Ronald David Ratliff: Manhunt Found

Update: Late Tuesday January 25, 2010 commits suicide

Just a few days after Ronald David Ratliff is released from the Charleston County Detention center for domestic violence charges against his estranged wife, on Saturday evening he kills his former mother-in-law, then flees.

There are warrants out for his capture and he is considered armed and dangerous.

The sheriff's office has obtained warrants for Ratliff for murder charges in connection with the incident.

Ratliff was last seen driving a white 2000 model Ford Van with South Carolina tag EPP-250. The van may have Dallas Cowboys stickers on the windows and a vanity Cowboys license plate.

Ratliff stands 5'10" weighs 210 pounds. He has scars on his neck and tattoos on his back, shoulders and upper right arm. Deputies say he is armed with a small caliber handgun that he used in the shooting. He also has a history of assault and drugs, according to authorities.

Deputies believe Ratliff may be heading to Pensacola, FL where they say he has family. Police urge caution since Ratliff is considered armed and dangerous.

Please contact Crime Stoppers at 554-1111 with any information on the whereabouts of Ronald David Ratliff.

Other areas he could have gone: Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida. Important to note a person who commits these crimes usually heads to places they are familiar and can easily blend in the area. He has likely changed his appearance, possibly shaved his beard and could have changed his hair color or shaved his head all together.

Susan Murphy Milano is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is an expert on intimate partner violence and homicide crimes. For more information visithttp://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/ She is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and SurviveAbusive and Stalking Relationships," available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and wherever books are sold. Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" on Here Women Talkhttp://www.herewomentalk.com/and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr. Laurie Rothhttp://www.therothshow.com/

South Carolina Court Allows Killer A Chance at Freedom

In December of 2001, James R. Garner, was arrested for the murder of his wife. He beat Katherine Garner to death with a pry bar. The killer had motive as his new love interest patiently waited for Garner to leave and divorce his wife. Obviously, this coward did not think the life of Katherine Garner had much value. Then again, violent abusers, never do.

In June of 2003, James Garner plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a 25-year jail sentence. Now, 6- years after pleading guilty, he filed a post conviction relief action with the courts and has been granted a new trial.

Garner, like so many who murder their wives, are being given a big break in the legal system when they plead guilty to a lesser offense.

No one in this country who commits murder should be given a choice by pleading to a lesser crime. Murder means the person is never returning. This should translate to any person who takes the life of a another human being ever been allowed to plea bargain and see the light of day.

On February, 19, 2009, Terry Allen Garner 22, took his own life. He was the couple’s son. And I hold Garner responsible for what he did to his own child. Life for those who remain behind after a family member is murdered is unbearable. Unfortunately, I understand all too well what happens when your father kills your mother. You become paralyzed this grief. And that is exactly what happened with Terry.

Earlier this evening on Justice Interrupted radio we discussed this case. Prosecutor Robin Sax provided an interesting point of view. A person should not be afforded the opportunity to say “sorry, I changed my mind.” Mr. Garner made up his mind , took the deal after he killed his Katherine and the mother of his children. He also killed his son. Garner took away his child’s spirit and soul when he murdered his mother.

Now a judge has granted a return of purchase to a court of law. It’s like a sales slip. The expiration date has long passed and yet the court customer can return to validate by filing a relief action that should not be admissible in court.

The family of Katherine Garner must peacefully protest on the steps of this South Carolina courthouse each day of the trial. Enlist the community, church groups and family members.
You cannot bring Katherine Garner or her son Terry Allen Garner back. There is no return ticket.

And there should be no return to a court of law for a man whom, in my opinion murdered, not once, but twice!