Winford Stokes

Overview

Winford LaVern Stokes Jr. (March 21, 1951 – May 11, 1990) was a notorious American serial killer and serial rapist whose violent crimes left a lasting mark on Missouri. Stokes was convicted for the murder of three individuals and admitted to raping six women throughout his criminal career. His heinous acts led to a death sentence, and he was ultimately executed in 1990.

Quick Facts

• Born: March 21, 1951, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
• Died: May 11, 1990 (aged 39), Potosi Correctional Center, Mineral Point, Missouri, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Execution by lethal injection
• Criminal Status: Executed
• Convictions:
  • Capital murder
  • Second-degree murder
  • Manslaughter
  • First-degree robbery (2 counts)
  • Robbery (2 counts)
  • Armed criminal action
  • Escape from custody (3 counts)
• Criminal Penalty: Death
• Victims: 3 (one as an accomplice)
• Span of Crimes: 1969–1978
• Country: United States
• State: Missouri
• Date Apprehended: December 11, 1978

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Early Life

Stokes was born into a large family as one of ten children. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade, setting the stage for a troubled future marked by criminality.

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Crimes

Murder of Ignatius DiManuele

Stokes' violent journey began on April 30, 1969, when he teamed up with David H. Richards and Allen E. Smith to commit a robbery at a tavern located at 3044 Easton Avenue in St. Louis. Posing as customers, they brandished pistols and ordered the owner, Ignatius DiManuele, and patrons to the ground. In a chilling moment, one of the robbers shot DiManuele at point-blank range, with Stokes later claiming he "wanted to get a whitey."

The trio fled the scene in Stokes' vehicle, but just two weeks later, Stokes was stopped by Detectives Brian Graft and Edward DeVere. In a panic, he discarded a pistol from his car, leading to his immediate arrest. Witnesses from the tavern identified him and his accomplices, sealing their fates.

Stokes was initially held at Homer G. Phillips Hospital but managed a daring escape months later. On October 23, 1970, he overpowered a Sheriff's Deputy, stole his gun and clothing, and fled with three other inmates. While two were recaptured, Stokes and 18-year-old Joseph Wallace evaded authorities for a short time before their eventual arrests.

Murder of Marie Montgomery

After serving time, Stokes was released from prison, but his criminal behavior escalated. On December 7, 1977, he assaulted 71-year-old Erssie Lucas with a claw hammer during a robbery attempt. Lucas survived, but only days later, on December 12, Stokes broke into the home of 73-year-old widow Marie Montgomery. He shot her in the neck and right arm, killing her, and then looted her apartment. Montgomery's body was discovered by her niece, who came looking for her after missing church services.

Stokes was arrested on January 15, 1978, on charges of armed robbery and armed criminal action. He was sent for a mental evaluation but once again managed to escape, demonstrating a pattern of evasion.

Murder of Pamela Benda

On February 21, 1978, Stokes encountered 33-year-old waitress Pamela Benda at a bar in northern St. Louis County. They returned to her apartment in University City, where Stokes unleashed a brutal attack, beating and stabbing Benda with a kitchen knife before strangling her. After disrobing her body, he rifled through her belongings and stole jewelry. He drove away in her 1974 Plymouth Scamp, ultimately heading to South Bend, Indiana, where he lived with his wife, Ramona, and pawned the stolen items.

The investigation initially focused on Benda's boyfriend due to previous altercations, but he was soon cleared. The case became infamously known as the "Mr. Goodbar" case, named after a copy of Judith Rossner's novel found in Benda's apartment, suggesting a deeper, more intimate connection rather than a random act of violence.

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First Trial and Escape

In June 1978, Stokes was indicted for the murders of Montgomery and Benda and was taken back to Homer G. Phillips Hospital to await trial. However, on December 3, 1978, he orchestrated another escape with two accomplices, overpowering guards and seizing their weapons. The following day, one of the guards resigned due to security breaches, showcasing the troubling oversight within the facility. By December 11, all three fugitives were captured in Chicago, bringing Stokes back into the hands of law enforcement.

