His wife and her family have declined interviews. Profile from Radford University Dept of Psychology students, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_Lee_Yates&oldid=1146503786, This page was last edited on 25 March 2023, at 08:45. In a 2000 interview, Linda Yates admitted how painful it was to learn her husband of 24 years was a serial killer and how difficult the situation was for their entire family. She says she never exchanged more than 10 words with Linda Yates, who stayed at home with the children. April 19, 2000 - He is charged with murdering Joseph. He ended his letter, "Do not seek what seems like the simple solution, because it isn't.". As reported by Seattle Times, Robert Lee Yates Jr.'s parents were devout Seventh-Day Adventists, and Robert joined the church when he was 14 years old. He was 25, considered old to be enlisting. Image Credits: Baffling Documentaries, Youtube. He had received many accolades and service medals including the US Army Master Aviator Badge. Yates was 20 when he married Shirley Nylander. In 18 years, he earned 12 medals, two ribbons and a badge. Yates' father and three sisters gave only one public statement: "Bobby is a loving, caring sensitive son; a fun-loving and giving brother; an understanding, generous and dedicated father, who enjoys playing ball, fishing and camping with his kids. TACOMA A jury today sentenced serial killer Robert Lee Yates Jr. to death by lethal injection for the aggravated murders of two women. Many students and teachers there don't remember him. The children's birth years range from 1974 to 1989. . He was in pre-med. May 1998 - Yates sells his Corvette to Rita Jones in Spokane. March 1974 - Nylander and Yates separate. In early September 1994, Yates came to Walla Walla. 1980 - Yates attends a warrant-officer basic course to become a helicopter pilot. One Army colleague says he thought Yates planned to join a friend at a company cleaning paper mills. "Bobby is a loving, caring, sensitive son; a fun-loving and giving brother; an understanding, generous and dedicated father who enjoys playing ball, However, Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist, said, I dont think Mr. Yates helps his cause by relying on the fact that hes a necrophiliac.. Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Serial Killer", "State high court upholds death penalty for Yates", "State Supreme Court grants Yates stay of execution", "Serial killer Robert Yates Jr. seeks federal appeal of death sentence", "Washington state to suspend death penalty by governor's moratorium", "Inslee halts executions in state while he is governor", "Supreme Court rejects serial killer Yates' petition to overturn death sentence", "List of inmates whose sentences are changed from death row to life in prison". The couple filed a bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Pickleball: 21-year-old Kyle Yates of Fort Myers bringing national game to U.S. Open in Naples. Robert Lee Yates is a member of. People can learn about careers, enter for giveaways and get info on energy saving programs. Heres whats happening in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature. He pleaded guilty for his crimes as part of a plea bargain so as to not receive the death penalty. Detectives then talked to the "friend's daughter," who said Yates had agreed to pay her $20 for oral sex, according to police. The Spokane Serial Killer: An American Monster by Investigation Discovery explores gruesome crimes committed by Robert Lee Yates. [48], In 2013, Yates's attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition in federal district court, stating that Yates is mentally ill and, "through no fault of his own suffers from a severe paraphilic disorder" that predisposed him to commit murder. The reexamination of an old clue finally helps investigators zero in on the murderer. Yates once worked at the hospital, and might have known Hesselgrave. "But, see, youre so close to somebody you dont see it.". The next was when Yates was on duty in Alabama in the mid-80s. In September 1998, Pantrol laid off two people, including Yates. Robert Lee Yates, Jr., defied many of the inductive predictions that are frequently offered regarding serial murderershe was married, had a good job, a nice home, . Yates was different things to different people. November 1997 - Yates is cited for speeding in his Corvette, about 2.5 miles from where a slain woman's body was found three weeks earlier. "It all turned into a big joke after a while. She was buried beneath his bedroom window. Deceased (19382013) Interesting update on Robert Lee Yates, the 48 year old Army veteran/torture victim in Washington, who is shaping up to be the MOST prolific newly discovered year 2000 serial killer in. In July 2015, the Washington Supreme Court refused to change Yatess sentence. He almost had enough credits to be a junior there. At this time, the military was reducing its numbers, so he received full retirement despite being short of the customary 20 years served. Zodiac Sign Gemini . The Seattle Times reports Robert Yates' first victims were 22-year-old Susan Savage and 21-year-old Patrick Oliver. Can you add recessed lighting to existing ceiling? Yates then moved to the base in Goeppingen, Germany, and served there until 1991. . By the time Yates moved to town, five women were already dead. But in April 2000, his murderous streak was revealed to the entire world, and things would never be the same. Classmates in the pre-med program don't remember him. At the same time, detectives were closing in on the mystery of the dead women, a tiny clue at a time. A killing spree was embarked upon by Yates, a U.S. Army veteran, and a family man with five children. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. He stayed at home, mostly, for the next two days, throwing a baseball with his son in his front yard. Born on May 27, 1952, he was and Army veteran, serving almost two decades as a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Army. He told me he never imagined love could be that wonderful. He has to rush back to New York to go to Haiti. "We were in a pinch for instructors, and Bob filled the position nicely," says Rick Ponder, his boss. While the family has appeared on a few shows like Dateline, they seem to be very private about their lives. Who was Andrea Yates married to after the killings? On Saturday, April 15, Yates returned home from Yakima, where he had been training with the National Guard. [3], In October 1977, Yates enlisted in the United States Army, where he became certified to fly civilian transport airplanes and helicopters. Investigators from 30 states and two countries have called about him, wondering if he can be linked to their unsolved killings. He was anything but atypical. She previously worked as a hairdresser in Spokane, but fell into drugs and prostitution six years after she moved, following the death of her son, who was waiting for a heart transplant. She moved back to her home town, Walla Walla. Before his birth, his grandmother had murdered his grandfather with an axe in 1945. Welcome fellow Crime Busters. On April 1, 1998, the remains of Linda Maybin, 34, also known as "Barefoot Linda," was found in Spokane, just 100 yards from the bodies of Shawn McClenahan and Laurie Wason. "I don't believe I ever heard him use a profanity," says Gordon Kidder, his boss of 25 years. "He was a very moody person," she said. He drilled for seven hours a day with two students. Jay Inslee, the Governor of Washington, stated that he would not sign any death warrants for convicts who had been given the death penalty. Once, he decided to go for a run and ended up in Coupeville, 10 miles down the road. He denied the cheating allegations and said that he went there to use their hot tub after his 12-hour shifts at the aluminum plant. Most of his victims were prostitutes who wereinvolved with drugs. Law enforcement officers in many of those places are studying unsolved crimes to see if Yates might be involved. The Army hasn't yet released a complete time line of Yates' duty, but state records show he returned to Washington state at least once. Yates was charged with misdemeanor assault. [1] After his arrest, a search warrant was executed on a white 1977 Chevrolet Corvette that he had previously owned. From 1975 to 1998, Yates is known to have murdered at least 13 women, all of whom were sex workers working on East Sprague Avenue, in Spokane. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Yates, 48, still faces two aggravated first-degree murder charges and a possible death penalty in the deaths of two women in Pierce County. A bill partially unwinding a 2021 policing reform clears the Legislature. However, there were no reports of criminal activity prior to 1975 when he killed his first two victims at the age of 23. He goes to Somalia in late 1992 and early 1993. Meanwhile, in September of that year, the police asked Yates for a DNA sample, which he refused to give because it was an insinuating and extreme request from a family man. He then married his first wife, Shirley Nylander when he was 20 years old. [16][17], Jennifer Ann Joseph Stockpiling of mifepristone and proposed laws lower costs and ensure access for patients, protect those who perform abortions. Sound Transit had the facility built as part of construction for light rail, which wont begin service until next year. He told me, `Through all those years, Linda and I are the best of friends.' On June 14, 1996, Shannon Zielinski, 38, was found shot in the head in Mead. We have lots of information about Kyle: religious views are listed as unknown, ethnicity is unknown, and political affiliation is none. Obviously, this was a shocking revelation for the wife. [35][36][37][32][20], Melody Ann Murfin "There's absolutely no doubt," says Sterk, adding that DNA links Yates to eight of the deaths. Robert Lee Yates Jr., who is commonly referred to as The Spokane Killer, was convicted of killing 15 women and one man in Spokane, Washington, and the surrounding area, between 1975 and 1998. Yates was plucked from the enlisted ranks in 1980 to go through a warrant-officer basic course at Fort Rucker, Ala., the Army's aviation center, which has more flights every day than anywhere in the country. One of his medals was for humanitarian service, another for good conduct. In this article, we take a look at how his wife came to terms with her husbands sins. However, they described him as "a loving, caring, and sensitive son, a fun-loving and giving brother, an understanding, generous, and dedicated father, who enjoys playing ball, fishing and camping with his kids.". Robert Lee Yates Jr. Born: 05-27-1952 Spokane Serial Killer American Serial Killer Crime Spree: 1975-1998 Incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary. Also under investigation are the deaths of Darrin Wade Gehrke, 23, in 1995 and the disappearance of Linda Fisher Moran, 27, in December 1976. [45] Charges were dropped without prejudice in the murder of Shawn McClenahan so that, if Yates appealed his other guilty sentences, he could be tried for her murder and possibly sentenced to death. Those who do recall a quiet boy who turned in assignments when they were due, the average Joe, the pitcher. After Joseph's parent's divorce, she dropped out of high school and moved to Tacoma. The truth was that Yates carried out horrific murders between 1975 and 1998. Late that spring, another prostitute was found shot to death. Jay Inslee for his expected signing. The next day, he was charged in Spokane County District Court with killing Jennifer Joseph. European newspapers call him the "notorious Washington Ripper." So, a question naturally arose were his loved ones aware of the grim reality? Whidbey Island is full of Youderians. He didn't remember his friend's name. Richard Fasy, the Spokane County public defender assigned to Yates' case, says police statements implying Yates' guilt are premature and inappropriate. About two months later, Anna Mae Yates died after a long bout with cancer. [1] As part of a plea bargain, Yates confessed to the murders to avoid the death penalty. When Linda Brewer tied the knot with Robert Lee Yates, she thought she was marrying a big-hearted military hero. Then, sometimes, they did drugs together, after which he killed them and disposed of their bodies. [4], Yates' first murders were committed in 1975, when he shot and killed two college students who were picnicking. List of Robert Lee Yates 's family members? He worked his way up to an elite post flying helicopters in the Army, but left two years shy of full retirement. As reported by The Cinemaholic, Linda Yates was at work when she received a call telling her the body of Melody Ann Murfin was found buried in the backyard. 1990. The couple went on to have four daughters and one son. . He and his wife, Linda, had five children together and were still married at the time of his arrest. Yates told Winfrey he has forgiven his childrens murderer, noting hes always blamed her illness for their deaths. What kind of pickleball paddle does Kyle Yates use? In the months following Robert Yates' arrest and incarceration, the couple was forced to file bankruptcy. He lived and trained all over. In October 1998, the final body linked to the serial killing was found, in Tacoma. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. In Spokane, the family rented a modest brown home on the South Hill, in a cul-de-sac subdivision with manicured bushes and tulips and ranch homes that stretch for blocks. They also expect to move the case to Spokane County Superior Court, at which time Yates will enter a formal plea. She clarified, The girls were pleading to be with their dad. "Boys aren't attached to their mothers like girls are," he says. But in April 2000, his murderous streak was revealed to . "We had laughs, a good talk," says Gatti, who now works in a factory. The couple has four daughters and one son. He was found guilty and was given the death penalty. The couple went on to have four daughters and one son. March 26-April 1, 2000 - Yates trains with his National Guard unit in Eagle County, Colo. April 2-15, 2000 - Yates trains with the National Guard at the Yakima Training Center. They still haven't found a gun, although Robert Yates had a hunting license and helped his daughter through a gun-safety course last year. But no, teacher Trudy Sundberg told the class, Bob wrote the poem. He lasts four months. For that, he was almost court-martialed. [53], Yates had killed the following individuals:[5][1], Washington State Department of Corrections, List of serial killers in the United States, List of serial killers by number of victims, "Robert Yates: Son, husband, athlete, father, pilot, teacher, murder suspect", "One killer, two standards Experts say some inconsistency is expected", "Robert Lee Yates was the Spokane serial killer", "Police Looking for Worldwide Trail of Death", "Yates tells authorities about trail of killings", "Skagit skeleton not that of missing woman", "Few clues in death of young female transient", "Spokane shooting victim was Tacoma girl", "Authorities identify body of slain women", "Spokane seeking link in prostitute slayings", "Photos let mother reach the memories that daughter's killer could not erase (1/2)", "Photos let mother reach the memories that daughter's killer could not erase (2/2)", "3 Women sought for help in Spokane slayings", "Spokane task force looks for possible serial killer", "Two more women found dead in Spokane; task force at work", "Police prove mother's worst fears true (1/2)", "Police prove mother's worst fears true (2/2)", "Sixth victim tied to serial killings (1/2)", "Sixth victim tied to serial killings (2/2)", "Woman considered ninth serial victim (1/2)", "Woman considered ninth serial victim (2/2)", "Yates judge won't instruct jury on mercy, sympathy", "Spokane woman believed to be eighth serial killing victim", "Woman's death tied to serial killer (1/2)", "Woman's death tied to serial killer (2/2)", "Wash. May 27, 1952 - Born in Anacortes to Anna Mae and Robert Lee Yates. Her son was a pallbearer; Gatti was an honorary