Ramon Rogers: A Tale of Murder and Deceit

The Unraveling of a Serial Killer

Ramon Jay Rogers, born Ramon Jay Franks on March 13, 1960, in Emmett, Idaho, would become a name etched in the annals of American crime history. Known for his gruesome acts of violence, Rogers was a former actor turned serial killer who claimed the lives of a male friend and two ex-girlfriends in San Diego, California, between 1993 and 1996. His heinous crimes involved not just murder but also the post-mortem dismemberment of his victims. Ultimately, Rogers was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder, leading to a death sentence.

Early Life: The Making of Ramon Rogers

Rogers' life began with a mix of cultures and challenges. Born to a white American father and a black mother who had immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago, young Ramon faced early adversity. His biological parents, unable to provide for him financially, entrusted his upbringing to the Rogers family. Despite this rocky start, Ramon grew up in a loving and supportive environment, with the two families maintaining a close bond.

In high school, Rogers was well-liked by his peers, gaining recognition for his athletic prowess. After graduation, he joined the Navy, serving until 1982. During this time, he forged a close friendship with Ronald "Ron" Stadt. After their military service, the two relocated to San Diego, California, sharing an apartment as roommates.

Rogers' life in the 1980s and early 1990s was a patchwork of jobs. He worked as a reserve sheriff's deputy, appeared as a movie extra on the TV show Renegade, and played small roles in local Crime Stoppers productions. He also managed a car window tinting business, a cellular phone service, and an apartment building at 7007 Saranac. In the mid-1990s, Rogers even attempted to join a heavy metal band named Mister Butterfly as their drummer.

The Murders: A Grim Sequence of Events

Ron Stadt: A Friendship Gone Awry

The tragic series of events began with Rogers' closest friend, Ron Stadt. In July 1992, Stadt divorced his wife Debra, igniting a custody battle over their child. The situation escalated in 1993 when Stadt discovered his ex-wife's affair with Rogers, which he intended to use in his custody case.

On June 24, 1993, Stadt received a phone call from Rogers, leading to an argument. Stadt, wary of Rogers' intentions, asked a colleague, Michael Proo, to accompany him to retrieve some jewelry from their shared apartment. Proo declined, and Stadt went alone. That evening, Stadt was last seen by his ex-wife as he drove into an alley behind the Saranac apartments, with Rogers following closely. Debra Stadt reported that Rogers urged her to leave when he saw her, and that was the last time anyone saw Ron Stadt alive.

Debra later questioned Rogers about his interactions with Ron, to which he gave conflicting answers—first claiming Ron came to pick up a ladder, then jewelry. Rogers' erratic explanations and possession of Stadt's belongings, such as car keys and a radar detector, only deepened suspicions.

Rose Albano: A Lover's Betrayal

Later in 1993, Rogers faced another personal crisis. An ex-girlfriend, 33-year-old Filipina Rose Albano, informed him of her pregnancy with his child. Unwilling to support her or her two other children, Rogers demanded an abortion and her departure from his apartment, but Albano refused.

Albano vanished on December 18, 1993, last seen by her parents. Rogers reported her missing five days later, claiming to have last seen her on December 12. His story shifted when he later told police he saw her on December 21, providing a different address. Friends noted Rogers' indifference to Albano's disappearance, offering varied explanations for her absence—suggesting she went to Los Angeles, returned to the Philippines, or moved for a job.

On December 29, 1993, Albano's dismembered remains were found in a trash bag near Valley Center, close to Rogers' residence. This gruesome discovery, coupled with Rogers' suspicious financial activity tied to Albano's retirement funds, led to his interrogation in March 1994.

Beatrice Toronczak: The Final Act

Rogers' final victim, 32-year-old Polish immigrant Beatrice "Biata" Toronczak, shared a son with him. In late 1995, determined to bring his son to the U.S., Rogers retrieved the child from Poland. Toronczak followed on February 11, 1996, moving into Rogers' apartment. Her presence forced Rogers to relocate his new girlfriend.

Toronczak disappeared just before her birthday on February 18, 1996. Rogers' explanations for her sudden absence varied, claiming she fled with a Mexican man or traveled to Germany or Las Vegas. Despite these claims, Rogers showed little concern and refused to file a police report. Toronczak had previously confided in her mother about Rogers' abusive behavior, including being locked in a storage unit after an argument.

The Investigation: Uncovering the Truth

On March 11, 1996, Toronczak's family filed a missing persons report, prompting the San Diego Police Department to investigate Rogers' apartment. Initially detained for drug possession, a search of storage units beneath his apartment revealed an array of incriminating evidence: Toronczak's personal items, human teeth and fingers, torn clothing, and bloodstained tools.

This discovery led to Rogers being charged with Toronczak's murder. Subsequent findings linked him to the deaths of Stadt and Albano, resulting in additional murder charges.

Connections to Idaho: Unresolved Mysteries

During the investigation, detectives also examined Rogers' potential involvement in the 1977 disappearance of 28-year-old Marie Watson from Emmett, Idaho. At the time, the Rogers family was embroiled in a dispute with Watson, but without a body or conclusive evidence, charges were never filed.

Trial and Sentencing: Justice Served

In September 1996, Rogers stood trial, despite his defense attorney's protests over insufficient evidence. The prosecution presented the damning evidence collected from Rogers' property, including photographs of the victims' remains. Throughout the trial, Rogers remained emotionless, taking notes as the proceedings unfolded.

In June 1997, the jury found Rogers guilty of all three murders: two counts of first-degree murder for Albano and Toronczak, and one count of second-degree murder for Stadt. He received a death sentence, which was upheld by the Supreme Court of California in 2009, despite his numerous appeals.

Aftermath: A Legacy of Evil

As of July 2024, Ramon Rogers remains on death row. His case stands as a dark chapter in the history of crime, leaving a lasting impact on those involved. Judge Frederick Link, who presided over the trial, reflected on the case as one of the three death penalty cases in his 40-year career, marking its significance in his judicial legacy.

Sources

• People v. Rogers (2009)
• "Murder Suspect Charged in 2 More Killings", Los Angeles Times, April 3, 1996.
• Tony Perry, "Man Suspected in Dismemberment Slayings", Los Angeles Times, March 14, 1996.
• Scott Marshall, "Trial begins for SD man charged in triple homicide", North County Times, June 18, 1997.
• "Police ID body parts from locker", North County Times, March 16, 1996.
• "Multiple deaths trial set for man", North County Times, September 11, 1996.
• Tony Perry, "San Diego Police Search for More Body Parts", Los Angeles Times, March 15, 1996.
• "Police work old case", South Idaho Press, June 28, 1996.
• "San Diego man to stand trial for brutal series of murders", The San Bernardino Sun, September 11, 1996.
• "Trial begins in murder case", The Salinas Californian, June 18, 1997.
• "Triple killer convicted", United Press International, June 30, 1997.
• "State court upholds death sentence for actor in mid-1990s murders", The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 6, 2009.
• Shannon Handy, "San Diego Superior Court judge set to retire after more than 40 years", KFMB-TV, April 7, 2022.