Next Parole Hearing : May 2016 

Michael Wilmore beat his friend’s one-year-old son to death with a hairbrush

Case Summary

Michael Wilmore brutally beat his friend’s one-year-old son to death with a hairbrush while “disciplining” the child. A plea deal allowed Wilmore to receive a minimal 9- 25 year sentence. Although Wilmore has a long criminal history and has had continued behavior problems while in prison, including acts of violence, The Ohio Parole Board wants to release him in May 2016

Michael Wilmore Case

A Violent Beating

On the evening of April 22nd 1996 Staci Gates left her three young children in the care of her friend Michael Wilmore. When she returned to Wilmore’s home at approximately 3:00 AM she found her one-year-old son, Ky’Jhon Montae Gates unresponsive. She then contacted Cleveland Ohio Police who arrived minutes later with emergency medical personnel and Cleveland Fire Rescue. They began working on little Ky’Jhon and took him to St. Vincent Charity Hospital where he was admitted in the emergency room at 3:19 AM in full cardiopulmonary arrest. Hospital staff attempted to save Ky’Jhon however his injuries were too severe. Ky’Jhon was pronounced dead at 3:47 AM April 23, 1995.

Ky’Jhon had been beaten severely. The coroner determined Ky’Jhon suffered contusions of the forehead, right temple, right buttock and right and left legs. The multitudes of injuries were determined to be the cause of death.

Baby Killer Gets A Minimal Sentence

Police arrested Michael Wilmore and detectives learned he killed Ky’Jhon while “disciplining” him. According to his parole records Ky’Jhon’s mother returned to pick up her children and found Wilmore in a panic. She then called police. According to Wilmore, Ky’Jhon had roach powder and a penny in his mouth so to discipline him he beat Ky’Jhon with a hairbrush causing his injuries. He claimed when he put Ky’Jhon to bed he was all right and during the night he noticed Ky’Jhon wasn’t’t breathing and he preformed CPR. Police also learned that Wilmore was awaiting trial after being charged with possessing six crack rocks four months earlier .Wilmore was charged him with involuntary manslaughter as well as three counts of child endangering with violence specifications.

For reasons we cannot explain the prosecutor’s office allowed Wilmore to plead guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and dropped all the other charges. Wilmore received a sentence of 9-25 years for killing little Ky’Jhon. Wilmore also received one additional year for possessing the crack rocks in January 1996.

A Long Criminal History and Poor Prison Behavior

This was not Wilmore’s first run in with the law. He had been convicted for a series of crimes including: receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle in 1987, grand theft of a motor vehicle and possessing criminal tools in 1989, drug abuse in 1991, and theft in 1994.

While Wilmore has completed several programs while in prison his behavior raises serious concerns.

In 2010 Wilmore was scheduled to go to a halfway house. That privilege was revoked when Wilmore forged a staff member’s name on a cash slip.

The 2011 parole records state, “His most recent discipline in 2007, coupled with his prior discipline and his prior criminal history is enough to raise concern about his judgment.”

In 2013 the parole board cited Wilmore “had marginal institutional conduct.”

On 11/7/2014 the parole board denied Wilmore’s request to be placed in a halfway house citing “The inmate has recent negative conduct that consisted of violence which brings inmate’s judgment into question as to how to problem solve-diffuse situations and not appear impulsive-violent.”

Then inexplicably on 3/8/15, four months later, the Ohio Parole Board completely changed their position when they granted Wilmore parole. The records state, “The inmate has very good staff evaluation(s) and letters of support. The inmate expressed remorse, submitted a goal setting document, and an apology letter. The inmate is currently on the reintegration unit. There is family support and financial support available. The inmate has served significant time-willing to give an opportunity to be successful on parole.”

It should also be noted that Wilmore’s behavior problems occurred AFTER he took classes to address his criminal and violent behavior.

No Parole

Michael Wilmore brutally beat one-year-old Ky’Jhon Gates to death with a hairbrush. Rather than face a life sentence, a plea deal allowed Wilmore to receive a 25-year maximun sentence. While he has admitted to his crime and taken classes Wilmore continues to demonstrate poor judgment while in prison including acts of violence. In addition, for some unknown reason the Ohio Parole Board granted Wilmore parole despite the fact four months earlier they denied his placement in a halfway house due to negative conduct and violent behavior.

Based on Michael Wilmore’s long criminal history, his poor behavior in prison, and the fact he brutally beat an innocent one-year-old child to death we believe he should be required to serve his full 25-year sentence. To further the interests of justice and protect the society we urge the Ohio Parole Board to continue Michael Wilmore to his maximum 25-year sentence.

Inmate Released: Child Rapist 

Ronald gross raped one little girl and attempted to rape two more girls while on parole

Ronald Gross Case

Details

In 1980 Gross went to prison for raping a 12-year-old girl he picked up while driving his car. Gross received a 7 to 25-year prison term and was paroled after serving only 11 years.

Less than a year after being released Gross was brought back to prison again for trying to lure a young girl into his car while she was on her way to church. Gross went back to prison for violating his parole and served 11 more years. Gross was then paroled again.

Within a year after being paroled a second time Gross was brought back in for his latest offense.

In that crime Gross attempted to lure a 10-year-old girl outside a department store so he could have sex with her.

The victim in this case testified that she was terrified of Gross.

At trial the prosecutor stated, “He is an individual who derives sexual gratification from young girls. He is a textbook sexually violent offender,”

At sentencing Judge Guy Reece stated, “The nature of the sentence itself, had it been carried out, would have become a violent offense. The harm to this child was significant.” It took Judge Reece 10 minutes to convict Gross of the charges. He then sentence Gross to 7 years to life in prison. He also labeled Gross a sexually violent predator.

In 2004 a three-judge panel overturned Reece’s decision, which resulted in Gross getting a seven year stated sentence. Gross is now a free man.

During trial the prosecutor asked Gross “”You like little girls, don’t you? You want to have sex with them?” Gross responded, “”Yes, I do. I’m not proud of it,”

Inmate Released: Murderer …. 

Marlin “Stub” Mollenkopf was brutally beaten and murdered after he interrupted a robbery at his parent’s home

Case Summary

On February 26, 1980 Marlin “Stub” Mollenkopf was brutally murdered after interrupting a robbery at his home. The robbers, William Bowers and brothers John and Jimmie Smith, beat Stub and dragged him to the garage where they shot him eight times in the head. Police found the trio one year later. The Smith brothers were allowed to plead guilty to murder in exchange for their testimony against Bowers and received life sentences. Bowers was convicted of aggravated murder and also received a life sentence. Bowers remains in prison. Jimmie Smith was released on parole on July 5, 2013. John Smith was also released from prison however we have no information regarding his release.

Jimmie Smith Case

Details

On February 26, 1980 Marlin Lynn “Stub” Mollenkopf was plowing his driveway in preparation for a party to celebrate his daughter’s 15th birthday. Stub’s wife and two daughters were out shopping. Stub’s parents, who lived across the street, were out of town and Stub was keeping an eye on their home. While plowing the driveway Stub noticed some strange activity at his parent’s house. Stub then walked over to his parent’s home to investigate.

When Stub arrived at his parent’s home he walked in on three thugs, William Bowers and brothers John and Jimmie Smith. The three men were robbing the house. When the three men saw Stub they attacked him. They beat Stub in the head and then dragged him to the garage. They propped Stub up against a workbench and shot him eight times in the head. The three men then fled the scene.

When Stub’s wife arrived home she was unable to find him. She and a neighbor went to look for Stub at his parent’s home. When they arrived all the electricity was out because the men had cut the electrical lines to the residence. When they opened the garage door and shined the car headlights into the garage they found Stub’s body propped up against the workbench.

Three Killers Get Life

It was later learned that the three men were from Indiana and had committed a series of similar robberies in Indiana prior to the murder. Before each robbery they would knock on the door of a home and if someone answered they would move onto another house. Police learned that the three men planned on robbing Stub’s house first. When his 10-year-old daughter answered the door they decided to move onto Stub’s parents home. When the three men fled back to Indiana they were arrested for the series of burglaries they committed there.

Fortunately Stub’s 10-year-old daughter was able to give a description of the man that came to the door and also a vehicle description to police. Based on the descriptions given by Stub’s daughter and the similarity of the crimes, detectives traveled to Indiana one year later to question the men. The Smith brothers both confessed to Stub’s murder and implicated Bowers. The Smith brothers were allowed to plead guilty to murder in exchange for their testimony against Bowers. A jury convicted Bowers of aggravated murder. Each of the three men received a 15 Year -Life sentence for the murder of Stub Mollenkopf.

No Parole

Based on the fact Jimmie Smith killed a defenseless, innocent man who was a loving husband and father, and the fact Smith spent over a year on the run rather then taking responsibility for his actions, we believe Jimmie L Smith should be required to serve his maximum sentence of LIFE in prison for his senseless and brutal crime.

UPDATE: Parole was granted to murderer Jimmie Smith and he was released on July 5, 2013. Based on the information we have received we understand and will respect The Ohio Parole Board’s decision. That being said we disagree with the decision to release Smith and continue to believe he is a threat to the community. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to block this parole.

Inmate Released: Rapist….. 

Roddrick Suttles raped and tortured his neighbor and then left her for dead

Case Summary

On October 2, 1983 Roddrick Suttles abused, tortured, and raped his neighbor after she asked him to turn down his radio. Suttles beat, strangled, and attempted to electrocute his victim. When she did not die he slit her throat and left her for dead. Somehow the victim was able to crawl out he back door and summon help. Miraculously she survived her injuries. Suttles was convicted by a jury of multiple charges including attempted murder and rape. Suttles received a sentence of 37-100 years in prison. Unbelievable he was parole on November 18, 2010 after serving only 27 years in prison.

Roddrick Suttles Case

A Horrifying Assault

On October 2, 1983 a 22-year-old female neighbor invited Roddrick Suttles, a Youngstown Ohio native who was residing in Columbus, into her home. She wanted to talk to Suttles because he and a neighbor were playing a radio very loud in the yard behind her apartment.

When the conversation became too personal the woman asked Suttles to leave.

Suttles asked the woman “Are you going to give it to me or am I going to take it?”

Suttles then struck the woman in the face, tightened a belt around her neck, and dragged her into the kitchen.

Suttles grabbed a knife and forced her to perform a sex act while prodding her with the knife.

After assaulting the woman several times Suttles forced the woman to crawl on her stomach to the living room. He made her bring him her purse and give him the $200 it contained.

Suttles proceeded to rape the woman.

Suttles retrieved electrical cords from several appliances and tied the woman to a towel rack in a dark bathroom.

When the woman thought Suttles had left she tried to get free. Suttles then turned on the light and laughed at the woman.

Suttles forced the woman into the bathtub and asked her if she wanted hot or cold water.

The woman answered cold water and Suttles filled the tub with water. He then took a hair dryer, plugged it in, and threw it into the tub to electrocute her.

When there was no reaction Suttles then threw another hair dryer into the tub. The woman felt the electric shock, however she did not lose consciousness.

When the woman did not die from the electrocution Suttles got a larger knife and slashed her wrists and throat.

Suttles got a towel and soaked it in kerosene and tried to smother the woman.

When the woman did not die Suttles poured kerosene into her mouth, over her head, and into the gaping neck wound which caused the woman to pass out.

Suttles fled the scene.

Somehow the woman woke up and managed to work free of the electrical cords.

She crawled out the back door, nude and bleeding, and called out for help from her neighbors.

A doctor said the woman had lost half her blood supply by the time she was able to crawl out the door. Somehow she survived.

Arrested and Convicted

Roddrick Suttles was located, arrested, and indicted on charges of Murder, Rape x 2, Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery. No one expected the victim would live which is why Suttles was indicted for murder. When the woman survived the murder charge was change to attempted murder.

Suttles was convicted by jury on all counts and sentenced to 37-100 years for these horrific crimes.

Suttles was later ruled a sexual predator, the most dangerous of all sex offender classifictaions.

No Parole

Roddrick Suttles is an extremely vicious and sadistic criminal. It is a miracle that his victim survived her extensive and horrifying injuries. Releasing Roddrick Suttles at any point would be a complete injustice to the brave woman he attempted to kill. In order to further the interests of justice and to protect society we urge The Ohio Parole Board to require that Suttles serve every day of his 100-year sentence for his incredibly brutal, violent crime.

UPDATE: Unbelievably The Ohio Parole Board granted parole to Roddrick Suttles and e were unable to get a full board hearing to urge The Ohio Parole Board to reverse their decision. Suttles was put back on the streets on November 18, 2010. We are very disappointed in the parole board’s decision and continue to believe Roddrick Suttles is a very dangerous individual who presents a serious threat to the community. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to block his parole.

