Attorney General's News Release

March 8, 1999

Missouri Supreme Court sets April 14 execution date for man who killed Grandview couple in 1988

Jefferson City, MO — The Missouri Supreme Court today set an execution date of April 14 for Roy Ramsey Jr., who was given the death penalty for the Nov. 21, 1988, murders of Garnett and Betty Ledford of Grandview.

The United States Supreme Court declined to hear Ramsey's petition last month.

The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon defended the state against challenges to the conviction and sentence. Ramsey (date of birth -- June 6, 1953) shot and killed the Ledfords in their home after forcing his way in at gunpoint with his brother, Billy Ramsey.

While Billy was ransacking the home, Roy shot the couple at point blank range. Police arrested the Ramsey brothers five days later after acting on a tip from Billy's girlfriend.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818