Monsters Among Us: Eugene Washington beat Ronnie Robinson to death with a hammer; Sentenced to 16 years to life in prison*


Ronnie Robinson

I could not find anything on this murder, however, it was heinous. Eugene Washington had assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Kimberly Johnson, who filed charges against him. While he was in jail, Gene Washington called and threatened to kill her and her new boyfriend, Ronnie Robinson. The judge, Judge Gilbert Bettman. I do not know if he was aware of the threats or not, however, he released Washington on an OR bond. That very night he went to their home and beat Ronnie to death with a hammer. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Now, the Ohio Parole Board has granted him a parole date of May 29. Prosecuting Attorney Joe Deters is protesting this. So far, I can’t find any updates, but will keep looking. *UPDATE* 5/29/2012 – Eugene Washington’s parole has been stopped. I am not sure what will happen, but I will check on it *UPDATE* 4/2018 – Eugene Washington was denied parole and has a new parole hearing April 2019.

**UPDATE** January 2023: Eugene Washington has a parole hearing next month. If you can send in a letter by mail, email or fax, that would be great. Any help to keep him in prison would be good for the victim’s loved ones and society. I believe he should stay in prison for the rest of his life. He is a danger to Kimberly still. Thank you in advance for any and all help.

I urge everyone to send the Parole Board a letter protesting his release. Maybe if their office is flooded, they will reconsider. Even the prosecutor believes that he is still dangerous, especially to Kimberly Johnson. She should not have to have this fear in her life again. A sample letter is below, under the INMATE INFORMATION that you can use every time he is up for parole.

**Update** 3/8/2023 – He had another parole hearing and was denied parole again. Next parole hearing is set for 12/2026.

Prosecutors Fight Against Parole For Hammer Murder Suspect
Block Parole: Eugene Washington

Sample parole letter

INMATE INFORMATION

Email addresses:
drc.publicinfo@odrc.state.oh.us
drc.victim.services@odrc.state.oh.us
Prosecutor Joseph Deter
Fax: (513) 946-3100

Here is a sample letter, one that I personally used.

Alicia Handwerk, Chairperson
Board of Parole Hearings
770 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43222

Ms. Alicia Handwerk and Members of the Ohio Board of Parole Hearings:

* * * Confidential * * *
Re: Parole Hearing Planned for Eugene Washington, Inmate # A248619
Please DO NOT grant parole to Eugene Washington, Inmate # A248619. As a concerned citizen, I am writing to protest the projected parole of this convicted murderer.

In November 1990, Washington was facing a domestic violence charge filed by ex-girlfriend, Kimberly Johnson. While in jail, Washington called and threatened to kill both Kimberly and Ronnie. When he went to court, Judge Gilbert Bettman released him on OR bond. That very night Washington went to their home and he beat Ronnie Robinson to death with a hammer.

The heinous nature of the murder of Ronnie Robinson, the multiple crimes committed and his past history of violent crimes should preclude any consideration of parole for Eugene Washington. His actions have shown that he is extremely volatile and that he has no regard for human life. For this heinous crime, Washington was sentenced to 16 years to Life in prison but he sentenced the Robinson family and friends to a lifetime of grief and sorrow.

In the interests of justice, public safety, and to lessen the emotional trauma for the victim’s family, please consider giving Washington a three year set off before any future parole reviews.

Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
____________________________________________________ Date____________________
City _______________________________________ State ___________ Zip _________

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Deadly Husbands: James Newman Hood hired Bruce Beauchamp to kill his wife, Bonnie then he killed Beauchamp; Sentenced to 25 years to life in prison


Bonnie Hood

Find-A-Grave: Bonnie Jean Marr Hood
Newport Beach Developer Gets 29-to-Life Term : Courts: In second trial, prosecutors convince jury that Jim Hood killed the man he had hired to murder his wife
Bonnie Hood case coming to Court TV
The People of the State of California v James Newman Hood 1997 (conviction and sentence affirmed)
Who Shot Bonnie Hood? A California Woman’s Murder Leads To Exposed Secrets And Multiple Trials

Books
Murder in Paradise

Movies/Documentaries
James Patterson’s Murder is Forever: Murder in Paradise
Murdered by Morning: Murder in the Mountains
Power, Privilege & Justice: Mystery in the Mountains


James Hood

Defendants
Bruce Beauchamp – acquitted, but later murdered
James Hood – convicted of killing Bruce Beauchamp, sentenced to 29 years to life in prison; paroled 4/23/2017

Cold Case: Ivelisse Berrios-Beguerisse murder *DNA identifies executed killer Oba Chandler as her killer*


Ivelisse Berrios-Beguerisse

Find-A-Grave: Ivelisse Berrios Beguerisse
Coral Springs PD: Cold Case Solved, DNA Points To Executed Man As Killer
Killer linked to another murder
Coral Springs Police Crack 23 Year-Old Cold Case
South Florida Cold Case Linked to Executed Killer
Florida police crack 23-year-old strangulation case with DNA testing
Wikipedia: Oba Chandler
Talk Murder with Me: The Life and Crimes of Oba Chandler
Execution Alert: Oba Chandler (for the murders of a mother and her 2 daughters)

INMATE INFORMATION

Execution Alert: Carl Wayne Buntion set for execution this week for killing Houston PD Officer James Irby


Officer James Bruce Irby Jr.