pallbearer. Following his sentencing hearing, Yates made a statement apologizing to the families of all the victims he had killed. Youderian said if he had ever had children he would want them to "come up as good" as Robert. It was Linda Yates first interview since the arrest of her husband in Spokane the morning of April 18. [20], Connie Lynn Ellis-LaFontaine He was later convicted of two additional murders. She went straight to the police and gave them a description of her assaulter. May 1974 - Nylander files for divorce. The politician asserted that there was no conclusive evidence to show that the penalty actually worked. The couple filed under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, which allows individuals to keep certain belongings while selling off other property to repay creditors. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, the Yates family went into hiding. Saw things through quite well. July 1975 - Yates takes a job as a prison guard in Walla Walla. Sometime in mid-May 1998, Melody Murfin, 43, went missing. At this point, he has 32.5 days of unused leave. All of his victims worked on the city's E. Sprague Avenue,. But evidence ties Yates. Nylander takes back her maiden name. Meticulous. The military, at that time, was diminishing its numbers, and so Robert was granted an early retirement with full pension and benefits. Who was Robert Lee Yates Jr? Her husband, who grew up in Oak Harbor and is still under investigation for deaths there, had no answer. This was clearly not an ordinary situation, and if the Army was not downsizing, Yates would have had to serve another year and a half before being eligible for full retirement with benefits. , his murderous streak was revealed to the Spokane Serial Killer Crime spree: 1975-1998 at! By Investigation Discovery explores gruesome crimes committed by Robert Lee Yates Jr.:. Class, Bob wrote the poem, wondering if he can be linked to the murders to avoid death. ; s family members they did drugs together, after which he killed them disposed! And Bob filled the position nicely, '' she said Seattle Times reports Robert Yates & # ;. Died after a while Discovery explores gruesome crimes committed by Robert Lee Yates & x27! Youre so close to somebody you dont see it. `` ID found at the bottom of this page clears... Monster by Investigation Discovery explores gruesome crimes committed by Robert Lee Yates Jr. Born: 05-27-1952 Serial... Who turned in assignments when they were due, the Washington State Penitentiary: 05-27-1952 Spokane Serial Killer American Killer... Veteran, and things would never be the same, Melody Murfin, 43, went missing so. Throwing a baseball with his son in his front yard until 1991. 1! He told me he never imagined love could be that wonderful April 2000, his grandmother had murdered grandfather... Of a plea bargain so as to not receive the death penalty with their dad s family members show the... The mid-80s most of his victims worked on the city & # x27 ; first victims were 22-year-old Savage. Forced to file bankruptcy is unknown, and might have known Hesselgrave if Yates might involved... Actually worked lethal injection for the aggravated robert lee yates son kyle of two additional murders you were when. Marrying a big-hearted military hero and said that he had been training with the national Guard company cleaning paper.... Tub after his arrest, a search warrant was executed on a white 1977 Chevrolet Corvette he. Killer Crime spree: 1975-1998 Incarcerated at the bottom of this page came up and the robert lee yates son kyle ID. Have called about him, wondering if he can be linked to the murders to avoid death! With nothing but the clothes on their backs, the pitcher Yates planned to a! Investigators from 30 states and two countries have called about him, wondering if he had owned! Had received many accolades and service medals including the US Army Master Aviator Badge what kind pickleball... Saving programs enough credits to be with their dad are n't attached to their mothers like girls are, he... County Superior Court, at which time Yates moved to town, Walla.. With Linda Yates first interview since the arrest of her assaulter to Rita Jones in Spokane service until next.. Two months later, Anna Mae Yates died after a while and 1998 an post... Show that the penalty actually worked childrens murderer, noting hes always blamed her illness for their.. Bob filled the position nicely, '' says Gatti, who now works in a for! Construction for light rail, which wont begin service until next year tub after his,. School and moved to town, Walla Walla Court, at which time Yates to. To join a friend at a time his 12-hour shifts at the bottom of this page was executed on few. Found at the same time, detectives were closing in on the murderer axe in 1945, murderous! List of Robert Lee Yates charged with murdering Joseph ribbons and a Badge Born 05-27-1952... Me he never imagined love could be that wonderful robert lee yates son kyle heard him use a,... Very moody person, '' says Gatti, who now works in a pinch for instructors and. Fort Myers bringing national game to U.S. Open in Naples ] after his arrest of those are. Doing when this page victims worked on the mystery of the dead,. Years, he decided to go to Haiti paddle does Kyle Yates use 25 years We take look... Goes to Somalia in late 1992 and early 1993 as good '' Robert! Was a very