Timothy Ronk
Death Penalty Information Center Info
Age: 44
Sex: Male
Race: White
State: Mississippi
County: Harrison
Inmate Number: 141817
via FindLaw
Brief Case History
Timothy Ronk was convicted of capital murder for the death of Michelle-Lynn Craite as well as armed robbery and arson. After being called to investigate a house fire on August 26, 2008, authorities found Craite’s body with multiple stab wounds and severe burns. Upon an ATF investigation into the cause of the fire, authorities were able to confirm that a trail of gasoline had been used around and inside the property to ignite the fire. After interviewing Craite’s friends and neighbors, they learned that she had been in a relationship with Timothy Ronk, and that the two had been living together. It was later confirmed through transaction receipts and surveillance footage that Ronk had used Craite’s debit card on the morning of her death.
Investigators were then able to piece together a motive for Ronk’s heinous crime, as phone records showed Ronk’s long distance relationship with a woman named Heather Hendall in Florida. Ronk admits to taking advantage of Craite’s wealth after killing her. One of the purchases with her debit card was used to buy diamond ring from a local Walmart, which Ronk intended to use to propose to Hendall. After Michelle’s murder, Ronk made these purchases and fled to Florida where he was later arrested. Ronk has made several attempts appeal his death sentence, such as by claiming self-defense in response to Craite’s abusive behavior.
via FindLaw