Timothy Ronk
July 10, 2010
Ronk gets death for capital murder
GULFPORT — A Harrison County jury has given Timothy Ronk the death penalty for the capital murder of Michelle Craite.
The jury began deliberations at 1:55 p.m. today in the sentencing phase of the trial. They reached a verdict around 6:30 p.m., but asked for dinner before they returned the verdict in court.
Circuit Judge Lisa Dodson gave the jury instructions for three different verdicts they could choose as punishment for capital murder: death, life without parole or to agree they’re undecided.
They deliberated more than four hours on the penalty for the slaying. It took them about 2-1/2 hours Thursday to find him guilty on both counts.
The judge also sentenced Ronk to 30 years for the armed robbery.
In closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Chris Schmidt told the jury few cases in Mississippi justify imposing the death penalty.
“This is one of them,” Schmidt said.
The jury had been sequestered since Tuesday.
Craite, 37, was found dead in the ruins of her home Aug. 26, 2008. She lived on Timber Ridge Lane in Biloxi’s Woolmarket area. She had been stabbed and her home set on fire.
Dr. Beverly Smallwood, a psychologist, testified Friday that Ronk has a history of mental disorders and of failing to comply with doctors’ orders for treatment.
Smallwood said Ronk has bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and in her opinion, an antisocial personality.
She said, however, his mental disorders did not overpower his will to make right decisions.
“He made a behavior choice,” she said. “He knew right from wrong.”
Unlike most types of felony cases, a sentencing phase is required in capital murder trials when the state seeks the death penalty; only a jury can decide a convicted killer should be put to death.
http://www.sunherald.com/2010/10/07/...e-updated.html
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