Officer Down Memorial Page: Police Officer James Bryce Irby
Find-A-Grave: James Bruce Irby Jr.
The life of James Irby, HPD officer shot, killed during 1960 traffic stop
Interview with a death row inmate | Awaiting execution, Carl Wayne Buntion talks to KHOU 11 News
Justice Breyer Calls for Court to Review Death Penalty Jurisprudence as Oldest Man on Texas Death Row Fails to Have His Case Heard
Who Is Carl Buntion? Oldest Texas Death Row Inmate Faces Execution
“I hope we can close the book.” Family remembers HPD cop 24 hours before killer is set to die
Texas’ Oldest Death Row Inmate, Cop Killer Carl Wayne Buntion, Set To Die In April
Convicted Houston cop killer scheduled for execution Thursday
Wikipedia: Carl Wayne Buntion
Texas Executes Its Oldest Death Row Inmate For 1990 Cop Killing
Convicted killer Carl Wayne Buntion executed for 1990 slaying of HPD officer James Irby
Texas executes Carl Buntion, the state’s oldest death row prisoner, for Houston police officer’s murder
‘I do have remorse’: Convicted Houston cop killer executed in Huntsville

Books
Fallen Heroes of the Bayou City : Houston Police Department 1860-2006

INMATE INFORMATION

Cold Case: Jerry Rosado charged with the 1990 rape 20-year-old Susan Negersmith

Find-A-Grave: Susan Marie Negersmith
Arrest made in connection with 32-year-old rape, homicide case in Wildwood
N.J. man, 62, charged with sexual assault of woman in 1990 cold case, authorities say
Jerry Rosado Arrested In 32-Year-Old Sexual Assault Cold Case In Wildwood, Prosecutors Say
Millville man, 62, arrested and charged in 1990 Cape May County cold case
Millville man charged in Susan Negersmith cold case in Wildwood

INMATE INFORMATION

He has not yet been charged with murder.

Cold Case: Deadly Husbands: Gregory J. Houser killed his wife, Sheryl; Sentenced to 55 years in prison


Sheryl Fehr Houser

Find-A-Grave: Sheryl A Fehr Houser
Illinois Man Faces Charges In Wife’s 1990 Death
Mansfield man to plead not guilty to murder charges
Judge rules probable cause in Houser case
Evidence in Question for the Trial of Gregory Houser
Monticello man found guilty in wife’s murder
Man found guilty of murder in 1990 death of wife
Gregory Houser Found Guilty in the 1990 Murder & Sexual Assault of His Wife
Gregory Houser sentenced to 55 years in prison
Appeals court upholds Houser murder conviction

Podcasts
Not Your Normal Murder: The Murder of Sheryl Houser

Books
THE WHEELS OF JUSTICE: The True Story Of A 27-Year Battle To Convict My Sister’s Killer

INMATE INFORMATION

Psycho For Love: Henry Lee Waiters killed his wife, Teresa Waiters, because she would not change the TV channel; Sentenced to life in prison

Find-A-Grave: Teresa D. Waiters
Hubby blows away his wife – for not switching TV!
Husband gets life in wife’s killing

INMATE INFORMATION

Cold Case: Mary Ann Hughes killed her husband, Larry Richard Hughes in 1990; In 2016 DNA gave her up; Sentenced to time served and 10 years probation


Larry Hughes

Find-A-Grave: Larry R. Hughes
Tennessee homeowner tears up carpet, finds crime scene in decades-old murder
Homeowner may have found crime scene in decades-old murder
Arrest made in the 26 year old Murder case of Larry Richard Hughes.
Murder victim’s body exhumed after new leads in cold case
Woman arrested 26 years after husband’s murder
Woman arrested for death of husband in 26 year old murder case
Giles County Sheriff’s Department announced breaking news regarding a 29 year old homicide case.
Plea agreement reached in 29-year homicide cold case
Where is Mary Ann Hughes Now?

Movies/Documentaries
Living a Nightmare: Trouble in Giles County

INMATE INFORMATION

Monsters Among Us: James William Cushing killed 63-year-old Geneva McDonald; Sentenced to LWOP

Find-A-Grave: Geneva M McDonald
Queen Ax Hill
Suspect In Killing Had Tragic History
Aggravated Murder, Other Charges Against Transient
Mentally Ill Transient Admits Killing With Ax
Jurors Hear, See Bloody Details In Queen Anne Ax-Murder Case
Officer Testimony Rattles Defendant At Ax-Murder Trial
The State of Washington v James William Cushing 1993
Where Is James Cushing Now?