To view Roddrick Suttles’s page on the Ohio sex offender registry CLICK HERE

Inmate Released: Child Killer 

The Avery Family was brutally murdered by a demented cult. Five of their killers are now free .

Case Summary

On April 17, 1989 Richard Brand and his accomplices brutally murdered Dennis, Becky, Trina, Karen, and Cheryl Avery. Brand, who was a member of a religious cult, testified against cult leader Jeffrey Lundgren and other members of the cult and in return was allowed to plead guilty to five counts of murder. He was sentenced to five concurrent life sentences. Unbelievably Brand was granted parole on March 29, 2010 after serving only 21 years in prison. This equates to just over five years for each murder he committed.

The Avery Family’s Story

Misplaced Trust

Dennis and Cheryl Avery were a quiet, hard working couple. The two lived in Independence Missouri and were dedicated parents to their three daughters, Trina, 15; Becky, 13; and Karen, 7. They also were also very dedicated to their church and to God.

By September 1986 The Avery’s fell under the spell of Jeffrey Lundgren. Lundgren was a master manipulator with radical religious beliefs. In 1986 Lundgren broke away from the Mormon Church to promote his own radical, demented teachings. Soon after he convinced his small group of followers to move to Kirtland Ohio. That group included the Avery family. The group also included Lundgren’s wife Alice and son Damon, Richard Brand, Greg Winship, Danny Kraft, Ron Luff, Susan Luff (wife of Lundgren’s right-hand man Ronald Luff), Deborah Olivarez and Sharon J. Bluntschly.

It was well know that Lundgren did not like the Averys. He openly stated Dennis Avery was weak and complained that Cheryl made all the household decisions. He also believed that Cheryl Avery was controlling and that her children were unruly. The Avery’s did have one thing Lundgren desired. Money. Soon after they moved to Kirtland, Alice Lundgren confronted her husband Jeff and asked him why he had allowed the Averys to move to Kirtland. He responded, “So I can get their money.”

As Lundgren and his cult became more radical Dennis Avery began to question Lundgren’s teachings. This was the beginning of the end for the Avery family. A short time later Lundgren told his followers that God said the Averys needed to be killed.

Cold Blooded Murders

On April 10, 1989 Lundgren put his plan into motion. He ordered two of the cult members to begin digging a six-feet by seven-feet by four-feet pit to conceal the Avery’s bodies. The group also made plans to flee Lundgren’s farmhouse after the murders. The women began packing their belongings.

On April 17, 1989 Lundgren and the group moved all of the Avery’s possessions to Lundgren’s farmhouse. Lundgren then rented the Avery’s a room at a nearby hotel. Lundgren told the Avery’s they were going on a wilderness excursion to see God. Lundgren had Cheryl Avery write one last letter to her mother claiming Dennis had gotten a job in Wyoming and they needed to move quickly.

That night after dinner Lundgren and all the men (less Dennis Avery) went into a bedroom. This group included Greg Winship and Richard Brand. Lundgren pulled a gun from the holster on his hip and asked the men if they were with him. Every one of them gave their support to Lundgren. They then all went to the barn.

It was decided Ron Luff would bring the Avery’s in one by one from the house to the barn. Then Richard Brand and Danny Kraft would bind them with duct tape and they would be placed in the pit. Then Lundgren would execute them. Winship would run a chain saw to conceal the gunshots. Winship came up with the idea to rev the chain saw intermittently to imitate actual sawing. Jeff Lundgren’s son Damon was assigned to be the lookout. Bluntschly, Olivarez, and Susan Luff would distract the other Avery family members while the executions were being carried out. Alice Lundgren would not be present.

After dinner Ron Luff came to get Mr. Avery. Luff had a 50,000-volt stun gun in his pocket. Luff told Mr. Avery that he wanted him to show him what the family wanted to take into the wilderness. When Mr. Avery walked through the door of the barn Luff zapped him with the stun gun. Mr. Avery screamed out in pain, “”NO! No, this isn’t necessary! Please! This isn’t necessary! Goddammit, goddammit, goddammit!” Winship, Brand, Kraft and Damon Lundgren then knocked Mr. Avery to the ground. They bound Mr. Avery’s hands, feet and mouth with duct tape. Brand then lifted Mr. Avery’s shoulders and Kraft lifted his feet. They carried him across the barn and slid him into the pit. Dennis got to his knees and looked at Jeff Lundgren who was standing at the edge of the pit. Winship started the chainsaw. Jeff Lundgren then fired two shots into Mr. Avery’s body. After Mr. Avery was shot Jeff Lundgren had each of the men come and look at Mr. Avery’s body. The only one that showed remorse was Damon Lundgren. He began crying hysterically. Because of his reaction he would not participate in any of the four other murders. He would act as the lookout only.

Mrs. Avery was next. Luff told Mrs. Avery that Mr. Avery needed help in the barn. As they approached the barn Damon Lundgren announced to the others that they were on their way. When Mrs. Avery stepped into the barn she was surrounded by Winship, Brand and Kraft. Mrs. Avery was scared and confused and remained still while the men bound her hands, ankles, mouth and eyes. Brand said Kraft was not strong enough so he asked that Luff help him carry the bodies to the pit. Brand and Luff lifted Mrs. Avery and carried her across the barn. They put her in the pit with her dead husband. Winship started the chain saw. Jeff Lundgren fired three shots and Mrs. Avery’s body slammed into the side of the pit when the bullets hit her. Two bullets hit Mrs. Avery in the right breast and one bullet hit her in the abdomen.

While Mrs. Avery was being shot there was no doubt the women in the house knew exactly what was happening. Susan Luff asked Deborah Olivarez, “Do you think it’s happening?” Olivarez responded, “I hear the chain saw, I think so.”

15-year old Trina Avery was the next to be brought to the barn. Damon Lundgren announced they were on their way. When Trina entered the barn the men surrounded her like they had surrounded her mother. They taped Trina’s feet and hands and wrapped duct tape around her head. Luff and Brand then carried Trina to the pit and put her next to her dead parents. Winship started the chain saw. Jeff Lundgren decided he wanted to shoot Trina in the head. Although Trina’s mouth was taped she was able to shriek “Ouch!” when the bullet hit her. Thinking he missed Trina’s head or possibly grazed it Lundgren then fired three more shots. One bullet hit Trina in the head and two bullets went into Trina’s back.

Ronald Luff went back to the house where 13-year-old Becky and seven-year-old Karen were playing video games. Ron Luff asked them, “Who wants to see the horses in the barn!” Both girls ran toward the back door at which point Luff said he could only take one girl at a time. Little Karen then went back to the video game. When Luff said he would be right back little Karen said “Oway.”

Once Becky was gone seven-year-old Karen realized her whole family had left. She then asked, “Where’s my mama?” Susan Luff responded, “It’s okay, she’ll be right back.” Karen then went back to playing her video game.

Damon Lundgren once again announced they were on their way. When 13-year-old Becky went into the barn and saw the duct tape she immediately asked, “What’s going on?” Brand later said, “We told her that we were just playing a game and that she was going for a ride.” The men bound Becky with duct tape and placed here into the pit. Winship started the chainsaw. Jeff Lundgren shot Becky however he did not kill her. The bullet hit her in the thigh. “Her body fell towards her mother’s corpse. She was still breathing,” Lundgren later stated, “ I fired again, and when this shot hit her, her hands, which had been in her lap, went forward as if she was reaching to touch her mother’s body-as if she instinctively knew that her mother was there beside her.” The second shot had hit Becky in the back. After the shooting Winship recalled standing next to the pit. He later stated that Becky was unconscious however she was still breathing and making rasping, gurgling sounds.

Now there was only one Avery left. Seven-year-old Karen. While Jeff Lundgren reloaded his gun Ron Luff went to the house to get Karen. The minute Luff arrived Karen was anxiously awaiting her chance to see the horses. Luff gave Karen a piggyback ride to the farmhouse. When he brought Karen into the barn the men wrapped her in duct tape as they had done the rest of her family. She was noticeably frightened when they wrapped the tape around her mouth and eyes. Since Karen weighed only 36 pounds Luff placed her in the pit himself. Winship fired up the chain saw. Little Karen was sitting in the mud, eyes taped shut, when Jeff Lundgren stood over her. Lundgren stated, “ I fired straight down into her skull. I was less than two feet away and I pulled the trigger, bang bang.” One shot went into Karen’s head and the other into her chest.

Jeffrey Lundgren and his demented group of followers had now wiped out an entire family.

The Cuyahoga County Coroners office later stated all the victims, other than those shot in the head, likely lived several minutes. Had they not been taped they could have moved and been able to speak. The lime the cult spread over the bodies to expedite the decomposition likely had an adverse effect and kept the victims alive even longer. It is very likely that Dennis Avery, Cheryl Avery and 13-year-old Becky Avery were buried alive.

Death, Life, Pleas, and Paroles

After the Avery murders all the members of Jeffrey Lundgren’s demented group fled Kirtland. They would all be brought back to answer for the murders of the Avery family. While they all were held accountable their sentences were vastly different.

• Cult leader Jeffrey Lundgren: Convicted by jury of five counts of aggravated murder with specifications and five counts of kidnapping. Jeffrey Lundgren was sentenced to death. He was executed on October 24, 2006.
• Alice Lundgren (wife of Jeffrey Lundgren): Although Alice Lundgren was complicit in the Avery murders she was not present at the house or the barn when the Avery murders occurred. Since Alice Lundgren was not present when the murders occurred prosecutor Steve LaTourette wanted to give her a plea deal. The deal would have given Lundgren a 15-50 year sentence with parole eligibility after five years. Judge Paul H Mitrovich refused to allow Alice to plea to lesser charges. She went to trial and was convicted of Aggravated Murder (5 counts) and Kidnapping (5 counts). She was sentenced to 150 years to life. She will be eligible for parole in October 2092.
• Damon Lundgren (son of Jeffrey and Alice Lundgren): Damon Lundgren was convicted of Aggravated Murder (4 counts) and Kidnapping (4 counts) and was sentenced to 120 years to Life. He was acquitted in the murder of Cheryl Avery because the jury believed he was so hysterical and crying so much after Dennis Avery was murdered he could not have composed himself in time for Cheryl Avery’s murder. They believed he was composed by the time the three children were killed. Damon received a sentence of 120 years to life and will be eligible for parole in February 2098.
• Ron Luff: Ronald Luff was convicted by jury of Aggravated Murder (5 counts) and Kidnapping (5 counts) and was sentenced to 170 years to Life. He will be eligible for parole in October 2048.
• Daniel Kraft: Daniel Kraft pled guilty to Aggravated Murder (5 counts) and Kidnapping (3 counts) and was sentenced to 120 years to Life. He will be eligible for parole in October of 2024.
• Richard Brand: Richard Brand became the state’s star witness. In exchange for his testimony he escaped the death penalty and obtained a sweet plea deal. He pled guilty to Murder (5 counts) and was sentenced to 15 years to Life for each of the Avery murders. The sentences were to run concurrently (all at the same time). Brand somehow managed to get paroled on March 29, 2010. He has left the state of Ohio and his whereabouts are unknown. He served approximately four years for each of the Avery murders.
• Greg Winship: Greg Winship pled guilty a month and a half after Richard Brand. Since he held out to plea his deal was less advantageous the Brand’s plea. Winship pled guilty to Murder (5 counts) and was sentenced to 15 years to Life for each of the five Avery murders. His sentences were to run consecutively. This meant they were to run back-to-back one right after the other for a minimum of 75 years. Unbelievable Winship has been paroled. He was released on December 28, 2010.
• Sharon Bluntschly, Deborah Olivarez, and Susan Luff: Bluntschly and Olivarez agreed to work with the prosecution and accepted plea agreements. They both pled guilty to Conspiracy to Aggravated Murder (Five counts) and each was sentenced to 7-25 years in prison. Luff originally refused a plea and did not help the prosecution. Later when she realized the other two women were going to testify against her she accepted the same plea as Bluntschly and Olivarez. They all walked free during the last week of December 2010.

No Parole

The sentencing and subsequent paroles of several of those involved in the murders of the Avery family represents a complete breakdown of the justice system. While they did not actually commit the murders there is no doubt Richard Brand and Greg Winship were active participants in all five murders and played an integral role in the murder plot.

