Husband Convicted of First-Degree Murder

DATE:  January 28, 2016

CASE:  Gary Eberly

PROSECUTOR:  Deputy District Attorney Donell Slivka, Homicide Unit

Fifty-six-year-old Gary Eberly was convicted by jury of first-degree murder. 

On November 27, 2013, Eberly called 911 and said he found his wife dead in their backyard shed.  Responding officers found the victim, Rhonda Jones, in the shed covered in blankets.  Her head was wrapped in a plastic garbage bag with tape wrapped around her face and head.  Eberly told law enforcement officers his wife left him for another man and took her belongings.  Eberly said he then traveled to Los Angeles to look for a job and found his wife dead in the shed several days later.  Further investigation revealed Eberly did not leave town as he claimed.  Investigators also found blood on the headboard and pillows in the master bedroom.  DNA analyzed by the District Attorney’s Crime Lab revealed the blood matched the victim.  The coroner determined the victim died from probable asphyxia.  She also suffered multiple blunt force trauma and facial contusions to her mouth, the bridge of her nose, and her forehead. 

Eberly faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for February 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. in Department 31 before the Honorable Michael Kenny.

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