Bio

Eddie Leroy Trice was born on March 27, 1952, to a teenage mother named Viola Gross. She was just 14 years old when she became pregnant after being raped. Viola received very little prenatal care during her pregnancy. After Eddie was born, she had seven more children with four different men. Throughout his early life, Eddie faced many challenges.

Trice experienced severe physical and sexual abuse. At times, he was beaten by his stepfather, and there were incidents where he was deprived of food. A particularly traumatic event occurred when he was beaten unconscious without any medical treatment. He also faced sexual abuse from various individuals, including a neighbor and a priest. This abuse and violence left a deep impact on him.

As a child, Eddie struggled in school. He did not learn to read or write properly and had learning disabilities. By the age of nine, he began drinking alcohol, and his addiction intensified as he grew older. He frequently consumed large amounts of alcohol, leading to a troubled youth. He even attempted suicide at the age of 12 and found himself in jail at age 16, where he was raped again.

Eddie had numerous head injuries throughout his life, including a significant injury from a car accident. His medical history showed persistent issues that affected his IQ and mental health. He was diagnosed with PTSD and showed signs of diminished mental capacity due to his traumatic experiences and upbringing.

Murder Story

On February 13, 1987, Eddie Leroy Trice spent most of the day drinking alcohol and using drugs. Later that evening, he left his apartment and drove to the home of 84-year-old Earnestine Jones and her 63-year-old son, Emanuel Jones, who had mental disabilities. Trice parked a block away and entered their home through a bedroom window.

Once inside, Trice brutally attacked Earnestine using nunchucks, a type of martial arts weapon. He severely beat her, causing numerous injuries. She suffered fractures to her jaw and eye socket, as well as severe internal damage. He also assaulted Emanuel, striking him with a hammer and causing significant injuries. Before leaving, Trice stole approximately $500 in cash.

Trice returned to his apartment with the stolen money and bragged about the assault to his roommate. The roommate noticed blood on Trice's clothes and called the police. Trice was arrested four days later after admitting to the crime during questioning.

He was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree rape, burglary, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Trice was convicted and sentenced to death in June 1987. Despite many appeals, his conviction was upheld.

On January 9, 2001, Eddie Leroy Trice was executed by lethal injection in Oklahoma. He was the first person executed in the state that year.