Keep in mind that Damon Lundgren, the only one of those involved who showed remorse and who acted solely as a lookout for four of the murders, is not eligible for parole until 2098. Danny Kraft, who also accepted a plea and was certainly just as involved as Winship and Brand, is not eligible for parole until 2024. We fully understand considering Brand and Winship for parole based on their testimony to help the state however releasing them after only 21 years is unacceptable. There is no way Brand and Winship should serve only 4.2 years for each of the five murders. Especially when three of those murders involved young children. We believe Brand and Winship should have served a MINIMUM of 50 years (10 years for each victim) before being considered for release.

While we do not agree with the plea deals given to Susan Luff, Sharon Bluntschly and Deborah Olivarez we do understand the rationale behind those deals. That being said these women were very fortunate to be given maximum sentences of 25 years. We believe they should serve every day of their 25 years and should never have been given early release.

UPDATE: Parole was granted to murderer Richard Brand and he was released on March 29, 2010. Greg Winship, Susan Luff, Sharon Bluntschly, and Deborah Olivarez were all released on December 28, 2010. All five murderers are now under no supervision. We believe the release of these killers was a complete miscarriage of justice and demeans their crimes against the Avery Family. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to block their paroles.

Inmate Released: Murderer x2 

Carl Guillozet executed his estranged wife and her mother and opened fire on the house where his five-year-old son was sleeping

Case Summary

On January 8, 1977 Carl Guillozet drove to the home of his mother-in-law Virginia Baltes and shot and killed her and his estranged wife Debbie Guillozet. Carl Guillozet then fired multiple shots into the house where his five-year-old son was sleeping. Guillozet went inside the home, woke up his son who had not been hurt, and put him in the car. Guillozet drove to a friends house where he confessed to his crimes. The friend called police and Guillozet was arrested. Guillozet pled guilty to two counts of aggravated murder and was sentence to two consecutive life sentences. He was released on parole on October 23, 2012.

Debbie Guillozet and Virgina Baltes’ Story

A Cold Blooded Executions

On Saturday January 8, 1977 Debbie Guillozet and her five-year-old son Scott had just finished moving into her mother Virginia Baltes’ home. Debbie had recently left her husband Carl Guillozet after a difficult five years of marriage. Mrs. Baltes was now living alone after separating from her husband Ralph a few years earlier. Mrs. Baltes was extremely excited to have her daughter and grandson living with her. She loved nothing more than being a devoted mother and doting grandmother.

By 9PM that night Scott was sleeping and Debbie was spending time with her mother. While they were talking there was a knock at the door. Debbie answered the door and an angry Carl Guillozet confronted her. An argument ensued through the screen door regarding visitation. According to Guillozet he told Debbie he was going to his car to kill himself.

Debbie and her mother immediately ran out of the house to try and stop him. Neither of them wanted Scott to grow up without a father. It was a cold night and the women did not even take the time to put on coats. They ran outside in their bathrobes. As the two women approached Guillozet he pulled out the gun and fired three shots.

Rather than shoot himself Carl Guillozet fatally shot Virginia Baltes twice in the heart at near point blank range. He also fatally shot Debbie in the head at near point blank range. After shooting both women he then fired multiple shots into the house where five-year-old Scott was sleeping.

Guillozet then went into the house. None of the bullets had hit little Scott. Guillozet woke Scott up and put him in his car. He then fled the scene.

A Double Murderer Gets Two Consecutive Life Sentences

Carl Guillozet decided to drive to the house of Jack Seiber. Seiber was a probation officer who had become friends with Guillozet after working with him as a youth. On the way Guillozet threw the murder weapon out the window. Guillozet arrived at Seiber’s home and told him what he had done. Seiber’s wife took Scott and Seiber called the sheriff. Detective Dan Byram came to the house and arrested Guillozet without incident.

Guillozet began talking immediately. When Detective Byram arrived at Seiber’s house Guillozet stated “I didn’t want to shoot anybody”. Guillozet kept talking on the way to the jail. He told Detective Byram ” I had a gun and I used it”. When Detective Byram pulled over to let an emergency squad go by Guillozet said “I bet that’s them. I hope they are okay. I didn’t want to shoot them. They came at me and I kept pulling the trigger”. After arriving at the jail Guillozet gave Detective Byram information about the gun which he found in a side ditch on US 127. It was later learned Guillozet purchased the gun only days prior to the murders. Guillozet was charged with two counts of aggravated murder.

Guillozet was eligible for the death penalty. The defense immediately decided to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecutor then offered a plea deal of two counts of aggravated murder with two consecutive (back to back) life sentences. The prosecutor did not want to risk Guillozet going to a mental hospital and being put back on the streets. Guillozet decided he would rather go to prison than a state mental hospital. Guillozet gave up all his rights and agreed to the plea deal. When he was sentenced by Judge Howard Eley double murderer Carl Guillozet said nothing. No explanation, no apology.

On May 10, 1977 Carl Guillozet was given consecutive life sentences for the brutal murders of his wife and mother-in-law.

No Parole

Carl Guillozet is a cold-blooded monster who executed his estranged wife and mother-in-law for absolutely no reason. In addition, he fired multiple shots into the house where his five-year-old son was sleeping. Releasing Carl Guillozet at any point would be a complete injustice to Debbie Guillozet, Virgina Baltes, and their families. It would also pose an incredible risk to society. To further the interested of justice and to protect the community we urge The Ohio Parole Board to give Carl Guillozet the maximum continuance at all future parole hearings.

UPDATE: On August 23, 2012 The Ohio Parole Board granted parole to Carl Guillozet despite the protests of our organization and the Baltes family. Guillozet had served only 37 years of his double life sentence. He was released on October 23, 2012. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to block his parole.

Next Parole Hearing : None (Max Sentence) 

Brittney Billette was beaten, burned, and murdered by her mother’s boyfriend

Case Summary

On October 16, 1993 18-month-old Brittney Billette was taken to the hospital by Paul Schaffner. Schaffner, who was Brittney’s mother’s boyfriend, claimed Brittney fell in the bathtub. After discovering burns and bruises all over Brittney’s body hospital staff called police. Brittney died from her extensive injuries a short time later. Schaffner was arrested for Brittney’s murder and took a plea deal to avoid a jury trial. Schaffner was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10-25 years in prison.

Brittany Billette’s Story

A Mother’s Bad Decision

18-month-old Brittney Billette loved to dance, watch Barney, and play with her dolls. She always had a smile on her face and especially enjoyed sharing cookies and ice cream with her dad. Brittney had a happy life until her mother D’Ann started dating Paul Schaffner.

Brittney’s mother moved in with Schaffner shortly after breaking up with Brittney’s father Mark. Schaffner, a former marine, did not like Brittney and convinced D’Ann that they should move to Ohio to get away from Brittney’s father. Schaffner portrayed himself as a nice, respectable guy and Mark could never have known his daughter was living with a monster.

In early October 1993 D’Ann asked Mark if he had noticed Brittney bruising easily. She also told him that Brittney appeared to be afraid of Schaffner. Mark immediately became concerned and told Schaffner that he better never hear that he laid a hand on Brittney. Schaffner said he understood. Two weeks later Brittney would be dead.

An Implausible Story

On October 16, 1993 Paul Schaffner took a semi-conscious Brittney to the emergency room at St. Francis-St. George hospital in Cincinnati Ohio. Schaffner, who was watching Brittney while her mother was a work, stated that Brittney had “gotten messy” and he was giving her a bath. Schaffner claimed when he stepped away for a few minutes to get a towel he heard a loud thump and went back to find Brittney face down in the water. Schaffer said he pulled Brittney from the tub and preformed CPR. He said Brittney began vomiting and vomited on the floor, in the bathtub, and in the toilet. Schaffer said he propped Brittney up in order to clean up the vomit and she fell over sideways and hit her head again. After hitting her head a second time Schaffner said Brittney became rigid and stopped breathing. He said he was worried Brittney was choking so he put a toothbrush in her mouth to make sure she did not swallow her tongue. Schaffner stated Brittney began breathing again however her eyes would not focus. Schaffner said he “freaked out”, put a diaper on the baby, wrapped her in a blanket, and brought her to the hospital.

Hospital officials immediately realized Schaffner’s version of the events that day made no sense. As they began questioning Schaffner his story changed. He told personnel that rather than being away from Brittney for a few minutes it was actually a single minute. Officials questioned Schaffner’s story about giving Brittney a bath since neither Brittney’s diaper or hair were even slightly damp. Doctors had now determined Brittney had retinal hemorrhaging, which is a likely result of shaken baby syndrome. During the questioning hospital personnel had to chase Schaffner down in the parking lot after he fled the emergency room.

Horrific Abuse Results In Murder

Due to the severity of her injuries Brittney was transported to Children’s Hospital. Doctors realized Brittney’s injuries were far worse than they originally thought. Brittney had bruises on her face, back, pelvis, and buttons. She had multiple broken ribs and burn marks all over her back. She also had a pulmonary contusion (lung bruising), bleeding around her brain, and massive brain swelling.

The report of Doctor Robert Shapiro, director of the Children’s Hospital Child Abuse Team, was horrifying. Brittney’s body was covered with bruises. She had six fractured ribs and four broken ribs. Dr. Shapiro determined these injuries all occurred in the least 10 days. When Doctor Shapiro asked Schaffer if the broken ribs could have occurred during his resuscitation attempts Schaffner said he could not remember. Doctor Shapiro’s report stated Brittney’s death was the result of “severe child abuse”. He noted her head injuries were the result of Shaken Baby Syndrome and either resulted from being severely shaken or a severe blunt blow to the head. He said Brittney’s injuries were the equivalent of falling from a second story window onto her head and could not have been the result of a fall in the bathtub. He also said the injuries to Brittney’s ribs were the result of severe child abuse and is rarely seen from accidental injuries or CPR. According to Dr. Shapiro, “The large number of rib fractures must have resulted from a severe beating.” The doctor also said the bruises on Brittney’s spine and back were “very suspicious” based on their location and appearance. Finally Dr. Shapiro noted that injuries about Brittney’s urethra were abnormal and “sexual assault is possible” although he could not state that fact for sure.

As suspicion increased over Schaffner’s story, police decided to question Schaffner. Police asked Schaffner and D’Ann to accompany them to the apartment. D’Ann said she wanted to stay with Brittney so Schaffner went with them. Schaffner told police Brittney was playing with her food at lunch so he decided to give her a bath to clean her up. The detectives question Schaffner as to why there was no water in the tub. Schaffner claimed he made a swooping motion with his arm to pick up Brittney and unplugged the tub and picked up Brittney at the same time. Detectives also found no vomit in the bathroom although Schaffner had claimed Brittney vomited on the floor.

Police brought Schaffner back to the police station and advised him that both the apartment and medical report did not support his story. Schaffner then said he may have been away longer than a minute and that rather than getting a towel he was doing other chores while Brittney was in the bathtub. He could not specify what chores. Schaffner then said he was actually able to lift the bathtub stopper rather than accidentally pulling it up when he picked Brittney up out of the bath. He had absolutely no explanation as to why there was no vomit in the bathroom. Police asked Schaffner if he wanted to make a taped statement. He said he wanted to “think about it.” A few minutes later Schaffner said he did not wanted to put his statements on tape and requested an attorney.

Brittney Billette was pronounced dead at 9:53 AM on October 17 1993, one day after Paul Schaffner beat her. She survived long enough for her father Mark to drive from Michigan to Ohio to say goodbye. Mark Billette was by Brittney’s side when she passed away.

A Plea Deal and No Remorse

Shortly after Schaffner’s arrest police discovered photos taken by Brittney’s mother a few weeks before her murder. The pictures showed bruised and battered Brittney. It was clear this was not the first beating Brittney suffered at the hands of Schaffner. A grand jury indicted Schaffner on four counts including murder, involuntary manslaughter, and child endangering which meant Schaffner was facing life in prison. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, fearing a jury would not believe that someone could murder a child in such a horrific manner, offered Schaffner a plea deal. Schaffner, likely knowing he was facing life in prison, took the deal and pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Schaffner was sentenced to 10-25 years in prison.

Since his incarceration Schaffner has refused to take any responsibility for Brittney’s death and also has failed to take classes critical to his rehabilitation. The Ohio Parole Board documents from 2009 state, “Offender takes responsibility only for trying to save the child and doing it the wrong way causing the injuries.” Four years later in 2013 the parole records state, “Inmate has some past programming, but some of the risk relevant programs were not completed.” The documents also state, “Inmate has some insight of the crime he as committed. However is not suitable for release at this time.” According to victim’s services Schaffner has never written a letter to Brittney’s family apologizing for what he did to Brittney.

Sadly in May 2015 Schaffner was granted parole. Brittney’s family is now fighting to reverse that decision.

