Bio

Thomas Lee Ward was born in 1936 in the United States. He grew up in a family that faced many difficulties. Little information is available about his early childhood. As he grew older, his life took a troubled turn marked by various challenges.

Ward had a complicated family life. He eventually married and had children. However, his relationship with his family was strained, and he faced significant personal problems. At some point, he moved to California. While living there, he got into trouble with the law. He served a 60-day jail sentence for a crime involving his daughter, Linda Ward.

After his release from jail, Ward traveled by bus to New Orleans, Louisiana. He arrived there on June 22, 1983. His estranged wife, Linda, and their children were staying at her mother and stepfather’s house. Ward was allowed to visit his children at this home. He spent some time there and then left to drink at a local bar.

Later that night, he returned to the house. During this visit, he became upset and acted violently. This visit would lead to significant consequences for him. Ward's life after this night was marked by legal troubles, ultimately ending in his conviction and execution.

Murder Story

On the night of June 22, 1983, Thomas Lee Ward arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, after taking a bus from California. He had recently been released from jail where he served time for a crime involving his daughter, Linda. Ward went to the home of Lydia and John Spencer, his estranged wife's parents, where his wife and children were staying. He was allowed into the house to visit his children and asked to take a bath.

While at the house, Ward learned that his wife had started receiving welfare and that there were issues with one of the daughters. This news upset him. Instead of expressing his feelings, he left the house. Later, he went to a local bar, where he consumed vodka, beer, and cocaine. The following morning, at around 5:30 a.m., he returned to the Spencer home, asking to see his children one last time.

After visiting with his children, Ward entered the bedroom of his mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law. He took out a gun and shot Wilbert John Spencer, fatally wounding him. When Lydia Spencer reached for her husband, Ward shot her as well. As she attempted to escape the house, Ward shot her multiple times. Linda Ward and her brother, Ernest Scott, heard the commotion and ran to alert neighbors for help.

When the police arrived, Ward approached them, seemingly ready to turn himself in. At first, they did not arrest him, as they were unaware of the situation. However, after investigating further, the officers realized he was the suspect and arrested him. Lydia Spencer survived the attack.

Ward was later indicted for first-degree murder. His trial began, and on August 15, 1984, he was found guilty. During the trial, testimony revealed his history of abusive behavior toward his children. The jury recommended the death penalty for his crimes.

On May 16, 1995, Thomas Lee Ward was executed by lethal injection at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. He did not make a final statement but communicated through his attorney, expressing mixed feelings about his actions and the death penalty.