The shocking double murder of Patricia Lynn Steller and Ronald King sent shockwaves throughout the small community of Middletown, Connecticut. In a case that revealed a tragic love triangle, Patricia and Ronald were brutally shot, beaten, and stabbed before their bodies were left on the kitchen floor. Their gruesome deaths were discovered by Patricia's girlfriend, Gina Coccia, prompting a police investigation that uncovered the disturbing details. Join us as we delve into this chilling crime and explore the whereabouts of the perpetrator.
How Did Patricia Lynn Steller and Ronald King Die?
Patricia Lynn Steller and Ronald King were respected members of the community, residing in Middletown, Connecticut, and working at Wesleyan University. They were beloved by their family and esteemed by their colleagues. The untimely and gruesome deaths of these two individuals shattered the hearts of their loved ones.
On November 1, 1993, Patricia and Ronald left for work like any other day. Nothing seemed amiss, and Patricia's girlfriend, Gina Coccia, planned to visit them once they returned home. However, Gina was greeted by a horrifying sight when she arrived at Patricia's house – the lifeless bodies of her beloved ones lying on the kitchen floor. The police were immediately alerted and arrived to find both Patricia and Ronald deceased. Initial medical examinations revealed multiple gunshot and stab wounds on the victims' bodies.
Later autopsies determined that Patricia had suffered three gunshot wounds from a small-caliber pistol, while Ronald was shot only once. The fatal blows, however, came from the merciless stabbing that followed. The brutality of the crime led investigators to believe it was a crime of passion. Surprisingly, parts of the homicide were even recorded on the victims' answering machine, providing valuable evidence.
Who Killed Patricia Lynn Steller and Ronald King?
The crucial breakthrough in the case came from the recorded conversations on the victims' answering machine. The chilling audio captured the voices of both the killer and her accomplice. Patricia's desperate pleas for her life and her identification of her attacker as "Janet" sent investigators on a search for this mysterious individual. Gina Coccia, during her interview with the police, revealed that she had previously dated someone named Janet Griffin. With this connection established, authorities focused on locating Janet.
Following leads from Patricia's address book, the police found Janet Griffin's residence. Although cooperative, Janet vehemently denied any involvement in the double murder and even provided her blood sample for testing. However, her accomplice, Gordon Fruean, crumbled under interrogation and confessed to his participation in the heinous crime. He also disclosed the location where the gun used in the murders was disposed of, leading to its recovery.
Despite Janet's persistent claims of innocence, forensic reports proved otherwise. Janet's DNA matched the evidence found at the crime scene, leading to her arrest and subsequent charge of double murder. Gordon Fruean was also charged for his role in the crime.
Where Is Janet Griffin Now?
During her trial, Janet Griffin pleaded not guilty. However, the jury ultimately found her guilty on all charges. Janet was convicted of two counts of murder and a single count of a capital felony. Although her crimes could have warranted a death sentence, the court showed leniency and instead sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996.
Gordon Fruean, for his involvement, received a 30-year prison sentence. Janet Griffin's conviction has remained intact, and she currently serves her life sentence at the York Correctional Institution in East Lyme, Connecticut.
This chilling case of Patricia Lynn Steller and Ronald King's murder and the subsequent revelation of a tragic love triangle reminds us of the darkness that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary lives. The community of Middletown, Connecticut, will forever carry the memory of this gruesome crime that shattered their sense of safety and trust.
Janet Griffin, now serving a life sentence at York Correctional Institution in East Lyme, Connecticut.
