Gibby walked in and out of the bedroom with a mop, bucket and folded towels. Investigators said the video captured Gibby dragging a long, heavy object that appeared to be a human body wrapped in what appeared to be a tarp. The object was dragged down a hallway and out a side door of the home, according to our news partner KETK.

After obtaining a warrant, the Athens Police Department arrested Gibby for murder on March 4. On Wednesday, Henderson County court records say Gibby entered an open plea agreement, with his sentencing hearing set for Oct. 8. He could face up to 50 years in prison if found guilty.