Ronald Turney Williams
Serial Killer and Fugitive
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Scottsdale, Arizona
TIME PERIOD
1975-1981
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
In 1975, Ronald Turney Williams murdered Beckley Police Sergeant David Lilly while serving time for the crime, and in 1979, he escaped from the West Virginia State Penitentiary, during which he killed another police officer. While on the run, he committed an additional murder in Arizona in 1981. Williams was apprehended following a gunfight with the FBI in June 1981 and is currently serving multiple life sentences and a death sentence in West Virginia and Arizona, respectively.
Theories surrounding Ronald Turney Williams center on his violent criminal behavior and the circumstances of his escape from prison. Community speculation suggests that his multiple aliases and the brutal nature of his crimes indicate a calculated approach to evading law enforcement, raising questions about his psychological state and motivations. Additionally, the nature of his murders during his fugitive period has led to discussions about the potential for a broader pattern of violence in his life beyond what is documented.
Ronald Turney Williams
Overview
Ronald Turney Williams (born April 4, 1943) is a notorious American criminal whose life story reads like a modern-day crime novel. A serial killer, burglar, arsonist, kidnapper, and prison escapee, Williams has left a trail of violence and chaos that is both chilling and captivating. His criminal exploits gained national attention, particularly after a harrowing escape from the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1979, where he was serving a life sentence for the 1975 murder of a police officer. What happened next would solidify his infamy.
Early Life and Criminal Background
Born in Keystone, West Virginia, Williams’ early life is shrouded in mystery, but like many criminals, his descent into a life of crime began well before his first major conviction. His criminal record was extensive, marked by various offenses that included burglary and assault. However, it was the tragic murder of Beckley Police Sergeant David Lilly in 1975 that would set the stage for his subsequent violent rampage.
The 1979 Escape
In a dramatic turn of events, Williams escaped from the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1979, along with fourteen other inmates. The escape itself was meticulously planned and executed, showcasing a level of cunning that would later prove deadly. During this escape, Williams shot and killed West Virginia State Trooper Philip Kesner on November 7, 1979, in a confrontation that demonstrated his willingness to resort to extreme violence to evade capture.
Life on the Run
After his escape, Williams’ criminal activities escalated. In 1981, while living as a fugitive, he committed another murder in Scottsdale, Arizona. This time, his victim was John Bunchek, whose life was taken in a brutal act that further underscored Williams' descent into depravity. What’s truly fascinating is how Williams evaded law enforcement for so long, adopting a variety of aliases including Charles Anderson, Billy Lynn Brown, and Kenneth Ward, among others.
Capture and Aftermath
His fugitive status came to an explosive end on June 8, 1981, when the FBI tracked him down to a motel in Manhattan, New York. What transpired next was nothing short of a scene from an action movie. A gunfight erupted between Williams and FBI agents, resulting in Williams sustaining serious injuries before being apprehended.
Following his capture, Williams faced justice for his crimes. He received a second life sentence in West Virginia and was sentenced to death in Arizona in 1984 for the murder of John Bunchek. Williams remains incarcerated at the Mount Olive Correctional Complex in West Virginia, where he has spent decades reflecting on a life steeped in violence.
Victims
Williams' violent path has left a wake of sorrow, with three confirmed victims:
- Beckley Police Sergeant David Lilly - Murdered in 1975 in Beckley, West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Trooper Philip Kesner - Killed on November 7, 1979, during his escape.
- John Bunchek - Murdered on March 21, 1981, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Conclusion
Ronald Turney Williams’ story is one of a man who spiraled into a life of crime, leaving behind a legacy stained by violence and tragedy. His criminal record and the details of his escape serve as a grim reminder of the lengths some will go to evade justice. Today, with his life behind bars, Williams remains a figure of intrigue for true crime enthusiasts, illustrating the darker facets of human nature.
Sources
- "Ronald Williams: Guilty or Not?" Bluefield Daily Telegraph. September 16, 1984.
- "'10 Most Wanted' includes mob figures, terrorists". The Record. September 14, 1980.
- Mooney, Mark (June 9, 1981). "FBI Seizes Top Criminal In Shootout". Hartford Courant. UPI.
- Roberts, Laurie (February 11, 1984). "2-time murderer is found guilty in Valley killing". Arizona Republic.
- "Fugitive Captured in Hotel Shootout With FBI". The Chapel Hill News. UPI. June 9, 1981.
- "Judge in Phoenix sentences three-time killer Williams to death". Tucson Citizen. Associated Press. April 24, 1984.
- Kercheval, Hoppy (April 30, 2019). "Ronald Turney Williams—from FBI's Most Wanted List to prison janitor". MetroNews.
- "Suspect Named in Police Killing". New York Times. UPI. November 13, 1979.
- Ronald Turney Williams, Petitioner-appellant, v. Terry L. Stewart, Director of Arizona Department of Corrections, Respondent-appellee, 441 F.3d 1030 (9th Cir. 2006). Justia.
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Police Officer Murdered
Ronald Turney Williams murders Beckley Police Sargent David Lilly.
Second Officer Murdered
Williams kills West Virginia State Trooper Philip Kesner during prison escape.
Prison Escape
Williams escapes from West Virginia State Penitentiary with 14 other inmates.
Murder in Arizona
Williams commits another murder, killing John Bunchek in Scottsdale.
FBI Shootout
Williams is captured after a gunfight with FBI agents in Manhattan.
Life Sentence in West Virginia
Williams receives a second life sentence for his crimes in West Virginia.
