Bio

Timothy Robert Ronk was born in 1979. Before his criminal activities, Ronk lived in Biloxi, Mississippi. At the time of his arrest, he was in a relationship with Michelle Craite. They lived together, but their relationship was troubled. Reports indicate that Ronk had financial difficulties and sought stability in his relationship with Craite, who was older than him.

Ronk's mental health has been a topic of discussion. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD in his youth, which impacted his behavior. Some suggested that these conditions may have led to poor decision-making in his life.

In August 2008, Ronk’s life took a tragic turn. He and Craite had a heated argument, as Ronk was preparing to leave her for another woman he met online. This argument ultimately led to a violent event that would change the course of his life forever.

Ronk was arrested the day after the incident at his home and later convicted of capital murder. He faced significant legal repercussions for his actions, which resulted in his sentencing to death in 2010.

Murder Story

On August 26, 2008, Timothy Robert Ronk killed his girlfriend, Michelle Craite, in their home in Biloxi, Mississippi. After an argument, Ronk stabbed Craite multiple times. Following the stabbing, he poured gasoline around the house and set it on fire. Emergency responders found Craite's body in the burning home. The fire caused severe burns that made it difficult for her family to identify her.

The next day, on August 27, Ronk was arrested in Florida while trying to flee to another woman. He had been in contact with this woman over the internet. During his arrest, authorities found a knife and evidence of his purchases made with Craite’s debit card, including an engagement ring. The investigation revealed that Ronk had used Craite's money to plan his escape to Florida.

Ronk's trial began in October 2010. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that he had acted with intent during both the stabbing and the subsequent arson. The jury convicted Ronk of capital murder and armed robbery. For his actions, he was sentenced to death on October 8, 2010.

Despite his conviction, Ronk maintained that he had acted in self-defense during an altercation with Craite. He later argued that he did not intend to kill her. However, the jury found that he had committed the murder while engaging in the felony of arson, which supports capital murder charges under Mississippi law.

Ronk's various appeals have been denied, including requests for a rehearing to contest his death sentence. As of September 18, 2015, the Mississippi Supreme Court decided not to grant further appeal considerations. His execution remains pending.