In the autumn of 2014, in the quiet community of Louisa, Virginia, the life of 39-year-old Rhonda Gay Rowe was tragically cut short. On October 2, 2014, she was found deceased in her home, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. A Caucasian female, Rhonda was a mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose violent death sent ripples of shock and grief through her community.
The investigation into her death quickly focused on her live-in boyfriend, Thomas Feaster.
Responding to a report of a possible domestic violence shooting, law enforcement officials soon arrested Feaster in connection with the crime. The details that emerged painted a grim picture of her final moments. According to the Louisa Commonwealth's Attorney, Feaster shot Rhonda in the back of the head as she was walking to their bedroom. After she professed her love for him, he proceeded to shoot her several more times.
Thomas Feaster was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The evidence presented during his two-day trial was compelling, with the firearm and shell casings discovered in the home matching the bullets recovered from Rhonda's body. The jury found Feaster guilty of first-degree murder and recommended a sentence of life in prison. His sentencing was scheduled for August 24, 2015. The case, occurring during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse.