No Parole

Releasing Paul Schaffner at and point before serving his full 25-year sentence would be a complete injustice to Brittney Billette and demean his cruelty to her. In addition based on Schaffner’s actions since his incarceration his early release would pose an incredible risk to the community, especially to young children.

We believe to further the interests of justice and to protect the community Schaffner should be required to serve every day of his sentence. We urge the Ohio Parole Board to reverse the decision to parole Paul Schaffner and continue him until November 18, 2018 when he will have served his full 25-year sentence.

Next Parole Hearing : May 2017 

Ryan Young was stabbed mutiple times and was left to die in a shallow grave.

Case Summary

Ryan Young was brutally murdered by Richard Joseph, a jealous classmate, his accomplice Jose Bulerin. Joseph and Bulerin abducted Ryan at knifepoint and took him to a desolate garbage dump where they attacked Ryan and stabbed multiple times including fatal stab wounds in the neck and kidney. Ryan Young struggled to live for 15 minutes and was likely alive when he was buried in a shallow grave. Richard Joseph was convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to death. An appeals court overturned Joseph’s death sentence and he is now eligible for parole. Jose Burlein was allowed to plea guilty to aggravated murder and in exchange for his testimony and escaped a possible death sentence. He is now regularly up for parole.

Ryan Young’s Story

A Great Son, Brother and Friend

Ryan Young, age 16, was a beloved son, a caring brother and an inspiration to all those who knew him. Ryan was a sophomore at Bath High School in Lima, Ohio. He was full of life, made good grades, was popular with the girls and had recently bought his first car. Ryan was passionate about his family, friends and especially sports. His athletic abilities excelled far beyond his age. The high point of his life was starting on the varsity football team as a monster back his freshman year. He was very enthusiastic about everything. Ryan’s parents were extremely proud of their son. No one could have imagined that on a summer night in 1990 Ryan’s life would end at the age of 16.

A Search Ends Tragically

On June 26, 1990, Ryan called his parents from his girlfriend’s house to let them know he would be home as soon as the movie they were watching was finished. They agreed to let him stay and then retired for the evening. Around 2:00 a.m. Ryan’s dad awoke to get ready for work and noticed the lights were still on downstairs and Ryan’s car was not in the driveway. He went back upstairs to check his son’s bedroom and then immediately woke his Ryan’s mom when he could not locate Ryan. They called his girlfriend’s house and she said he had left around midnight. They dressed and went to search for their son. They found Ryan’s car a couple miles from their home but Ryan was nowhere to be found. After an extensive nine-day search by countless family, friends and the community, Ryan was found murdered and buried in a garbage dump.

A Senseless, Vicious Murder

Within a few day’s of Ryan’s murder police arrested Richard Joseph, age 18 and Jose Bulerin, age 34. Joseph went to the same school as Ryan and lived in a house with Bulerin. Joseph was very upset about a breakup with his girlfriend, whom Ryan was now dating.

On that night in June, Joseph & Bulerin decided to do something about this relationship. They went to Ryan’s girlfriend’s house, driving back and forth, watching to see if Ryan was still there. At one point Joseph exited the car and hid behind a dead tree stump across the road from the house. When Ryan left to go home, he backed out of the driveway and Joseph jumped into the car and threatened him with a knife. They met up with Bulerin, dumped Ryan’s car up the road and they drove back & forth in front of the girlfriend’s house, hoping to scare her.

Bulerin and Joseph then drove Ryan to a garbage dump. Although an exceptional athlete Ryan was no match for the 34 year old Bulerin, a martial arts expert, and Richard Joseph. Ryan likely fought for his life, which would explain the bruising on his body. At some point during the struggle Richard Joseph plunged a knife into the base of Ryan’s neck and skull. Ryan wanted to live and kept fighting for his life. Bulerin then took the knife and stabbed Ryan several times including a fatal stab wound to the kidney. According to Bulerin’s confession he stabbed Ryan “To speed up the process. Didn’t want him lingering around”. In regards to the superficial stab wounds Bulerin admits he inflicted those wounds. He states, “I thought he was still bleeding, so I was just going to help him bleed – get the blood out of his system so he would just hurry up and die”. Even after all that Bulerin admits Ryan continued to fight for his life for 15 minutes. We believe Ryan was likely alive when Bulerin and Joseph put Ryan in a shallow grave and covered him with dirt.

Two Killers Get Life

A few days later, Joseph and Bulerin were arrested and charged with Ryan’s murder. Bulerin agreed to testify against Joseph in exchange for a plea deal that would allow him to avoid the death penalty. Bulerin openly admitted that he taught Richard Joseph several ways to kill somebody “quick and efficiently”. Per Bulerin one of those was a “stab wound to the face or skull”. This was the exact wound Joseph inflicted on innocent Ryan Young. Joseph was convicted of aggravated murder by a jury and sentenced to death. Bulerin was convicted of aggravated murder and received a 20 year life sentence as part of a plea agreement.

In 2005 a federal judge overturned Richard Joseph’s death sentence based on a misplaced word in an indictment. Joseph immediately became eligible for parole.

No Parole

Richard Joseph and Jose Bulerin are cold-blooded killers. They viciously murdered Ryan Young because Joseph was jealous Ryan was dating his ex-girlfriend. Placing either of these two vicious killers back on the streets would be a complete injustice to Ryan Young and his family and would place the community in imminent danger. Based on the brutal and callous nature of their crimes we believe Bulerin and Joseph should be required to serve their full LIFE sentences. To further the interests of justice and to protect society we urge the Ohio Parole Board to give Richard Joseph and Jose Bulerin the maximum continuance of ten years at all future parole hearings.

Next Parole Hearing : August 2016 

Billie Mitchell brutally beat and murdered Sheila Mae Tomlinson

Case Summary

Billie Mitchell brutally beat Sheila Mae Tomlinson to death in a mental institution. Mitchell, who has a long history of mental illness and violent behavior, was sentenced to life in prison and now regularly comes up for parole.

Billie Mitchell Case

Full Story Coming Soon

Next Parole Hearing : August 2016 

Thomas Blanton, a white supremacist, brutally murdered four young girls

Case Summary

On September 16, 1963 Thomas Blanton and three accomplices, all four who were well know white supremacists, planted a bomb consisting of a minimum of 15 sticks of dynamite below the steps of the 16th Street Baptist Church. At 10:22AM an anonymous caller phoned the church and said, “three minutes.” A minute later the bomb exploded as five young children were changing into their choir robes in the basement of the church. The explosion shook the entire building, shattered all but one of the church’s windows, and blew a seven-foot hole in the church’s rear wall. Among the rubble were the bodies of Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Addie Mae Collins, and Cynthia Dianne Wesley who were in the basement at the time of the explosion. A fifth girl Sara Collins, who was Addie Mae’s sister, somehow survived and was found with 21 pieces of glass in her face. She was blinded in one eye. It took authorities 39 years to convict Blanton and in 2001 he was convicted of four counts of murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He is now eligible for parole.

The 16th Street Baptist Church Story

THOMAS EDWIN BLANTON JR.

Nearly 100 yrs. after the abolishment of slavery in he United States, Jim Crowe, racial segregation and discrimination was alive and well, especially in the south. Schools, restrooms, movie theaters, water fountains, and just about every other social gathering place was segregated, with black Americans forced to enter the back door, sit in the back rows, and take on only menial jobs offering the lowest of pay. To enforce segregation and discrimination, the KKK and surrogate white supremacy groups terrorized minority churches, businesses, families, and individuals threatening to tilt the balance of equality in the direction of a level playing field for all.

BIRMINGHAM OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ‘BOOMINGHAM’

It’s the early 1960’s and several national leaders are stepping forward to advance the cause of equal rights, namely President John F. Kennedy, his Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, among others. Freedom riders from the north flooded the south to join in organized marches, protests, and sit-ins. Birmingham, Alabama, considered to be one of the most segregated cities in the United States was often the target of civil rights activists calling for desegregation; aggressive voter registration drives, and equal job opportunities. In 1963, there were no black police officers or firefighters. Violent white supremacy groups were constantly on the prowl, often terrorizing minorities and advocates for change. Their methods of operation often included acts of arson and bombing. From 1955 until 1963, 21 bombings of black churches and institutions had rocked the city of Birmingham.

16TH ST. BAPTIST CHURCH BOMBING

On the Sunday morning of Sept. 15th, 1963, key church members arrived at the 16th St. Baptist Church to prepare for that morning’s services. The church had been a central rallying point for civil rights activities during the spring of that same year. Several adolescent children, part of the church choir were putting on their choir robes when at 10:22 a.m., an anonymous caller phoned the church, simply advising the teenage secretary, “Three minutes.” Less than a minute later a massive explosion ripped through the basement of the church, originating from underneath the front steps outside. Four young girls: Addie Mae Collins (14), Cynthia Wesley (14), Carole Robertson (14), and Carol Denise McNair (11), all of whom were preparing their singing attire, were killed in the blast. 21 others were injured. The blast was so massive that it blew a passing motorist out of his car.

Investigators determined that approximately 15 sticks of dynamite had been planted underneath the front steps of the church, adjacent to where the young girls were changing their clothes in a women’s lounge area. The shock waves from the blast blew a 7-foot wide hole through the back wall of the basement and left a crater 5 feet wide and two feet deep. All of the stained glass windows were blown out of the church, except for one, a depiction of Jesus Christ leading a group of young children.

Dr. Martin Luther King would later comment that the bombing was “one of the most vicious and tragic crimes perpetrated against humanity.”

Four innocent young girls had now been cruelly murdered by cowards hiding in the shadows, by slipping a bomb underneath a place of worship. Nothing short of a horrific and terroristic act of cold-blooded murder.

JUSTICE DELAYED

Shortly after the bombing, rioting and chaos erupted in the city of Birmingham, prompting the segregationist Governor, George Wallace to send in 300 National Guardsmen to restore order.

Realizing the violence and upheaval created by the church bombing, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy dispatched 25 FBI agents to Birmingham to investigate and route out those responsible. Four strong suspects were eventually identified, however, due to a lack of physical evidence and the reluctance of witnesses to step forward, the case eventually went cold and therefore sealed and shelved.

Those suspects identified in the initial investigation were part of a splinter group of the KKK, named ‘The Cahaba Boys’. The members of The Cahaba Boys felt that the KKK had become ineffective in combating desegregation efforts and decided to step up the heat upon minorities and activists through any means necessary. Those believed to be directly responsible for the church bombing were identified as:

• Robert Edward Chambliss…believed to be the ringleader
• Herman Frank Cash
• Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr.
• Bobby Frank Cherry

Over the years following the murderous bombing, the case languished in local, state, and federal files. Meanwhile, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed in Congress and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Then in 1971, Alabama State Attorney William Baxley reopened the case, re-interviewing witnesses; conducting surveillance and obtaining recorded implicating conversations of those already suspected in the dastardly crime. As a result of Baxley’s investigation, of the previously mentioned suspects, only Chambliss, the reputed ringleader was indicted on charges of murder in the deaths of the four young girls. He was subsequently found guilty only for the death of Carol Denise McNair. He died in prison in 1985.

In May of 2000, the FBI unsealed and reopened the case, later announcing their findings that Chambliss, Blanton, Cash, and Cherry were responsible. By this time, Herman Case was deceased, however, the FBI investigation provided sufficient cause and evidence to indict the two remaining suspects by the state of Alabama.

Bobby Frank Cherry was convicted of four counts of 1st degree murder and sentence to life. He died in prison of cancer in 2004.

Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr. was indicted in April of 2001 and convicted of four counts of 1st degree murder. He too received a penalty of life in prison.

NO PAROLE: JUSTICE TO BE PAID IN FULL

Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr. now remains the only surviving member of a ruthless band of murderers and domestic terrorists. This monster’s next parole hearing is scheduled to take place on August 3rd, 2016. Supporters would argue that he is now too elderly and in ill health to be a threat to society, however, there is a much larger point to consider. Blanton took part in a historic crime so horrific that it’s shock waves helped to change the face of civil rights in this country. Four innocent children were forever denied the right to grow up, have husbands, children, and grand babies…unlike Mr. Blanton, who enjoyed the luxuries of freedom almost four decades after his murderous deed. To say that he got off easy would be one of the top ten understatements of the century. To grant Thomas Blanton parole would not only desecrate the ideals of the civil rights movement and it’s inroads, but, in light of the current racial strife recently experienced in the U.S. would understandably be an insult to those continuing the fight for justice for all. Please sign the petition to help block the parole of Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr. an unrepentant murderer who gloated to friends and associates over the decades about the deaths of, in his own words, “four less niggers”.

