Bio

Ronald Dale Yeatts was born in 1961 in Virginia. Little is known about his childhood and early years. Information about his family background and education is limited. However, it is reported that he later had legal troubles, including convictions for burglary.

Throughout his youth and into his early adulthood, he got involved in crime. He had a record of petty crimes before moving on to more serious offenses. By the late 1980s, he was struggling with substance abuse issues, as he was involved in drug use and drinking.

In 1989, Ronald was 28 years old and living in Blairs, Virginia, a rural area in Pittsylvania County. During this time, he became friends with Charles Michael Vernon, and they engaged in behaviors that revolved around alcohol and drugs. Their friendship would later lead them to commit a serious crime together.

Ronald's life took a dark turn when he and Vernon decided to commit a robbery. This decision was influenced by their drug use and financial needs at the time. Yeatts had a troubled path that ultimately led to his participation in criminal activities, culminating in the events that would change his life forever.

Murder Story

On September 23, 1989, Ronald Dale Yeatts, along with his friend Charles Michael Vernon, went to the home of 70-year-old Ruby Meeks Dodson in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. They sought to rob her, knowing she kept money in her house. After drinking and using drugs, Yeatts asked Vernon if he knew anyone who had money. Vernon mentioned Dodson, and they drove to her home under the pretense of having car trouble.

When they arrived, they opened the hood of their car and asked Dodson for glasses of water. While Dodson left to get the water, Yeatts and Vernon entered her house. Vernon went straight to Dodson's bedroom to search for money. Yeatts followed him and grabbed Dodson's purse. After taking the money, they fled the house.

Later, nearby neighbors found Dodson dead on her kitchen floor. She had been stabbed, and evidence pointed back to Yeatts and Vernon. Vernon eventually confessed to the crime and implicated Yeatts. He also received a deal from the prosecution in exchange for his testimony against Yeatts.

In December 1990, Ronald Yeatts was found guilty of capital murder and robbery. He was sentenced to death and also received 20 years for the robbery charge. Vernon was sentenced to two life sentences. Yeatts maintained his innocence, but during various statements, he implicated himself in Dodson's murder.

Yeatts's convictions were upheld through multiple appeals. After years in prison, he was executed by lethal injection on April 29, 1999. He did not make a final statement before his execution.