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Second Trial, Appeals, and Execution

On September 10, 1979, Stokes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the killing of Montgomery, receiving a 50-year sentence. He was offered a concurrent 50-year sentence for Benda's murder but opted for a trial instead, likely hoping to avoid a death sentence. The prosecution, led by John Walsh, presented compelling evidence, including fingerprints found in Benda's apartment and the pawned wristwatch that belonged to Montgomery.

On October 24, Stokes was found guilty of capital murder in Benda’s death. During the sentencing phase, his attorney argued that an all-white jury would be biased against Stokes, a black man convicted of killing a white woman. However, the prosecution emphasized Stokes' violent history, including previous murders. The jury ultimately recommended the death penalty, and Justice John R. Rickhoff sentenced Stokes to die in the gas chamber.

Stokes' execution was initially scheduled for October 28, 1982, but was temporarily stayed by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun just three days prior. Despite a series of appeals being rejected over the years, Stokes was ultimately executed by lethal injection on May 11, 1990, at the Potosi Correctional Center, choosing not to offer a final statement.

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Aftermath

Winford Stokes had a son, Andrew Roberson, who faced significant challenges after being removed from his mother's care due to neglect. Roberson's life spiraled into violence; he was imprisoned for assaults on teenage boys and, in 2006, was convicted of the first-degree murder of 16-year-old Dominic Williams, whose body was found discarded in a trash bin near his foster home. Roberson received a life sentence without parole, further highlighting the tragic legacy stemming from Stokes' actions.

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Sources

• Patrick E. Gauen (May 13, 1990). "Execution Draws Little Attention From The Public" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• "Dominic's Killer Sentenced II" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch . 2006-12-16.
• "Condemned man executed for 1978 killing" . UPI.
• "3 Youths Charged In Fatal Shooting" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. May 23, 1969.
• Robert K. Sanford (May 7, 1969). "Detective Who Was Killed Praised for Earlier Feat" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• "5 Flee After Disarming Guard At Hospital; 3 Recaptured" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. October 24, 1970.
• "Robber Sentenced On Four Charges" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. August 3, 1971.
• "St. Louis Man Charged In Second Murder" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. April 10, 1978.
• "Found Shot To Death" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. December 13, 1977.
• "Suspect Escapes from Malcolm Bliss" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 16, 1978.
• "Charged with Murder of Woman In U. City" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. March 28, 1978.
• "Questioned In Killing of Woman In U. City" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. February 23, 1978.
• "Death Penalty Sought In 'Mr. Goodbar' Murder Trial" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. October 23, 1979.
• "Murder indictment in Waitress' Death" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. June 9, 1978.
• Tim Bross (December 4, 1978). "Murder, Robbery Suspects Escape" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• John Hynes (December 5, 1978). "Deputy In Escape Case Quits; Three Who Fled Still Hunted" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• "3 Who Escaped Caught In Chicago" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. December 11, 1978.
• Bill Vogler (September 21, 1979). "Defendant Will Face Capitol Murder Trial After Refusing Offer For Plea Bargaining" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• "Winford L. Stokes, Jr., Appellant, v. William M. Armontrout, William L. Webster, Appellees, 851 F.2d 1085 (8th Cir. 1988)" . Justia Law.
• E.S. Evans (October 25, 1979). "Found Guilty Of Waitress' Murder; Defense Plea Barred" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• E.S. Evans (October 26, 1979). "Jury Assesses Penalty At Death For Slaying Of U. City Waitress" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• "Sentenced to Death In Killing of Waitress" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 17, 1980.
• "Justice Blackmun Stays Execution In Missouri" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. October 25, 1982.
• "High Court Refuses Appeal" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. February 28, 1983.
• Tim Bryant (December 29, 1989). "Court Rejects Appeal By Killer" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• Patrick E. Gauen (May 13, 1990). "Execution Draws Little Attention From The Public, Page 2" . St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• "Condemned man executed for 1978 killing" . United Press International . May 11, 1990.
• admin (2004-06-16). "Charges Filed In St. Louis Killing Of Teenager" . Missourinet.
• "Sex Offender Sentenced in Death of Foster Child" . KOMU 8.