A Noble Fight

The Columbus Dispatch
August 26, 2011

Bret Vinocur has successfully blocked the release of at least 50 of Ohio’s most-violent rapists and murderers, volunteering for the past eight years to help strangers fight the parole board.

Often, survivors of horrendous crimes or relatives of murder victims seek his help after finding his websites, FindMissingKids.com and BlockParole.com. When these strangers ask his fee, the answer is always the same: nothing.

But now, Vinocur is calling these debts. He is contacting victims he has helped and asking them to get signatures on BlockParole.com to keep one more prisoner locked up: the murderer of Edith Marcum, whose brutal death was the inspiration for Vinocur to take on parole system.

Vinocur met Marcum’s family in 1997, a decade after she was shot to death. The sorrow borne by her husband and four daughters was gut-wrenching, he recalled: “That family was still going through hell.”

That pain made such an impression that, years later, it would compel him to set up a nonprofit organization in his small apartment, school himself in parole-board canons and advocate for families unable to afford an attorney.

Several weeks ago, while tracking impending paroles online, Vinocur discovered the board had agreed to release Marcum’s killer; Arliss L. White has served 24 years of a 25- to 50-year sentence.

Vinocur reunited with the family and offered to help them fight the parole.

Edith Marcum was murdered at age 36, having just beaten bone cancer. Her husband had mortgaged their home to pay for her treatments, and she was working nights at a South Side drug store to cover bills. In February 1987, White and two others tried to rob the store and demanded Marcum open the safe. She didn’t know the combination. White shot her.

Every murder is horrible. But there something particularly unfair about a cancer victim enduring difficult treatments, celebrating that she would indeed live to watch her girls grow up, and then dying at the hands of a thug.

White, linked to 24 drugstore robberies, had been arrested 13 times before killing Marcum. Prosecutor Ron O’Brien has called on the parole board not to release him, saying White should serve his full sentence. The Parole Board is to consider the Marcum family’s objections at a Sept. 26 hearing; Vinocur is asking the public to sign an electronic petition on BlockParole.com to demonstrate strong public opposition to White’s release.

“Edith Marcum is a hero,” Vinocur said. He has become a perpetual thorn for the Ohio Parole Board, lobbying for laws that require the appointed board to conduct its business in public and better notify victims of pending releases.

Now he wonders if the board is sending him a message by freeing the killer whose crime impelled Vinocur to become a victims’ advocate.

The Parole Board wants White, 57, freed because he has dementia and other complications from strokes.

Whom this would serve is not clear. Whether he is released or not, White likely will remain dependent on the public — through one agency or another — for his support and his medical care.

White’s victim, whose brutal murder inspired Vinocur to block the early release of dozens of other brutal felons, deserves no less justice for herself.

UPDATE: The parole of Arliss White was reversed and denied in 2011. Three years later he was granted parole again on January 30, 2015. Less than 24 hours later, on January 31, 2015, White died in prison. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to block this parole. Justice has been served.

Next Parole Hearing : July 2017 

Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Guther was brutally beaten, strangled, and drowned after attending a party.

Case Summary

Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Guther was savagely beaten after accepting a ride home from Robert Stidham after a party. Bobbie’s nude body was found in a creek a little over a day later. Stidham was convicted of aggravated murder based on confessions he made to friends shortly after the murder. Stidham received a life sentence and now regular comes up for parole.

Roberta “Bobbie” Guthers’s Story

A Night Out With Friends

Roberta Sue Guther, Bobbie as she was known to her friends, was 15-years-old, stood four feet ten inches tall, weighed 98 pounds and had long dark hair. Bobbie, who was a student at Georgetown [Ohio] High School, was quiet, shy and loved children. She was a good student who was never a discipline problem.

Bobbie, like most teenagers, liked to hang out with her friends. On Friday October 23rd, 1981 Bobbie decided to attend a party. One of the 12 people at the party that night was Robert Stidham. Stidham, age 21 and a two-time felon, was out on parole after spending time in prison for theft and grand theft.

The party broke up at around 3:30A.M and Bobbie needed a ride home. Stidham offered to take Bobbie home along with his girlfriend Kathy. Stidham dropped his girlfriend Kathy off first for some unknown reason and then said he would take Bobbie home. She would never be seen alive again.

A Disappearance Leads To Murder

When Bobbie did not return home her parents contacted local police. A search of the area turned up nothing. 30 hours later a man looking for a place to hunt reported he had seen a body floating in Straight Creek located between Ripley and Georgetown Ohio. Authorities arrived and found the nude, battered body of Roberta Sue Guther. She has been beaten, kicked, strangled and drowned. Her vagina was struck with such force that is split the vagina back to the anus. Based on the injuries it is obvious Bobbie fought hard to live. The coroner determined Bobbie died of a brain hemorrhage and blunt-force trauma.

Police arrested Stidham at his grandmother’s home two days later at 4:30 A.M. Authorities were led to Stidham after talking with two of his friends to whom Stidham confessed. One friend told police he was at a bar with Stidham. When the two left the bar to walk towards the friend’s house Stidham told his friend that he had gotten in some trouble the night before and murdered a girl. Stidham told the friend he was at party with some girls, and he took one of the girls down on Old 68 road and killed her. Stidham said he took some of her clothes and threw them out of his car on Old 68. Stidham told his friend he drove to Portsmouth Ohio, which is about 90 minutes away, and back before meeting up with him. The friend thought Stidham was making up a story. A short time later the friend’s brother found some bloody clothing, including a coat belonging to Bobbie Guther, stuffed in an old pickup truck behind their house, The friend also said he saw Stidham washing blood out of his truck two days after the murder. After speaking with the friend police went to Old 68 and found some of Bobbie’s clothing.

The second friend police spoke with lived in Portsmouth Ohio. He said he spoke with Stidham the day after the murder. He told the friend that he killed a “bitch” the night before. Stidham said the girl had said something to him from the back seat of his car while he was driving. Stidham said he stopped the car, turned around to the back seat and started hitting the girl. He then jerked her out of the car and began to kick her. Ultimately he kicked her between the legs and then dragged her to a creek. He then held her under water until she was dead. The friend said he saw blood clothes in the back of Stidham’s car.

A Trial and A Life Sentence

Stidham was indicted for Aggravated Murder. At trial Stidham claimed he did not have enough gas after taking his girlfriend home and he went back to the party at Bobbie’s request. Later he said someone at the party borrowed his car, the vehicle with no gas, to take Bobbie home. He said the person then came back with the car and Bobbie was naked in the back seat and there was blood on her face and she was dead. He said the person from the party then left again in Stidham’s car, threw Bobbie in the creek, and came back again. Stidham said he then left in the car and did not call police. Under cross-examination Stidham said he had no idea why his two friends would lie in front of a jury about what happened.

The jury of six men and six women took 15 hours to convict Robert Stidham of aggravated murder. Judge Harold Neu sentenced Stidham to life in prison.

Poor Behavior

Robert Stidham’s time in prison has been problematic. We have found at least nine infractions including:

• Possessing a shank (1995)
• Attempted escaped for trying to cut through his cell bars with a hacksaw. Stidham then sent half a hack saw blade to the warden and another staff member. (1997)
• Assault for spitting on a corrections office (1999)
• Assault for spitting on a nurse (2004)

Stidham has spent several years at the highest security level. In 2007 the parole board records state: “since last hearing [June 23, 2005] offender has had 3 tickets, 2 of which were for displaying threatening behavior toward staff and other inmates.”

Stidham has improved his behavior in the past several years and has somehow managed to get a job working in doggie day care. Nothing in any of the records we received indicates that Stidham has ever shown remorse or taken responsibility for his horrific actions.

No parole

Robert Stidham brutally murdered Roberta Sue “Bobbie” Guther. Stidham snuffed out the life of a child, a 15-year-old girl, who trusted him to take her home only a few blocks away. Instead he beat her, kicked her, strangled her, drowned her, and left her naked along a creek. In addition, while there was no evidence of sexual assault, the mutilation of Bobbie’s vaginal area combined with the fact she was found naked is a clear indicator Stidham is a sexual deviant and a risk to the community, especially to young girls. Based on the fact Roberta “Bobbie” Guther is not alive as a direct result of the actions of Robert Stidham, we believe Stidham should be required to fulfill his FULL LIFE SENTENCE. We urge the Ohio Board to give Robert Stidham the maximum continuance of ten (10) years at all future parole board hearings until he dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : September 2017  

Paula Pitts was brutally gunned down by jealous, controlling husband

Case Summary

Charles Price brutally murdered his wife Paula Pitts, a mother of four daughters. After shooting Paula six times at her place of employment Price fled the state in an attempt to elude authorities. Price was captured and showed absolutely no remorse for killing Paula and stated he wanted to be released so he could hurt other people. Price was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Although Price has spent nearly three decades in prison he continues to show no regrets for his actions and refuses to take any classes to address his criminal behavior.

Paula Pitt’s Story

A Loving Mother and Dedicated Caregiver

Paula Pitts loved her children and had a passion to help those in need. She devoted her time between her four daughters and her job, working in a nursing home where she helped the disabled and elderly. Family at the nursing home surrounded Paula, as she worked alongside her two sisters, a sister-n-law, and her grandmother, who resided in a room beside the nurse’s station. Paula was a small town girl and was known by all as a hard worker, a great friend, and an excellent mother. Life was good for Paula until she married Charles Price, an abusive con artist. In the three months they were married Price would control and torment Paula, stating that if he could not have her, no one would. On February 3, 1989 Price would make good on that promise and commit a horrific murder that shocked an entire small town community.

Three months into her marriage with Charles Price, Paula Pitts had enough of the abuse. Price would constantly monitor and control Paula, stating that he would never allow her to leave him. His jealousy would often lead to fits of rage and violence. Paula’s furniture was covered in blankets because Price had cut all the furniture with a knife during a jealous rampage. In January 1989 Paula finally made the decision to leave him for good. She left the home and went to live with her family.

Jealousy Leads To Murder

Price immediately began stalking Paula, determined to make good on his promise that no one would have her, except him. On February 2, 1989 Price realized Paula was not coming back. That night Price stole $2,800 in cash from his job at the Thornton Oil Station and then went out drinking until about 3AM. The next morning Price, armed with a gun in his pocket, went to car lot and purchased a used Cadillac with $1200 of the stolen money. Price left his van at the car lot and drove his new car to the Union Manor nursing home, where Paula and her sisters were working.

Upon walking into the nursing home Price went up to Paula’s sister Goldie and asked to see his “beautiful wife.” Goldie told him “Paula was with her sister Mary preparing the food cart.” Goldie then went to a fellow coworker at the nurse’s station and expressed her concern about how Price was abusive and should be watched.

When Paula saw Price approach her she stopped and said “you know your not suppose to be here.” Then a call came for Paula. On the other end of the phone was Paula’s father, who told her that Price had been seen the night before with a weapon, that he was looking for her, and that the Sheriff was looking for him, because he had not made the nightly deposit for his job. Paula said, “Yeah I know, he’s here,” and hung up the phone.

Price accused Paula of living with a younger man. Paula denied the accusations, and told Price “You need to leave.” Price then said “walk with me to my car then” and Paula’s response was “ do you think I’m crazy or something.” She then turned around, with Price following her. Price pulled the gun out of his pocket. Paula yelled for her sister, Goldie, who was only a few feet away. Price proceeded to fire the first shot in her back and then followed with more shots. In Price’s own words he said “she slid down the wall kicking her legs at me.”

Paula’s sister Goldie then began to yell “He shot my sister, help us God help us.” Down the hall in direct eyesight was Paula’s sister-in-law Vickie, who witnessed the first shot, followed by him emptying his gun into Paula. Vickie was then pulled out of the hallway and dragged out a window to safety. Price turned around and saw the nursing home residents staring at him. Price calmly walked down the hallway, went to the parking lot and drove away in his newly purchased Cadillac.

Police and paramedics arrived and rushed Paula to the hospital. She had been shot twice in the back, twice in the head, once in the center of her chest and once in the knee. She was pronounced dead at 12:48 PM on February 3, 1989. For the next several
hours the nursing home would be a crime scene and all 36 residents were traumatized by what they had just seen and by the aftermath of the shooting. Paula’s three family members were so traumatized that they all sought employment elsewhere.

A Captured Killer Threatens To Hurt Others

Police immediately began looking for Price. Authorities would get their first lead when he sent flowers to the funeral home. His card read, “I’ll love you forever and ever Amem.” Paula’s 11-year-old daughter found the flowers and card. Four days after the shooting Price would be arrested in Citrus County Florida where police believed he might have gone to visit family.

After his arrest Price openly admitted all he had done and was extradited back to Ohio. While in police custody on March 1st, 1989 just shy of a month after Price murdered Paula, Price would show absolutely no remorse.

