Killer Grannies: Why did Lynn Stomps murder her husband?
Killer GranniesWhen it comes to devoted wife and grandmother Lynn Stomps, there’s definitely more than meets the eye.
Believe it or not, this well-liked member of the community committed a chilling crime. She killed her husband of 39 years, Gerald 'Jerry' Stomps.
Not only did Lynn orchestrate her husband’s demise, but she also attempted to cover it up with a dramatic, fabricated story that her and Christmas tree farmer, Jerry, had been ambushed.
There’s more to the tale, which you can uncover in Crime+Investigation’s new series, Killer Grannies. Ahead of the first episode on Wednesday, 21st January, join us as we explore Lynn’s motive, fabricated ambush story and what happened next.
The happy couple
Lynn and Jerry Stomps were married for 39 years, sharing a life on a beautiful Christmas tree farm in Corbett, Oregon. Lynn had married Jerry as a teenager, and despite their physical differences, Lynn standing at just 4’8 and Jerry towering at 6’1, the couple seemed perfectly matched.
They raised two sons and fostered other children, eventually becoming doting grandparents. Friends described them as generous and hardworking, trusted in their community, and seemingly happy together. But beneath the surface, tensions simmered. Reports suggest Jerry could be temperamental, and financial pressures, including significant credit card debt, may have contributed to strains in their marriage.
'He would get other people stirred up,' said a friend of Lynne about Jerry’s temper. 'I had heard from Lynn he was getting angrier.'
Ambush and alibi
However, the so-called happy couple’s time together would come to a devastating end on 6th February 2009. Lynn appeared injured on the side of a road near a bridge in Multnomah County, Oregon. She told authorities that she and Jerry had met a prospective boat buyer who they had supposedly contacted through Craigslist. She then detailed how they were ambushed by two men.
According to her story, one assailant pushed her off the bridge while Jerry was chased through the woods, leaving him mysteriously missing. When asked where her husband was, Lynn claimed she didn't know.
At first, law enforcement took the account seriously. Her broken tailbone and rib supported her claims of a violent encounter. But investigators soon noticed inconsistencies. The couple’s truck had bait for fishing, yet no boat was present, contradicting Lynn’s story. And friends and family members reported not seeing Jerry for several days before the alleged ambush.
'That’s strange,' said former detective Keith Krafve. 'Why wouldn’t you bring the boat with you?'
Uncovering the truth
Suspicion grew, prompting a thorough search of the couple’s home. Investigators noticed freshly cleaned areas in the house amid general clutter, and outside, they discovered charred bone fragments in burn piles. Jerry’s revolver, which he reportedly always carried, was found nearby, spattered with his blood. Forensic analysis confirmed that the bones belonged to Jerry Stomps, including a pelvic bone with soft tissue still attached.
Further investigation revealed Lynn’s movements in the week following the murder. Surveillance footage and receipts placed her alone in Washington State, contradicting her story of the ambush and indicating premeditation. Evidence showed that she had likely killed Jerry on 30th January, 2009, and spent days covering up the crime, staging his disappearance to look like an accident or foul play by strangers.
A combination of control and deception
Lynn’s ambush story coupled with her own injuries demonstrates a disturbing ability to manipulate those around her. The story she told painted herself as the victim, diverting attention from the horrific truth: she was the one that killed her husband.
Over time, investigators carefully pieced together the events that led up to Jerry’s death. Lynn started to unravel and talk about her husband in the past tense. Her alibi also started to fall apart under scrutiny, and the forensic evidence left little doubt about her guilt.
Her distant and cold attitude when questioned further suggested deceit, prompting law enforcement to bring her in on charges of murder. Lynn Stomps was ultimately convicted.
Although Lynn Stomps didn’t confess to murdering her husband and provided no explanation about how Jerry’s bones ended up being burned, she was charged with murder.
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