Death Penalty Sentenced
Williams is sentenced to death for the murder in Arizona.
In 1975, Ronald Turney Williams murdered Beckley Police Sergeant David Lilly while serving time for the crime, and in 1979, he escaped from the West Virginia State Penitentiary, during which he killed another police officer. While on the run, he committed an additional murder in Arizona in 1981. Williams was apprehended following a gunfight with the FBI in June 1981 and is currently serving multiple life sentences and a death sentence in West Virginia and Arizona, respectively.
Theories surrounding Ronald Turney Williams center on his violent criminal behavior and the circumstances of his escape from prison. Community speculation suggests that his multiple aliases and the brutal nature of his crimes indicate a calculated approach to evading law enforcement, raising questions about his psychological state and motivations. Additionally, the nature of his murders during his fugitive period has led to discussions about the potential for a broader pattern of violence in his life beyond what is documented.
Ronald Turney Williams
Overview
Ronald Turney Williams (born April 4, 1943) is a notorious American criminal whose life story reads like a modern-day crime novel. A serial killer, burglar, arsonist, kidnapper, and prison escapee, Williams has left a trail of violence and chaos that is both chilling and captivating. His criminal exploits gained national attention, particularly after a harrowing escape from the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1979, where he was serving a life sentence for the 1975 murder of a police officer. What happened next would solidify his infamy.
Early Life and Criminal Background
Born in Keystone, West Virginia, Williams’ early life is shrouded in mystery, but like many criminals, his descent into a life of crime began well before his first major conviction. His criminal record was extensive, marked by various offenses that included burglary and assault. However, it was the tragic murder of Beckley Police Sergeant David Lilly in 1975 that would set the stage for his subsequent violent rampage.
The 1979 Escape
In a dramatic turn of events, Williams escaped from the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1979, along with fourteen other inmates. The escape itself was meticulously planned and executed, showcasing a level of cunning that would later prove deadly. During this escape, Williams shot and killed West Virginia State Trooper Philip Kesner on November 7, 1979, in a confrontation that demonstrated his willingness to resort to extreme violence to evade capture.
Life on the Run
After his escape, Williams’ criminal activities escalated. In 1981, while living as a fugitive, he committed another murder in Scottsdale, Arizona. This time, his victim was John Bunchek, whose life was taken in a brutal act that further underscored Williams' descent into depravity. What’s truly fascinating is how Williams evaded law enforcement for so long, adopting a variety of aliases including Charles Anderson, Billy Lynn Brown, and Kenneth Ward, among others.
Capture and Aftermath
His fugitive status came to an explosive end on June 8, 1981, when the FBI tracked him down to a motel in Manhattan, New York. What transpired next was nothing short of a scene from an action movie. A gunfight erupted between Williams and FBI agents, resulting in Williams sustaining serious injuries before being apprehended.
Following his capture, Williams faced justice for his crimes. He received a second life sentence in West Virginia and was sentenced to death in Arizona in 1984 for the murder of John Bunchek. Williams remains incarcerated at the Mount Olive Correctional Complex in West Virginia, where he has spent decades reflecting on a life steeped in violence.
Victims
Williams' violent path has left a wake of sorrow, with three confirmed victims:
- Beckley Police Sergeant David Lilly - Murdered in 1975 in Beckley, West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Trooper Philip Kesner - Killed on November 7, 1979, during his escape.
- John Bunchek - Murdered on March 21, 1981, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Conclusion
Ronald Turney Williams’ story is one of a man who spiraled into a life of crime, leaving behind a legacy stained by violence and tragedy. His criminal record and the details of his escape serve as a grim reminder of the lengths some will go to evade justice. Today, with his life behind bars, Williams remains a figure of intrigue for true crime enthusiasts, illustrating the darker facets of human nature.
Sources
- "Ronald Williams: Guilty or Not?" Bluefield Daily Telegraph. September 16, 1984.
- "'10 Most Wanted' includes mob figures, terrorists". The Record. September 14, 1980.
- Mooney, Mark (June 9, 1981). "FBI Seizes Top Criminal In Shootout". Hartford Courant. UPI.
- Roberts, Laurie (February 11, 1984). "2-time murderer is found guilty in Valley killing". Arizona Republic.
- "Fugitive Captured in Hotel Shootout With FBI". The Chapel Hill News. UPI. June 9, 1981.
- "Judge in Phoenix sentences three-time killer Williams to death". Tucson Citizen. Associated Press. April 24, 1984.
- Kercheval, Hoppy (April 30, 2019). "Ronald Turney Williams—from FBI's Most Wanted List to prison janitor". MetroNews.
- "Suspect Named in Police Killing". New York Times. UPI. November 13, 1979.
- Ronald Turney Williams, Petitioner-appellant, v. Terry L. Stewart, Director of Arizona Department of Corrections, Respondent-appellee, 441 F.3d 1030 (9th Cir. 2006). Justia.
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...
Police Officer Murdered
Ronald Turney Williams murders Beckley Police Sargent David Lilly.
Second Officer Murdered
Williams kills West Virginia State Trooper Philip Kesner during prison escape.
Prison Escape
Williams escapes from West Virginia State Penitentiary with 14 other inmates.
Murder in Arizona
Williams commits another murder, killing John Bunchek in Scottsdale.
FBI Shootout
Williams is captured after a gunfight with FBI agents in Manhattan.
Life Sentence in West Virginia
Williams receives a second life sentence for his crimes in West Virginia.
Death Penalty Sentenced
Williams is sentenced to death for the murder in Arizona.