Price also sent several disturbing letters to friends and family. In a letter price sent to Paula’s mother while on the run he stated, “The sooner I die the sooner I’ll get to see my baby again in hell.” He also wrote “I always wanted to see Mardi gras” referring to his plan to stop in New Orleans on his way to Florida. In another letter he sent to friends while he was in jail Price listed the return address as “Marysville Hilton”, and talks about playing cards and learning to relax. He also states, “I want to live long enough to get back on the streets one more time. There’s a couple people I would like to aggravate a little bit more.”

Price’s most disturbing statement came on March 1, 1989 while being evaluated by a nurse while he was in jail. Price asked the nurse “if he was going to live” and her response was “she thought he was going to live for a while.” Price laughed and then stated, “that if he lived through all this, there are a couple of others who deserve the same.” In addition to this, Price also wrote a letter to Paula’s mother explaining himself with the following words. “I know your Faith in God will pull you through and the sooner I die I will see my baby in hell.”

A Life Sentence and Poor Rehabilitation

Facing overwhelming evidence and a multitude of evidence Charles Price pled guilty to murder. Price was sentenced from 18-years to life in prison. The plea deal allowed Paula’s family and the nursing home residents to avoid the trauma of a jury trial.

Although Price has spent 28 years in prison he still expressed no remorse for what he did to Paula and has taken no interest in addressing his criminal behavior. In 2006 the parole board records state, “Inmate could not articulate and to why he would go to her [Paula’s] job and murder her.” In regards to a 2008 parole hearing the parole board stated, “At that time he [Price] showed no insight into his offense, lacked remorse, and had refused to participate in any programming to abate his risk to reoffend.” In 2012 the records state, “he has failed to complete recommended programs to assist with insight and remorse.”

No Parole

Charles Price is a cold-blooded killer who murdered a loving daughter, sister and mother. Releasing Price at any point would be a complete injustice to the family and friends of Paula Pitts. In addition, based on Price’s own words, releasing him would pose an incredible risk to the community, especially to the family of Paula Pitts. Based on the fact Paula Pitts is not alive as the direct result of his actions, his complete lack of remorse, and his refusal to address his criminal behavior, we believe Charles Price should be required to serve his FULL life sentence. To further the interests of justice and protect society, we urge the Ohio Parole Board to deny Charles Price parole at all future parole hearings until he dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : September 2017 

Two-year-old Erick Nobles was drowned by his mother during a bath and then thrown in a trash dumpster.

Case Summary

Tanisha Nobles drowned her son Erick in the bathtub because she wanted her freedom. She then put Erick in a trash bag which she placed in a closet, A few days later she threw his body in a trash dumpster. Erick’s body was never found. Nobles lied for several weeks making up false stories regarding Erick’s disappearance. A jury convicted Nobles of killing Erick and she was sentence from 15 years to life in prison. Per Ohio Parole Board records as of 2012 Nobles still showed no remorse for killing her son.

Erick Noble’s Story

A Child Disappears

On December 26, 1993, two-year-old Erick Nobles had just celebrated his second Christmas. Erick stood two and a half feet tall, weighed 30 pounds, had brown eyes and close cropped black hair. He liked to play his toy keyboard, and especially liked to play “Jingle Bells” during the holiday season. Erick was extremely friendly and was learning to talk more with each day. Erick had his whole life ahead of him and no one would have expected that he would never be seen alive again.

The week after Christmas, people began to notice Erick had not been seen since December 26. Neighbors asked Erick’s mother where Erick was and she told them he was staying with his grandmother, who often watched him. However, Erick’s grandmother did not have him. She was supposed to pick him up for a New Year’s weekend visit, but Tanisha told her Erick was with a babysitter. Erick’s grandmother told her daughter she would be over the weekend of January 7 to pick up her grandson.

The Search Begins

On the afternoon of January 7, 1994, Tanisha Nobles folded Erick’s winter coat over her arm and boarded a bus to go to Salem Mall. One of her friends got on the bus with her and asked about Erick. Nobles said Erick was with his grandmother. According to the friend, Nobles would not make eye contact, kept looking at the ceiling, and appeared to be nervous. The bus driver also recognized Nobles and asked where the “little man” was that day. She told him Erick was with the baby sitter and she was going to pick him up before going to the mall. Nobles got off the bus and then boarded a second bus that would take her to the mall.

When Nobles arrived at the mall she went into a McDonald’s that was adjacent to the corridor leading to the restrooms. She told the assistant manager that her baby was missing from the men’s restroom. When the assistant manager asked Nobles if she would like her to assist in looking for Erick, Noble’s refused the woman’s help. The assistant manager looked anyway and found no one. According to the assistant manager, Nobles’ demeanor was “not someone in a panic” and “not as if she had lost a child.”

Nobles next found mall security guard Douglas Bizzell. She told him Erick had disappeared from the women’s restroom. She claimed Erick was in the stall with her and snuck out under the door. She claimed she thought he was washing his hands and when she came out of the stall, he was gone. When Bizzell suggested they search a nearby toy store, Nobles refused the request saying she had already searched there. Bizzell searched the toy store anyway. The toy store employees said they had not seen Erick or his mother at all that afternoon. Bizzell continued to search shops throughout the mall with no success. When he asked Nobles to help him search the large department stores, she refused, saying she had already searched everywhere. Bizzell stated Nobles volunteered no information and was “calm for a person whose little child has been missing.”

As mall security continued to search for Erick, local police arrived and found Tanisha Nobles at the information booth. According to the police officer who took a statement from her, she did not seem very concerned and she would not make eye contact with him.

Police searched late into the night and into the next day. Police helicopters scoured the area, local residents came out en masse to look for Erick, the FBI was brought in, and the local media distributed Erick’s information. Police followed up on many leads and worked long hours to find the young boy. Throughout the investigation, Tanisha Nobles never inquired about the status of the investigation, never asked whether her son had been found, and had no interest if there were any new leads. Nobles called the police one time in the several days after Erick’ disappeared to tell them her friend reported seeing Erick at a local hospital. Police investigated with no results.

Multiple Stories and a Chilling Confession

On January 12 1993, five days after she reported Erick missing, Tanisha Nobles was brought in for further questioning. After agreeing to take a lie detector test, she got nervous when she saw the lie detector machine and changed her story once again. She said she had given Erick to an African American couple at a local grocery store. She told police the couple had a child that had recently died and the woman’s name was Karen Wilson and she had her phone number on a piece of paper at her apartment. Nobles told authorities she had given Erick away because she “was under a lot of stress.” She claimed she was feeling “like [she] had no kind of freedom, he was always getting into stuff and [she] was always yelling at him.” She stated she “didn’t want to get to the point that [she] would hit him or anything like that.” Police called the Montgomery County Coroner’s office and they stated no child of anyone named Karen Wilson that had died in the past few months. They also went to Nobles’ apartment with her and a paper with Karen Wilson’s information on it could not be found.

As the questioning continued, Nobles’ story changed again. She claimed Erick had accidentally drowned in the bathtub when she left him unattended. She claimed she went downstairs to answer the phone and Erick turned on the water. She said she went back upstairs and turned the water off. She said the phone rang again and Erick turned the water on a second time. She claimed she went downstairs to answer the second call and then laid out Erick’s pajamas. Nobles told police, “Then I went downstairs, getting stuff ready for dinner and everything. Then I went back upstairs and water was still running and Erick was just lying in it. I was like ‘Erick, Erick’ and I was shaking him… I picked him up and laid him on his bed…I just let him stay there for a while. I got him dressed. I didn’t know what to do so I went downstairs and I got some plastic bags and I put him in one. It was a green one… I tied it with a rubber band… I just left him. I put him in his closet, ’cause I didn’t know what to do. He just stayed there for a couple of days, and when it got dark, I called a friend to take me over to Huber Heights. I thought I was going over to my mama’s house.”

Police questioned Nobles about the friend who gave her a ride but she kept switching between a male and female driver. She finally settled on a neighbor. Police took Nobles back to her apartment where they began to talk to the neighbor. At that point Nobles lost her composure and finally admitted the horrific truth. She was giving Erick a bath the day after Christmas. While bathing him she pushed his head under the water and held it there until Erick’s legs stopped kicking. She dressed him and put him in a plastic bag and then put Erick’s body inside his bedroom closet. A few days later she threw Erick’s body in a dumpster near her apartment. Police searched the local landfill however they were unable to find any remains and Erick’s body was never found.

A Convicted Mother Gets Life

On January 20, 1993, Tanisha Nobles was indicted on one count of murder for killing her son, Erick. The grand jury also indicted her on one count of abusing a corpse and one count of inducing panic. She pled not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to the charges.

While in jail awaiting trial, Nobles changed her story once again. In a letter sent to Judge Barbara Gorman, Nobles claimed she drowned her son and that two people broke into her home and made her do it. She also reportedly sent a letter to a friend claiming that people to whom she owed money forced her to fill up the bathtub, put Erick inside and leave her apartment. She claimed when she returned that Erick was dead. Police found absolutely no evidence to support this claim.

Nobles’ defense attorney made every attempt to prolong the trial and limit exposure. She requested a gag order banning Tanisha Nobles and attorneys in the case from speaking, requested a change of venue, tried to remove the judge from the case, and unsuccessfully attempted to have Nobles’ confession thrown out. The defense also made an unsuccessful attempt to have the charges dropped because Erick’s body was never found.

After many delays on February 8, 1994, a jury of nine women and three men began hearing the case. Prior to the trial, Nobles pled no contest to the charge of inducing panic and received a six month sentence.

Prosecutors called multiple witnesses from the mall and local police department. All claimed Nobles showed little to no emotion after reporting her child missing. They also introduced Nobles’ confession and detailed her long list of lies. The defense conceded Erick was dead and had several members of Nobles’ family testify on her behalf. Nobles’ mother testified she saw her daughter and grandson at least once a month.

When describing Tanisha’s relationship with Erick Nobles her mother stated, “She loved him.” Montgomery County Assistant Prosecutor David Franceshelli then asked her, “Would a loving mother take that bag with the poor child’s body and put it in a dumpster?”

Tanisha Nobles’ mother paused for a second and responded “No.”

It took the jury four hours to convict Nobles of Murder and abuse of a corpse. The jury opted not to convict Nobles on the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter, which would have meant they believed Nobles did not mean to kill Erick.

Common Pleas Judge Barbara Gorman sentenced Nobles to 15 years to life for the murder, six months for the abuse a corpse and six months for inducing panic. Nobles would unsuccessfully appeal her conviction a year later.

A Risk to the Community

While Nobles has managed to do fairly well in prison, she had issues at both of her parole consideration hearings. In 2010, The Ohio Parole Board wrote “due to the death of a very vulnerable child at the hands of the offender, her poor conduct, and her lack of offense related programs she is not suitable for release.” In 2012, the parole records state, “Inmate Nobles lacks remorse and empathy for the child victim.”

The records from both hearings cited the following reasons for parole denial:

“There is substantial reason to believe that due to the serious nature of the crime, the release of the inmate into society would create undue risk to public safety, or due to the serious nature of the crime, the release of the inmate would not further the interest of justice or be consistent with the welfare and security of society.”

“There is substantial reason to believe that due to the serious infractions of the Administrative Code, the release of the inmate would not act as a deterrent to the inmate or to other institutionalized inmates from violating institution rules.”

In 2012, the parole board added the following reason:

“There is substantial reason to believe the inmate will engage in further criminal conduct, or that the inmate will not conform to conditions of release”

No Parole

Tanisha Nobles is a cold-blooded child killer who drowned her own two-year-old son Erick because he “got on her nerves” and she wanted her freedom. She then put him in a garbage bag and threw him in a dumpster. Nobles proceeded to lie multiple times about Erick’s whereabouts wasting valuable community resources and time. Although Nobles has spent 23 years in prison she still “lacks remorse and empathy” for Erick. The Ohio Parole Board’s records clearly state that releasing Nobles “would not further the interest of justice or be consistent with the welfare and security of society.”

Releasing Tanisha Nobles at and point would be a complete injustice to Erick Nobles and would demean her cruelty to him. Based on the fact Erick Nobles is not alive as a direct results of her horrific actions, we believe Tanisha Nobles should be required to serve her FULL life sentence. We urge the Ohio Parole Board to deny Tanisha Nobles parole at all future hearings until she dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : November 2017 

Robert Van Atta was brutally murdered on a busy street as he left work wife his wife.