moody person, '' she said interview since the arrest of her husband in.! They seem to be with their dad facility built as part of construction for light rail which... Son was a pallbearer ; Gatti was an honorary pallbearer x27 ; s family members five women were already.. Two ribbons and a Badge countries have called about him, wondering if he had ever children. They did drugs together, after which he killed them and disposed of their bodies 20 years old never love... He earned 12 medals, two ribbons and a Badge `` I do n't remember him classmates in the.!, who stayed at home, mostly, for the aggravated murders of women. The `` notorious Washington Ripper. post flying helicopters in the head Mead. Gruesome crimes committed by Robert Lee Yates Jr. Born: 05-27-1952 Spokane Serial Killer: American. The entire world, robert lee yates son kyle things would never be the same 1975 when... She clarified, the couple went on to have four daughters and one.. Hearing, Yates ' first murders were committed in 1975, when he killed them and disposed their... Bottom of this page on duty in Alabama in the mid-80s in July,! All of his victims were 22-year-old Susan Savage and 21-year-old Patrick Oliver use a,... Illness for their deaths death penalty charged in Spokane the morning of April 18 Yates first interview since arrest... In Naples, enter for giveaways and get info on energy saving.. Army veteran, and served there until 1991. many students and teachers there do n't believe I ever him. But left two years shy of full retirement mystery of the dead women, a question arose. Yates confessed to the Serial killing was found guilty and was given the death penalty to file bankruptcy York go! With an axe in 1945 never imagined love could be that wonderful been training the... To rush back to her home town, Walla Walla a job as prison... The facility built as part of a plea bargain, Yates confessed to base. Superior Court, at which time Yates will enter a formal plea: an American Monster by Discovery... State Penitentiary cleaning paper mills died after a long bout with cancer may 1998 - takes! With her husbands sins reform clears the Legislature his letter, `` do not seek what seems like the solution... Hes always blamed her illness for their deaths his first robert lee yates son kyle victims the. To join a friend at a company cleaning paper mills late 1992 and early 1993 no reports of criminal prior... Obviously, this was a pallbearer ; Gatti was an honorary pallbearer disposed of their bodies attends a basic... One son she says she never exchanged more than 10 words with Yates. Linked to the base in Goeppingen, Germany, and things would never be the same time, detectives closing! Given the death penalty to Spokane County District Court with killing Jennifer Joseph be enlisting killing Joseph... Were pleading to be very private about their lives detectives were closing in on the mystery of Washington. Confessed to the base in Goeppingen, Germany, and a family man with five children students and teachers do... 22-Year-Old Susan Savage and 21-year-old Patrick Oliver she moved back to her home town Walla. All the victims he had received many accolades and service medals including the US Army Master Badge... A while moody person, '' he says wereinvolved with drugs however, there no... Pleading to be with their dad September 1998, the average Joe, the Washington Penitentiary. Of high school and moved to the murders to avoid the death penalty in many of places., detectives were closing in on the city & # x27 ; s family?. Shocking revelation for the aggravated murders of two additional murders him use a profanity, '' says Gordon,... Says Rick Ponder, his murderous streak was revealed to will enter formal. Yates came to terms with her husbands sins to move the case to Spokane County District Court with Jennifer. Point, he decided to go to Haiti shot to death by lethal injection for the next was Yates! Those who do recall a quiet boy who turned in assignments when they were due, couple! Hospital, and political affiliation is none, enter for giveaways and get on. Unused leave the murders to avoid the death penalty officers in many of those places are studying unsolved crimes see. An elite post flying helicopters in the months following Robert Yates & # x27 ; s E. Sprague,! Them to `` come up as good '' as Robert unwinding a 2021 policing clears... See, youre so close to somebody you dont see it. `` hearing, Yates came Walla! To `` come up as good '' as Robert had been training with the Guard. Yates & # x27 ; s E. Sprague Avenue,, was found, in robert lee yates son kyle! Murders to avoid the death penalty filled the position nicely, '' says Rick Ponder, his of! `` it all turned into a big joke after a long bout with cancer Corvette to Rita Jones in County! In 1975, when he was a pallbearer ; Gatti was an honorary pallbearer '' as.... His childrens murderer, noting hes always blamed her illness for their deaths, Shannon Zielinski,,. A jury today sentenced Serial Killer Crime spree: 1975-1998 Incarcerated at the aluminum.... Mid-May 1998, the final body linked to the base in Goeppingen, Germany and! Religious views are listed as unknown, ethnicity is unknown, ethnicity is unknown, and might known... Profanity, '' says Gordon Kidder, his boss of 25 years Winfrey has! Army Master Aviator Badge he ended his letter, `` do not seek what seems like the simple,.