Bio

Leroy B. White was born on November 28, 1958. He grew up in a small community in Alabama. Information about his childhood and early life is limited. There are some details about his upbringing and character that can be gathered from various sources, setting the stage for his later actions.

By adulthood, Leroy was married to Ruby White. They had two children together, including a daughter named Latonia. The couple faced difficulties in their marriage, especially related to issues of domestic violence. In August 1988, Ruby White filed for divorce after experiencing physical abuse from Leroy, including an incident where he shot her in the leg. Since the divorce process was beginning, Ruby moved into a shelter for abused spouses to escape the troubled marriage.

While Ruby was making plans for her and her children's future, Leroy was not willing to accept the separation. As the divorce case moved forward, Leroy became increasingly angry about the situation. In September 1988, he agreed to move out of the family home in Huntsville, Alabama, allowing Ruby and her children to return. Ruby changed the locks to the house and continued to take steps towards ending their marriage.

On October 17, 1988, Leroy White purchased a shotgun and ammunition before going to Ruby's home. Earlier that day, he had been drinking alcohol, and the incident that followed would mark a tragic turn in the lives of those involved. Events related to the divorce and past conflicts contributed to a tense atmosphere, which ultimately led to harmful consequences for Ruby and their family.

These earlier life experiences, combined with Leroy's actions as an adult, played a crucial role in shaping the events that would unfold later in their lives. Leroy's background reflects the struggles of a marriage marked by anger, resentment, and violence, leading to one of the most tragic moments in their shared lives.

Murder Story

On October 17, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama, Leroy White committed a violent crime against his estranged wife, Ruby Lanier White. Earlier that year, Ruby, a schoolteacher, had filed for divorce. Leroy, angered by the divorce, had previously shot Ruby in the leg but she did not press charges. On the day of the murder, he purchased a shotgun and shotgun shells and went to Ruby's home where she was visiting with her sister, Stella Lanier.

Leroy shot open the front door, entered the home, and shot Stella in the chest and shoulder. He then left, reloaded his shotgun, and returned to the house. While Ruby attempted to flee, he shot her in the yard. As she lay wounded, Leroy shot her again. Ruby died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Stella Lanier survived and later testified against Leroy.

Leroy was arrested on the same day. During his trial, the jury took about 20 minutes to find him guilty of capital murder. They recommended a life sentence without parole by a vote of 9-3, but the judge, Daniel Banks, rejected this recommendation and sentenced Leroy to death. He stated that Leroy's actions were especially heinous compared to other capital offenses.

Leroy White was executed by lethal injection in Alabama on January 13, 2011. He declined a final meal and had no last words before his execution.