Ronald Hinton
Chicago Serial Killer and Rapist
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois
TIME PERIOD
1996-1999
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Hinton committed a series of brutal murders in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago between 1996 and 1999, targeting three women: Felicia Mullins, Keary Gagnier, and Merceda Ares. The first victim, 17-year-old Mullins, was found strangled in her apartment on December 6, 1996. On August 18, 1998, Hinton and an accomplice attacked 36-year-old Gagnier in her home, sexually assaulting and strangling her before stealing her belongings. The final victim, 31-year-old Ares, was murdered on February 13, 1999, after being raped and strangled by Hinton and two accomplices, who then used her bank card to withdraw cash. Hinton was apprehended in March 1999 and ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in 2004, receiving three life sentences without the possibility of parole. Significant evidence included DNA linking Hinton to the crime scenes and the recovery of stolen items from the victims.
Ronald Hinton is believed to have targeted vulnerable women and girls, exploiting his relationships with them to gain access before committing his crimes. Some speculate that his abusive upbringing and struggles with addiction may have contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there is a theory that Hinton's actions were partly motivated by a desire for control and power, reflecting deeper psychological issues stemming from his childhood experiences.
The Grim Tale of Ronald Hinton: A Serial Killer's Path
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Born on September 17, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois, Ronald Hinton's life was fraught with adversity from the very start. Raised in a household overshadowed by abuse, Hinton and his siblings suffered at the hands of a mother who wielded a belt with the conviction that her children were possessed by Satan. This tumultuous upbringing left scars that would manifest in darker ways as Hinton grew older. After their mother abandoned them, Hinton's struggles with severe drug addiction took root, exacerbated by the tragic death of his son. Despite these hardships, or perhaps because of them, he fathered a daughter and embarked on a criminal career marked by numerous robbery convictions.
The Murders in Rogers Park
Felicia Mullins
The horror began on a cold December 6, 1996, when Hinton entered the apartment of Felicia Mullins, a 17-year-old girl with whom he had been intimately involved. In the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Hinton's relationship with Mullins took a sinister turn. He attacked her, sexually assaulted her, and ultimately strangled her to death. Leaving the lifeless body behind, he exited the scene. Hours later, Mullins' boyfriend stumbled upon the tragic discovery and flagged down a police cruiser, revealing the grim scene to the officers. The coroner's examination confirmed that Mullins, a young mother of three who had her first child at 14, had been strangled.
Keary Gagnier
On August 18, 1998, Hinton, accompanied by Michael Sanders, intruded upon the life of 36-year-old Keary Lea Gagnier. The pair invaded her third-floor apartment, again in Rogers Park, and attacked Gagnier in her bedroom. Without any prior relationship with the victim, Hinton and Sanders raped her, and Hinton strangled her to death. They fled the scene, discarding her belongings, including her ID, in a nearby trash can. Her body was discovered later, and sanitation workers found her personal items, leading investigators to piece together the heinous act.
Merceda Ares
The violence escalated on February 13, 1999, when Hinton, Sanders, and a third accomplice, David Wales, broke into the apartment of 31-year-old Merceda Faye Ares. This time, the trio raped Ares, with Hinton once more committing the final, fatal act of strangulation. The assailants made off with her belongings, including a bank card, which they used to withdraw money from an ATM. However, their carelessness led to their downfall. Surveillance cameras captured their images, and when these were broadcast on local television, Hinton's third-grade daughter recognized her father's face. She bravely informed her teacher, who then alerted the police. This crucial tip led to the arrests of Hinton, Sanders, and Wales. Further DNA analysis confirmed their guilt in Ares' murder and implicated Hinton and Sanders in Gagnier's murder and Hinton in Mullins' murder.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Charged with the three murders, Hinton faced the prospect of a death sentence. Sanders faced charges for two murders, while Wales was charged with one. In 2003, Wales was convicted for his involvement in Ares' murder, receiving a 40-year sentence. Faced with overwhelming evidence and the weight of being labeled a serial killer, Hinton opted for a plea deal in 2004. He pled guilty to all charges, thereby avoiding the death penalty in exchange for three life sentences without the possibility of parole. The presiding judge, James Schreier, who had previously commuted the death sentence in a similar case, agreed to the terms of the plea. Sanders, following Hinton's conviction, received two life sentences.