Media clip about trial:

Movies/Documentaries
Ice Cold Killers: The Axeman Cometh

INMATE INFORMATION

JAMES WILLIAM CUSHING
Age 68
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Unknown
Date of Birth Nov 13, 1953
Aliases JAMES W CUSHING, JIM CUSHING
Offender ID 976576
Custody Status Date Apr 09, 2018 12:15 PM PDT
Custody Status In Custody
Book Date Mar 13, 1991 12:00 AM PST
LOCATION: Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
7345 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 725-8213

Execution Alert: Keith Leroy Tharpe for the murder of his sister-in-law, Jaquelyn Freeman

From Tharpe’s appeal: Tharpe’s wife left him on August 28, 1990 and moved in with her mother. Following various threats of violence made by the defendant to and about his wife and her family, a peace warrant was taken out against him, and the defendant was ordered not to have any contact with his wife or her family. Notwithstanding this order, Tharpe called his wife on September 24, 1990 and argued with her, saying if she wanted to “play dirty,” he would show her “what dirty was.”

On the morning of the 25th, his wife and her sister-in-law met Tharpe as they drove to work. He used his vehicle to block theirs and force them to stop. He got out of his vehicle, armed with a shotgun and apparently under the influence of drugs, and ordered them out of their vehicle. After telling the sister-in-law he was going to “f––– you up,” he took her to the rear of his vehicle, where he shot her. He rolled her into a ditch, reloaded, and shot her again, killing her.

9/27/2017 – He was granted a temporary stay of execution.

Tharpe then drove away with his wife. After unsuccessfully trying to rent a motel room, Tharpe parked by the side of the road and raped his wife. Afterward, he drove to Macon, where his wife was to obtain money from her credit union. Instead she called the police.

Tharpe v Head 2000 (habeas corpus remanded for a decision)
Keith Tharpe v Warden 2016 (habeas corpus denied)
Execution Date Set for Keith Leroy Tharpe, Convicted of Murder
Execution date set for man convicted in decades-old grisly murder
Tharpe Execution Media Advisory – Last Meal
With his execution date set, Jones County killer requests final meal
Georgia plans to execute man who killed sister-in-law
Lawyers: Death sentence tainted by juror’s racial bias
The Latest: Board Denies Clemency for Condemned Prisoner
Parole board declines to spare life of inmate set to die
Condemned Georgia man loses clemency bid after lawyers cite juror’s racial bias
Georgia plans to execute man who killed sister-in-law
GA Supreme Court rejects stay of execution; killer set to die tonight
Keith Leroy Tharpe – Georgia Execution – September 26, 2017
Murderpedia: Keith Leroy Tharpe
The Latest: Supreme Court grants temporary stay of execution
U.S. Supreme Court grants stay of execution to Georgia killer

INMATE INFORMATION

NAME: THARPE, KEITH LEROY
GDC ID: 0000173325

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

YOB: 1958
RACE: BLACK
GENDER: MALE
HEIGHT: 5’09”
WEIGHT: 195
EYE COLOR: BROWN
HAIR COLOR: BLACK
SCARS, MARKS, TATTOOS

INCARCERATION DETAILS

MAJOR OFFENSE: MURDER
MOST RECENT INSTITUTION: GA DIAG CLASS PRISON
MAX POSSIBLE RELEASE DATE: DEATH

ACTUAL RELEASE DATE: CURRENTLY SERVING
CURRENT STATUS: ACTIVE

KNOWN ALIASES
A.K.A. THARPE,KEITH L
A.K.A. THARPE,KEITH LEROY
A.K.A. THORPE,KEITH L

STATE OF GEORGIA – CURRENT SENTENCES

CASE NO: 271622
OFFENSE: MURDER
CONVICTION COUNTY: JONES COUNTY
CRIME COMMIT DATE: 09/25/1990
SENTENCE LENGTH: NOT AVAILABLE

CASE NO: 271622
OFFENSE: KIDNAPPING
CONVICTION COUNTY: JONES COUNTY
CRIME COMMIT DATE: 09/25/1990
SENTENCE LENGTH: NOT AVAILABLE

CASE NO: 271622
OFFENSE: KIDNAPPING
CONVICTION COUNTY: JONES COUNTY
CRIME COMMIT DATE: 09/25/1990
SENTENCE LENGTH: NOT AVAILABLE
STATE OF GEORGIA – PRIOR SENTENCES

STATE OF GEORGIA – INCARCERATION HISTORY

INCARCERATION BEGIN: 01/18/1991
INCARCERATION END: ACTIVE
INCARCERATION BEGIN: 04/04/1988
INCARCERATION END: 06/23/1988

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