Case Summary

Charles Holmes brutally murdered Roberta Van Atta and seriously wounded Mr. Van Atta’s wife Winnie as they left work on September 25, 1984. Holmes was the ex-husband of Mrs. Van Atta. Holmes fired six shots into Mr. Van Atta, a Vietnam Veteran and father of three children, and shot Mrs. Van Atta, a mother of two boys by Holmes, in the shoulder causing her permanent injury. Holmes then took Mrs. Van Atta hostage and threatened to kill her. Holmes was eventually taken down by gunfire from s sheriff’s deputy before he could harm Mrs. Van Atta. Holmes, who had a history of mental illness, pled guilty to murdering Mr.Van Atta and kidnapping Winnie Van Atta. He was sentenced to life in prison and now regularly comes up for parole.

Robert and Winnie Van Atta’s Story

An Idyllic Life

Bob Van Atta and Winnie Van Atta had finally found true love after both enduring failed marriages. The couple met while working together at Shaw Barton, a company that made calendars and sold promotional items. Bob was the manager of the accounting department and Winnie was a customer service representative. They immediately became friends and their friendship eventually blossomed into a loving relationship.

Bob had two young sons and a daughter from his previous marriage and Winnie had two young boys as well. Bob and Winnie spent every waking moment together. Their blended family was filled with joy and love and Bob’s children would spend much of their time with their father. Bob was a great dad and Winnie’s boys called him “Daddy Bob.” He spent time playing and doing things with Winnie’s sons and loved them like he loved his own children. Bob and Winnie soon married and moved to a big house to accommodate for their large family.

All was perfect until September 25, 1984, a mere 25 days into their marriage. It was a typical morning and Bob and Winnie headed to work as usual. Bob had promised to take his seven-year-old son to soccer practice after school. That afternoon, his son sat on the porch waiting for a father who would never come home again. By the end of the evening, Winnie would be a widow and five children would be left without a father.

A Brutal Murder On A Busy Street

On Tuesday September 25, 1984 Robert and Winnie Van Atta left work and headed to their car. As they were walking, Winnie’s ex-husband, Charles Holmes, approached them. Holmes then pulled a gun from his pocket and shot at Robert and Winnie. As Robert fell to the ground as a result of his wound, Holmes stood over him and fired three more shots. As people walking the busy downtown street began running and screaming, Holmes grabbed Winnie with one hand while he held the gun in the other. Winnie was bleeding from her arm, where one of Holmes bullets had struck her. Holmes then forced Winnie into she back seat of his car.

Sheriff’s deputy David Foster arrived on the scene to find Robert Van Atta bleeding on the ground in the middle of the street. He then saw Holmes in his car with a terrified Winnie Van Atta sitting next to him with a gun pointed at her. As Deputy Foster approached the vehicle, Holmes got out of the car told him “Back off or I’ll kill her.” Deputy Foster was terrified of an innocent person in the area being shot but knew that if he did not act quickly Winnie would likely be killed. Deputy Foster fired a perfect shot and hit Holmes in the shoulder, who dropped the gun and fell to the ground. Holmes was arrested and Winnie was pulled from the back seat of the car by auxiliary police officer Tom Bradshaw who happened to be at an auto parts store across the street. Robert Van Atta was rushed to the hospital with bullet wounds to his back, his chest, and his left thigh. He was pronounced dead a few hours later as a result of internal bleeding, secondary to the bullet wounds.

A History Of Mental Illness And Threatening Behavior

Winnie Ellis had met Charles Holmes during high school. While dating in high school, they decided to get married after graduation. Holmes was 20 and Winnie was 19. They divorced a year after they were married and remarried a year later after Holmes enlisted in the Air Force. Winnie became pregnant with their first son and things were great. When their son was a year old, Winnie noticed Holmes’s behavior changing. One time, Holmes called her at her friend’s house and told her Magic Johnson was in their living room and he was showing him his handgun. Winnie and her friend were so concerned they got Holmes to the military base hospital where he was admitted to the psychiatric ward. Holmes was diagnosed as manic-depressant and was told he would need to take medication for the rest of his life.

For the next ten years, Holmes would continue to display erratic behavior and had issues holding down a job. Winnie did her best to keep their family together; however, when she found Holmes drinking while babysitting their two boys Winnie decided it was time to leave. Her opportunity came when Holmes agreed to admit himself to a psychiatric hospital after threatening to hang himself. Winnie packed her bags and she and her two boys moved in with her parents. After his release from the hospital, Holmes moved in with his parents.

Shortly after their separation, Holmes began to threaten Winnie. The threats became so severe that Winnie and her parents had to lock themselves in their home. Winnie’s father often carried a gun in his pocket around the house. Winnie’s job moved her desk to a safer area to protect her in the event Holmes came to their office. Despite all their precautions, nothing was going to deter Holmes from getting back at Winnie for leaving him. Holmes’s anger would culminate on that busy street a year after his separation from Winnie.

A Killer Escapes The Death Penalty And Gets Life

Prosecutors charged Holmes with aggravated murder with death penalty specifications. As Holmes prepared for trial he and his attorneys realized that Holmes’s mental illness was a strong defense. Holmes pled not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. He was subsequently sent to a mental institution for further review. Defense attorneys also told the judge they would file a motion to dismiss the charges on the grounds Ohio’s death penalty law was unconstitutional.

Facing Charles Holmes’s severe mental issues and to avoid an injured Winnie Ellis from enduring a long trial, prosecutors decided to accept a plea agreement. Holmes agreed to plead guilty to murder with a gun specification and to kidnapping. At sentencing, prosecutor Williams Owens made it clear to the judge that, per Holmes’s own psychologist, Holmes “could kill again.” He also stated the facts showed that it is likely that Holmes went after Van Atta because he was a father figure to Holmes’s two sons.

During sentencing, Holmes gave a long-winded, 30-minute speech. Although he shot Winnie and threatened to kill her he claimed he never intended to injure her. Holmes claimed he felt totally unloved even though he was living with his parents who were taking good care of him. He claimed he “had a murderer’s heart for more than a year and a half” during which time he wanted to take his own life. Holmes said he had forgiven himself which “was the hardest thing to do.” He then said the parents of Robert Van Atta should forgive him “for their own sakes.” During the speech, Holmes spent 30 seconds explaining his own actions and the rest of the time was spent talking about what others did to him.

Judge Richard Evans then sentenced Charles Holmes to 23 years to life in prison for killing Robert Van Atta and kidnapping Winnie Van Atta.

A Lifetime Of Pain

Holmes’s horrific crimes would leave an everlasting effect on two families. Winnie Ellis would recover from her injuries however there would be permanent damage to her right arm. She would need to relearn how to use her right hand which also suffered permanent damage. She eventually was able to write however she would never again be able to do many things she enjoyed including bowling, tennis, and playing piano. Her two children lost the only real father they had ever known and will spend the rest of their lives dealing with the fact that the man that fathered to them is a cold-blooded killer who also disabled their mother.

Robert Van Atta’s children would spend the rest of their lives without a father, forced to grow up at a young age. The two older children would raise their younger brother while their mother worked to support the family. Mr. Van Atta would never see his sons excel at sports, would not see any of his children graduate, and his grandchildren will never get to meet their grandfather.

Concerning Rehabilitation

Holmes has done fairly well in prison, likely because he is forced to take medication, although he continues to have several mental issues. The most concerning episode in regards to Holmes came in 2013, 29 years after being sent to prison. Holmes, for no apparent reason, walked up to a fellow inmate who was eating and hit him in the head, knocking him to the floor. He then stood over the inmate with a clenched fist telling him to get up.

As far as rehabilitation, Holmes has failed to take classes to address his criminal behavior. In 33 years, he has yet to take a recommended victims awareness class and still has not completed recommended mental health services classes. Holmes also has no solid parole plan and if released would likely go to a nursing home or permanent support housing program.

No Parole

Charles Holmes is a cold-blooded killer who opened fire on an innocent couple on a busy downtown street. Holmes stood over an injured Robert Van Atta and executed him by firing multiple shots at point blank range. Holmes then took his ex-wife Winne Van Atta hostage and threatened to kill her. It’s a miracle Holmes did not kill more innocent people that day. At the time of his crimes, Holmes had severe mental illness issues that continue to this very day, 33 years later.

Releasing Charles Holmes at any point would create a serious risk to the community, especially to Holmes’s ex-wife Winnie Van Atta-Ellis, who survived her injuries. In addition, granting parole to Holmes would be a complete injustice to the Van Atta family and especially to the five children forever affected by Holmes’s crimes. To further the interests of justice and to protect society, we urge the Ohio Parole Board to deny Charles Holmes parole at ALL future hearings until he dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : November 2017 

Becky Kerr was gunned down by her abusive ex-boyfriend in front of her eight-year-old daughter

Case Summary

Becky Kerr was living in a Domestic Violence shelter when her abusive ex-boyfriend Lincoln Mabry followed her to her babysitter’s house. Mabry, who was brandishing a gun, forced Becky and her eight year old daughter into Becky’s car. Mabry ordered Becky to drive while he continued to threaten her. Becky pulled into a gas station in hopes of saving her and her daughter’s life. When Becky exited the car Mabry shot her. He then got out of the car and continued to shoot Becky, reloading his weapon at one point. After leaving Becky for dead, Mabry threw Becky’s daughter out of the car and fled the scene. Becky died at the hospital a short time later. Mabry eventually turned himself in to police and was convicted by a jury of aggravated murder and adduction. Mabry was sentenced to life in prison and now regularly comes up for parole.

Becky Kerr’s Story

A Promising Future

Becky Kerr was the oldest girl in a family of seven children. Becky, who was raised by a single mother, had a strong maternal instinct and was always there to help her mother with her six brothers and sisters. Becky loved to sew and often made clothes for her younger sisters. She especially loved Christmas and excelled at creating handmade Christmas ornaments. Becky was the first one to start decorating the Christmas tree and she always made sure it was adorned with lots of lights. Becky also had a passion for singing and anyone in her car would always hear her singing along with the radio.

Becky would eventually be in the first class to graduate from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and soon after would give birth to her daughter Melissa. Becky always wanted to be a mom and Melissa was her pride and joy. Becky was a single mother and still managed to put herself through college and would eventually graduate with honors from Kent State University. After getting her degree, Becky became the first female building inspector for the Stark Ohio Metropolitan Housing authority. When she was not working, Becky devoted all her time to Melissa and the two were inseparable. Becky had truly fulfilled all her dreams. Sadly, on February 15, 1980 all those dreams would be shattered by a monster named Lincoln Mabry.

A Bad Relationship Ends

Lincoln Mabry was a master con-artist and womanizer. The minute Mabry, a reported drug dealer, met Becky, he immediately found his next vulnerable victim. Mabry portrayed himself as a great guy and had no problem using his smooth talking skills to win over Becky and her family. Mabry moved in with Becky who had no idea Mabry was living with another woman at the same time. Mabry then stopped working and Becky was forced to pay all the rent, utilities, and expenses, as well as pay for Mabry’s beer and cigarettes. Mabry paid Becky back by cheating on her regularly with other women.

As the relationship continued Mabry became more and more controlling and physically abusive towards Becky. Initially, Mabry would leave bruises on Becky that no one could see. As time progressed the beatings got worse. Mabry openly stated to Becky that is she left him he would kill her. In late 1979, Mabry beat Becky so bad her coworkers found her passed out in the bathroom at work the following day and she had to be rushed to the doctor. A week later, Becky would endure an even worse beating. When Becky’s family saw her face covered in bruises they said enough was enough. Becky’s older brother packed up her and Melissa’s belongings and moved them into a battered women’s shelter, where Becky believed she would be hidden and be protected. She was wrong.

Jealously and Rage Lead to Murder

On February 15, approximately one month after Becky moved out, a jealous Mabry could take it no more. He called Becky at work under the guise of asking whether he had left anything at their old residence. Mabry then started pressing Becky for her new address and phone number. Becky refused to give him any information and advised him she was seeing someone else, then ended the call. An enraged Mabry then had his mother drive him to a local bar where he had drinks with two friends.

Mabry’s jealousy and rage grew until it was time for Becky to get off work. He had his female friend drive him to Becky’s babysitter’s house and had them park in the street. When Becky arrived to pick up her daughter, Mabry sprinted across the neighbor’s lawn, pulled a gun, and forced Becky, her daughter, and the babysitter into the house. He then confronted Becky and hit her across the face with the gun, causing her to bleed heavily. Mabry told the babysitter if she called the police he would kill all of them. Mabry pushed Becky’s daughter into the back seat of the car and forced Becky into the driver seat while he got in the passenger seat. He then told Becky to drive.

