Boyfriend describes Grant Street overpass killing (Thug drops woman off overpass)

The (Gary) Post-Tribune ^ | 11.14.02 | Lori Caldwell

[mhking]

Boyfriend describes Grant Street overpass killing

Nov. 14, 2002 

By Lori Caldwell / Post-Tribune staff writer

GARY — Ronnie Terrell Thomas admitted to police he “dropped” his pregnant girlfriend off the Grant Street overpass of Interstate 94, heard her scream twice, then watched a truck run over her motionless body, court records state.

“He then turned away, got back into his car and left. He stated that he did not try to help her,” the probable cause affidavit states.

Thomas, 26, was charged with murder Wednesday in Lake Superior Court in Crown Point based on evidence presented by Indiana State Police Detective Tim Isenberg. The suspect was arrested Monday night after he went to the Lake County Police Department and told his version of the events.

Consuella “Candy” Williams, 22, was pregnant with another man’s child, and Williams and Thomas had been arguing that night at her sister’s house, the probable cause affidavit states.

The couple have a 1-year-old child together, state police said Tuesday.

Her sister, Secret Williams, told Indiana State Police detectives the couple continued to argue as they left her Glen Park home about 8 p.m. Monday night.

Although Thomas told police he and Williams were “hugging and kissing” after he stopped the car on the overpass before he “helped her” out, a Lake County crime laboratory detective who searched the vehicle found a metal locking device covered with blood and human tissue in the back seat, court records state.

Thomas will make his initial appearance in court at 10 a.m. today, Diane Poulton, spokeswoman for Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter, said.

In his statement to ISP investigators a few hours after Williams was found dead on the highway, Thomas said he convinced her to go with him to buy flowers and ice cream “to make up with her from the argument,” the affidavit states.

He stopped in a construction area on the overpass and “he picked her up underneath her arms and was holding her up in the air. He was asking her if she was still 'going to help me’ and (she) said 'yes,’ but Thomas didn’t believe her answer and then dropped her over the side of the bridge,” the court record states.

Williams died from multiple blunt force trauma. Police at the scene said detectives found personal items and clothing under the bridge, more than 100 yards from where the body came to rest after numerous vehicles struck her.

Williams’ 6-month-old fetus was also found on the expressway near her body, investigators said. A report filed by the Lake County coroner states the fetus’ hands were developed.

A domestic battery report filed by Williams with Merrillville police in July resulted in an 18-day jail term for Thomas.

He faces up to 65 years in prison if convicted of the murder charge.

Carter said Wednesday he will review the case and decide later if he will seek the death penalty against Thomas.

Funeral services for Williams will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Smith, Bizzell and Warner Funeral Home, 4209 Grant St. Visitation will be held starting at 10 a.m. Friday.

Reach reporter Lori Caldwell at 881-3119 or by e-mail at lcaldwell@post-trib.com.

[GBA]

This has got to be the sickest, most disgusting thing I've read in as long as I can remember. Only 65 years?!? 65 years of free food and color tv?!? How about 65 years of torture and agony as a start?

[MEGoody]

This guy should be charged with two murders - the death of the woman and the death of her unborn child.

[MEGoody]

"Regardless of race, I'm sure Mr. Thomas was hug-less growing up, and therefore we should not be so hard on him. He's a victim, too."

LOL

[Huck]

We need sensible gravity regulation.

[antaresequity]

Lets dial him in for SLOW ROAST

....Set It & Forget It

[BJungNan]

Lets try 65 days followed by being thrown off an overpass in front of a Mack truck. No. I don't think we should do that...

to the truck!

[antaresequity]

the death of the woman and the death of her unborn child.

You realize the implication of being able to charge a murderer with two counts in a case like this..?

The left would bar this backdoor approach with a vengence..

[SarahW]

NO, the help had to do with helping him beat domestic abuse charges.

[dennisw]

I'm disgusted by a society too timid to kill murderers. Yes, not all murderers need to be executed. There can be extenuating circumstances such as self defense.

 But this ghoul is in dire need of execution ASAP. He killed a woman and her unborn baby with no remorse.

[Gunrunner2]

Well stated. . .especially the "toaster" part.

[Ciexyz]

This guy should be charged with two murders - the death of the woman and the death of her unborn child.

Exactly the words I was going to type!

We can be consoled that the soul of the pre-born child was taken directly into the presence of Jesus and the Almighty Father God. (Hopefully the Mother also. But definitely that innocent child. That's the only thought that comforts me about this horrible crime.)

[buffyt]

This is so sad and so sick. There IS evil in this world, and this guy is part of it. So tragic! My sister tried for years to have a baby and was never able to, hearing of this murdered unborn child doubles this tragedy. God rest their souls! The murderer will have to face up to this when he dies, too.

[Ciexyz]

Are you suggesting that Mr. Thomas is an African-American?

I figured he was, because this article was on the FR Black ping list. Of course, we know that heartless monsters come in all colors.

[mafree]

Fry this fiend now!!

[thegreatbeast]

A lot of the questions I had were answered when I read, "Her sister, Secret Williams..." I feel guilty about it but...
The scabrous soul of Mr. Thomas will get its just dessert at one point or another.