Recent Developments and Current Status
In a twist of fate, October 2023 saw Governor JB Pritzker commute Wales' sentence amidst concerns regarding his level of involvement, making him eligible for parole. Subsequently, on June 4, 2024, Wales was released on parole, a development that stirred public debate. As of August 2025, Ronald Hinton remains incarcerated at Hill Correctional Center, while Sanders serves his time at Stateville Correctional Center.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ronald Hinton
- Jeff Coen, "Man admits in court to strangling 3 women," Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2004.
- Jeff Coen, "Judge spares killer death penalty in 3 slayings during '90s," Chicago Tribune, August 25, 2004.
- "17-year-old mom is found strangled," Chicago Tribune, December 7, 1996.
- "Body of woman, 36, found in her flat," Chicago Tribune, August 22, 1998.
- Michael Ko, "Child's tip leads to 3 arrests in slayings," Chicago Tribune, March 15, 1999.
- "Girl says slaying suspect is her dad," Associated Press, March 16, 1999.
- Meredith Grossman & Jeremy Manier, "DNA LINKS 2 SLAYINGS TO 1 SUSPECT, POLICE SAY," Chicago Tribune, March 11, 1999.
- "Man is charged in 3rd slaying," Chicago Tribune, May 8, 1999.
- "2-time killer gets prison, no parole," Chicago Tribune, December 22, 2004.
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First Murder: Felicia Mullins
Ronald Hinton sexually assaults and strangles 17-year-old Felicia Mullins in her apartment.
Second Murder: Keary Gagnier
Hinton and an accomplice invade the apartment of 36-year-old Keary Gagnier, rape her, and strangle her to death.
Third Murder: Merceda Ares
Hinton, along with two men, rapes and strangles 31-year-old Merceda Ares, using her bank card afterward.
Arrest of Ronald Hinton
Hinton is apprehended after his daughter recognizes him from surveillance footage related to Ares' murder.
Wales Convicted
David Wales is convicted for his role in the murder of Merceda Ares and receives a 40-year sentence.
Hinton Pleads Guilty
Ronald Hinton pleads guilty to all three murders to avoid the death penalty, receiving three life sentences.
Sentencing of Sanders
Michael Sanders is sentenced to two life terms for his involvement in the murders.
Wales' Sentence Commuted
David Wales' sentence is commuted by Governor JB Pritzker, making him eligible for parole.
Wales Released on Parole
David Wales is released on parole after serving time for his role in Ares' murder.
Hinton committed a series of brutal murders in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago between 1996 and 1999, targeting three women: Felicia Mullins, Keary Gagnier, and Merceda Ares. The first victim, 17-year-old Mullins, was found strangled in her apartment on December 6, 1996. On August 18, 1998, Hinton and an accomplice attacked 36-year-old Gagnier in her home, sexually assaulting and strangling her before stealing her belongings. The final victim, 31-year-old Ares, was murdered on February 13, 1999, after being raped and strangled by Hinton and two accomplices, who then used her bank card to withdraw cash. Hinton was apprehended in March 1999 and ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in 2004, receiving three life sentences without the possibility of parole. Significant evidence included DNA linking Hinton to the crime scenes and the recovery of stolen items from the victims.
Ronald Hinton is believed to have targeted vulnerable women and girls, exploiting his relationships with them to gain access before committing his crimes. Some speculate that his abusive upbringing and struggles with addiction may have contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there is a theory that Hinton's actions were partly motivated by a desire for control and power, reflecting deeper psychological issues stemming from his childhood experiences.
The Grim Tale of Ronald Hinton: A Serial Killer's Path
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Born on September 17, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois, Ronald Hinton's life was fraught with adversity from the very start. Raised in a household overshadowed by abuse, Hinton and his siblings suffered at the hands of a mother who wielded a belt with the conviction that her children were possessed by Satan. This tumultuous upbringing left scars that would manifest in darker ways as Hinton grew older. After their mother abandoned them, Hinton's struggles with severe drug addiction took root, exacerbated by the tragic death of his son. Despite these hardships, or perhaps because of them, he fathered a daughter and embarked on a criminal career marked by numerous robbery convictions.
The Murders in Rogers Park
Felicia Mullins
The horror began on a cold December 6, 1996, when Hinton entered the apartment of Felicia Mullins, a 17-year-old girl with whom he had been intimately involved. In the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Hinton's relationship with Mullins took a sinister turn. He attacked her, sexually assaulted her, and ultimately strangled her to death. Leaving the lifeless body behind, he exited the scene. Hours later, Mullins' boyfriend stumbled upon the tragic discovery and flagged down a police cruiser, revealing the grim scene to the officers. The coroner's examination confirmed that Mullins, a young mother of three who had her first child at 14, had been strangled.