While in the car Mabry, laughed and told Becky “I told you I’d find you.” He then continued to press Becky for her phone number and address and information about who she was dating. When he did not get the answers he wanted, Mabry fired the gun at Becky. The bullet missed her and went into the passenger floorboard. Realizing Mabry was totally out of control and likely going to kill her and her daughter, Becky pulled into a local gas station. Mabry pointed the gun at Becky and she pushed it away. She got out of the car and slipped. When she got back up, Mabry shot her in the stomach. Becky slipped again and stumbled to the rear of the automobile. Mabry got out of the car and continued to shoot her. At some point the gun either jammed or ran out of bullets. As Becky crawled for her life, Mabry reloaded the gun. Becky was a few feet away from the door of the gas station when Mabry stood over her and fired what is believed to be the fatal shot. Mabry then went back the car and threw Becky’s daughter out and into a gas pump. Becky’s daughter ran to her and laid down on her dying mother’s chest until police arrived. Mabry fled the scene.

A Life Lost and a Killer on the Run

Police arrived on the scene almost immediately as calls poured in from dozens of witnesses. They found Becky on the sidewalk near the door of the gas station. She was bleeding profusely from multiple gunshot wounds and was barely breathing. Becky was rushed to the hospital where she died a short time later. Police interviewed all he witnesses including Becky’s daughter and put out an all-points bulletin to find murder suspect Lincoln Mabry.

Mabry took Becky’s car and went to see his sister in Columbus, Ohio, which was a few hours away. After arriving in Columbus, Mabry abandoned Becky’s car and carjacked a woman. He forced the woman to take him back to her house. Mabry tied the woman up and spent the night at the woman’s home. The next day, he went to his sister’s house, leaving the woman unharmed. Mabry’s sister convinced him to go back to Canton, Ohio, and turn himself into police.

Mabry turned himself in to police and confessed to everything he had done. He also gave police the murder weapon. During his interrogation, Mabry showed no remorse for what he had done.

A Life Sentence for a Heartless Killer

Mabry was charged with aggravated murder for killing Becky Kerr and abduction for kidnapping her daughter. Mabry initially pled not guilty by reason of insanity but was found competent to stand trial. Based on Mabry’s own confession, the eye witness account of Becky’s daughter, and the multitude of witnesses who saw Mabry kill Becky, it took the jury only two and a half hours to find him guilty of all charges. He was sentenced to life in prison for killing Becky, plus three to ten years for kidnapping her daughter. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively (back to back). Six months later, Mabry would attempt to appeal his conviction, citing the fact the jury was not instructed to consider voluntary manslaughter as a verdict. The judges said the error was irrelevant, citing overwhelming evidence of guilt.

No Parole

Lincoln Mabry is a heartless, cold-blooded murderer who killed his ex-girlfriend Becky Kerr simply because she wanted to escape his abuse. In addition, Mabry executed Becky in front of her eight-year-old daughter who will have to live with seeing her mother die for the rest of her life. Releasing Lincoln Mabry at any point would be a complete injustice to Becky Kerr and her daughter and would demean his cruelty to them. Based on Mabry’s history of uncontrollable rage, jealousy, and abuse, releasing him would also present a serious risk to the community, especially to any woman who may become involved with him. To further the interests of justice and protect society we urge, the Ohio Parole Board to deny parole for Lincoln Mabry at all future parole hearings until he fulfills his entire LIFE sentence.

Next Parole Hearing : December 2017 

Thomas Birman shot his two young sons in the head while they were sleeping

Case Summary

Thomas Birman murdered his two young sons to get back at his wife for wanting a divorce .Jimmy and Tommy Birman were both shot in the head while they slept. Birman pled guilty to two counts of murder with weapon specifications to avoid the death penalty. Birman was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus three years for using a gun to commit his crimes.

Jimmy and Tommy Birman’s Story

A Typical Suburban Childhood

On Sunday August 4, 1991 Jimmy Birman, age 13, and Tommy Birman, age 11, were looking forward enjoying the remaining time of their summer vacation. The two boys spent that evening riding their bicycles around their typical suburban neighborhood, Jimmy, a seventh grader at Bennett Junior High School, and Tommy, a fifth grader at High Street Elementary School, were described by a neighbor as “real friendly kids.” The two brothers were very close and both played Little League baseball and football for their respective schools.

A Troubled Marriage Leads to Murder

Mrs. Birman was in the process of ending her deteriorating marriage with they boys father, Thomas Birman, who worked as a brick mason. That Sunday evening a neighbor reported that he assumed Mrs. Birman and her husband were fighting because “she took off and he took off right after her. She left in her car and he left in his truck.”

On Monday August 5, 1991 Mrs. Birman went to work leaving Thomas Birman with their children. When she returned home from her job at around 11:15 A.M. Thomas Birman locked her out of the house and refused to let her in. Concerned for they safety of her sons Mrs. Birman called local police. When police arrived and asked about the children Thomas Birman shut the door locked it. When police asked Birman if the boys were okay he said no. The officers then forced their way into the house and found Jimmy and Tommy dead in their beds. Both had been shot in the head with a small-caliber hands gun.

A Plea Deal To Avoid A Death Sentence

Thomas Birman was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated murder with gun specifications. He was facing the death penalty for the murder of his two sons. Authorities believed Birman did the murders in attempt to get back at his wife for wanting to divorce him. Birman pleaded innocent and innocent by reason of insanity and a psychiatric evaluation was ordered by Judge Robert Lindeman. Birman was found competent to stand trail and a trail date was set for Monday April 13, 1991.

Facing certain conviction and a very likely death sentence Thomas Birman decided to plead guilty to the murders of his sons with firearm specifications. In exchange for his plea agreement Birman was spared the death penalty. He was sentenced to consecutive (back-to-back) life sentences) plus three additional years for the firearm specification.

We can find nothing to indicate that Birman expresses any remorse for killing his sons.

No Parole

It gets no worse than Thomas Birman. Not only did he brutally murder two innocent children, he murdered his own sons in an effort to get back at his wife for wanting a divorce. Birman accepted a plea deal to avoid the penalty and that is the only deal he should receive. Thomas Birman is a ticking time bomb and putting him back on the streets would endanger any woman or child that crosses his path. Releasing Thomas Birman at any point would be a complete injustice to Jimmy and Tommy Birman and would demean his extreme cruelty to them, In order to further the interests of justice and protect society were urge the Ohio Parole Board to give Thomas Birman the maximum continuance of ten years at every parole hearing until he dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : December 2017 

Thomas Birman shot his two young sons in the head while they were sleeping

Case Summary

Thomas Birman murdered his two young sons to get back at his wife for wanting a divorce .Jimmy and Tommy Birman were both shot in the head while they slept. Birman pled guilty to two counts of murder with weapon specifications to avoid the death penalty. Birman was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus three years for using a gun to commit his crimes.

Jimmy and Tommy Birman’s Story

A Typical Suburban Childhood

On Sunday August 4, 1991 Jimmy Birman, age 13, and Tommy Birman, age 11, were looking forward enjoying the remaining time of their summer vacation. The two boys spent that evening riding their bicycles around their typical suburban neighborhood, Jimmy, a seventh grader at Bennett Junior High School, and Tommy, a fifth grader at High Street Elementary School, were described by a neighbor as “real friendly kids.” The two brothers were very close and both played Little League baseball and football for their respective schools.

A Troubled Marriage Leads to Murder

Mrs. Birman was in the process of ending her deteriorating marriage with they boys father, Thomas Birman, who worked as a brick mason. That Sunday evening a neighbor reported that he assumed Mrs. Birman and her husband were fighting because “she took off and he took off right after her. She left in her car and he left in his truck.”

On Monday August 5, 1991 Mrs. Birman went to work leaving Thomas Birman with their children. When she returned home from her job at around 11:15 A.M. Thomas Birman locked her out of the house and refused to let her in. Concerned for they safety of her sons Mrs. Birman called local police. When police arrived and asked about the children Thomas Birman shut the door locked it. When police asked Birman if the boys were okay he said no. The officers then forced their way into the house and found Jimmy and Tommy dead in their beds. Both had been shot in the head with a small-caliber hands gun.

A Plea Deal To Avoid A Death Sentence

Thomas Birman was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated murder with gun specifications. He was facing the death penalty for the murder of his two sons. Authorities believed Birman did the murders in attempt to get back at his wife for wanting to divorce him. Birman pleaded innocent and innocent by reason of insanity and a psychiatric evaluation was ordered by Judge Robert Lindeman. Birman was found competent to stand trail and a trail date was set for Monday April 13, 1991.

Facing certain conviction and a very likely death sentence Thomas Birman decided to plead guilty to the murders of his sons with firearm specifications. In exchange for his plea agreement Birman was spared the death penalty. He was sentenced to consecutive (back-to-back) life sentences) plus three additional years for the firearm specification.

We can find nothing to indicate that Birman expresses any remorse for killing his sons.

No Parole

It gets no worse than Thomas Birman. Not only did he brutally murder two innocent children, he murdered his own sons in an effort to get back at his wife for wanting a divorce. Birman accepted a plea deal to avoid the penalty and that is the only deal he should receive. Thomas Birman is a ticking time bomb and putting him back on the streets would endanger any woman or child that crosses his path. Releasing Thomas Birman at any point would be a complete injustice to Jimmy and Tommy Birman and would demean his extreme cruelty to them, In order to further the interests of justice and protect society were urge the Ohio Parole Board to give Thomas Birman the maximum continuance of ten years at every parole hearing until he dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : December 2017 

Thomas Birman shot his two young sons in the head while they were sleeping

Case Summary

Thomas Birman murdered his two young sons to get back at his wife for wanting a divorce. Jimmy and Tommy Birman were both shot in the head while they slept. Birman pled guilty to two counts of murder with weapon specifications to avoid the death penalty. Birman was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus three years for using a gun to commit his crimes.

Jimmy and Tommy Birman’s Story

A Typical Suburban Childhood

On Sunday August 4, 1991 Jimmy Birman, age 13, and Tommy Birman, age 11, were looking forward enjoying the remaining time of their summer vacation. The two boys spent that evening riding their bicycles around their typical suburban neighborhood. Jimmy, a seventh grader at Bennett Junior High School, and Tommy, a fifth grader at High Street Elementary School, were described by a neighbor as “real friendly kids.” The two brothers were very close and both played Little League baseball and football for their respective schools.

A Troubled Marriage Leads to Murder

Mrs. Birman was in the process of ending her deteriorating marriage with they boys father, Thomas Birman, who worked as a brick mason. That Sunday evening a neighbor reported that he assumed Mrs. Birman and her husband were fighting because “she took off and he took off right after her. She left in her car and he left in his truck.”

On Monday August 5, 1991 Mrs. Birman went to work leaving Thomas Birman with their children. When she returned home from her job at around 11:15 A.M. Thomas Birman locked her out of the house and refused to let her in. Concerned for the safety of her sons Mrs. Birman called local police. When officers arrived and asked about the children, Thomas Birman shut the door locked it. When police asked Birman if the boys were okay he said no. The officers then forced their way into the house and found Jimmy and Tommy dead in their beds. Both had been shot in the head with a small-caliber hand gun.

A Plea Deal To Avoid A Death Sentence

Thomas Birman was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated murder with a gun specification. He was facing the death penalty for the murder of his two sons. Authorities believed Birman commited the murders in an attempt to get back at his wife for wanting to divorce him. Birman pleaded innocent and innocent by reason of insanity and a psychiatric evaluation was ordered by Judge Robert Lindeman. Birman was found competent to stand trial and a trial date was set for Monday April 13, 1991.

Facing certain conviction and a very likely death sentence Thomas Birman decided to plead guilty to the murders of his sons with a firearm specification. In exchange for his plea agreement Birman was spared the death penalty. He was sentenced to consecutive (back-to-back) life sentences plus three additional years for the firearm specification.

We can find nothing to indicate that Birman expresses any remorse for killing his sons.

No Parole

It gets no worse than Thomas Birman. Not only did he brutally murder two innocent children, he murdered his own sons in an effort to get back at his wife for wanting a divorce. Birman accepted a plea deal to avoid the death penalty and that is the only deal he should receive. Thomas Birman is a ticking time bomb and putting him back on the streets would endanger both women and children that cross his path. Releasing Birman at any point would be a complete injustice to Jimmy and Tommy Birman and would demean his extreme cruelty to them. In order to further the interests of justice, protect society, and due to the fact Birman killed his own young sons, we urge the Ohio Parole Board to give Thomas Birman the maximum continuance of ten years at every parole hearing until he dies in prison.

Next Parole Hearing : January 2018 

Christopher Sprague was brutally raped by his father and died as a result of child abuse

Case Summary

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