Bio

Theodore Washington was born on June 7, 1960. He grew up in a complex environment that included family dynamics and connections with other individuals who played a significant role in his life.

Washington lived in Banning, California. This small town was home to other important figures, including Fred Robinson and Jimmy Mathers. Washington's life in Banning intersected with the turbulent relationship between Robinson and his common-law wife, Susan Hill. Susan faced many challenges in her life, including abuse from Robinson.

In 1986, Susan managed to escape Robinson for a time and stay with her sister in North Hollywood. However, Robinson managed to find her, leading to a dangerous confrontation where he threatened her and her family. Throughout these events, Theodore Washington remained a friend of Robinson and was involved in discussions about Susan.

In early 1987, Susan was allowed to visit her father and stepmother in Yuma, Arizona. During this time, she and her family were aware of Robinson’s aggressive behavior. They took measures to keep her safe, such as obtaining a peace bond against him. Susan stayed in Yuma for almost a month and did not inform Robinson of her location when she moved to see her grandmother.

On June 8, 1987, Washington was seen discussing a trip to Arizona with Robinson and Mathers. They prepared for the trip by loading weapons into a car. This marked a critical moment in Washington’s life, connecting him to significant and violent events that would follow.

Murder Story

On June 8, 1987, Theodore Washington, along with Fred Robinson and Jimmy Mathers, committed a violent crime in Yuma County, Arizona. Late that night, they entered the home of Ralph and Sterleen Hill. The intruders forced the Hills to lie face down on the floor in their bedroom and tied them up. Washington, wearing a red bandanna, held a gun to Mr. Hill's head while the others ransacked the house.

During the crime, one of the intruders shot both Ralph and Sterleen with a 12-gauge shotgun. Sterleen was killed, but Ralph survived despite suffering severe injuries. Following the shooting, their teenage son, LeSean, managed to escape and called the police from a neighbor's house.

Shortly after the incident, police found Robinson driving a tan Chevette that had weapons and a red bandanna inside. The vehicle was linked to the crime scene, and it sped away just before officers arrived. A shotgun was discovered later near where the crime took place, and it was identified as being the same one that had been loaded into Robinson's car earlier that day.

The next day, Mathers was arrested in Coachella, California. Washington was taken into custody the following day in Banning, California. The three men were charged with several crimes, including murder and armed robbery. A trial began in December 1987, and by December 15, all three were found guilty. They were sentenced to death on January 18, 1988.