Keary Gagnier
On August 18, 1998, Hinton, accompanied by Michael Sanders, intruded upon the life of 36-year-old Keary Lea Gagnier. The pair invaded her third-floor apartment, again in Rogers Park, and attacked Gagnier in her bedroom. Without any prior relationship with the victim, Hinton and Sanders raped her, and Hinton strangled her to death. They fled the scene, discarding her belongings, including her ID, in a nearby trash can. Her body was discovered later, and sanitation workers found her personal items, leading investigators to piece together the heinous act.
Merceda Ares
The violence escalated on February 13, 1999, when Hinton, Sanders, and a third accomplice, David Wales, broke into the apartment of 31-year-old Merceda Faye Ares. This time, the trio raped Ares, with Hinton once more committing the final, fatal act of strangulation. The assailants made off with her belongings, including a bank card, which they used to withdraw money from an ATM. However, their carelessness led to their downfall. Surveillance cameras captured their images, and when these were broadcast on local television, Hinton's third-grade daughter recognized her father's face. She bravely informed her teacher, who then alerted the police. This crucial tip led to the arrests of Hinton, Sanders, and Wales. Further DNA analysis confirmed their guilt in Ares' murder and implicated Hinton and Sanders in Gagnier's murder and Hinton in Mullins' murder.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Charged with the three murders, Hinton faced the prospect of a death sentence. Sanders faced charges for two murders, while Wales was charged with one. In 2003, Wales was convicted for his involvement in Ares' murder, receiving a 40-year sentence. Faced with overwhelming evidence and the weight of being labeled a serial killer, Hinton opted for a plea deal in 2004. He pled guilty to all charges, thereby avoiding the death penalty in exchange for three life sentences without the possibility of parole. The presiding judge, James Schreier, who had previously commuted the death sentence in a similar case, agreed to the terms of the plea. Sanders, following Hinton's conviction, received two life sentences.
Recent Developments and Current Status
In a twist of fate, October 2023 saw Governor JB Pritzker commute Wales' sentence amidst concerns regarding his level of involvement, making him eligible for parole. Subsequently, on June 4, 2024, Wales was released on parole, a development that stirred public debate. As of August 2025, Ronald Hinton remains incarcerated at Hill Correctional Center, while Sanders serves his time at Stateville Correctional Center.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ronald Hinton
- Jeff Coen, "Man admits in court to strangling 3 women," Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2004.
- Jeff Coen, "Judge spares killer death penalty in 3 slayings during '90s," Chicago Tribune, August 25, 2004.
- "17-year-old mom is found strangled," Chicago Tribune, December 7, 1996.
- "Body of woman, 36, found in her flat," Chicago Tribune, August 22, 1998.
- Michael Ko, "Child's tip leads to 3 arrests in slayings," Chicago Tribune, March 15, 1999.
- "Girl says slaying suspect is her dad," Associated Press, March 16, 1999.
- Meredith Grossman & Jeremy Manier, "DNA LINKS 2 SLAYINGS TO 1 SUSPECT, POLICE SAY," Chicago Tribune, March 11, 1999.
- "Man is charged in 3rd slaying," Chicago Tribune, May 8, 1999.
- "2-time killer gets prison, no parole," Chicago Tribune, December 22, 2004.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder: Felicia Mullins
Ronald Hinton sexually assaults and strangles 17-year-old Felicia Mullins in her apartment.
Second Murder: Keary Gagnier
Hinton and an accomplice invade the apartment of 36-year-old Keary Gagnier, rape her, and strangle her to death.
Third Murder: Merceda Ares
Hinton, along with two men, rapes and strangles 31-year-old Merceda Ares, using her bank card afterward.
Arrest of Ronald Hinton
Hinton is apprehended after his daughter recognizes him from surveillance footage related to Ares' murder.
Wales Convicted
David Wales is convicted for his role in the murder of Merceda Ares and receives a 40-year sentence.
Hinton Pleads Guilty
Ronald Hinton pleads guilty to all three murders to avoid the death penalty, receiving three life sentences.
Sentencing of Sanders
Michael Sanders is sentenced to two life terms for his involvement in the murders.
Wales' Sentence Commuted
David Wales' sentence is commuted by Governor JB Pritzker, making him eligible for parole.
Wales Released on Parole
David Wales is released on parole after serving time for his role in Ares' murder.