Anybody remember Gordon Kimbrough
Maximum Sentence for Bodybuilder / 27 years to life for murdering fiancee in '93
Thaai Walker, Chronicle Staff Writer
April 4, 1995
A San Francisco bodybuilder convicted of the 1993 murder of his fiancee received the maximum sentence for the crime yesterday, despite his family's pleas that he be shown mercy by the court.
Superior Court Judge Douglas Munson sentenced 33-year-old Gordon Kimbrough to 27 years to life for the first-degree murder of Kristy Ramsey on June 20, 1993. Kimbrough killed the 27-year-old aerobics instructor in their Potrero Hill apartment after Ramsey told him she was ending their four- year relationship.
The sentencing followed a tearful plea by Kimbrough's sister, Denita Allicock, who, holding a Bible, begged the court to sentence Kimbrough to a lesser amount of time.
"My brother committed this crime in a fit of passion after being unexpectedly rejected by the ideal woman of his dreams," said Allicock, who quoted passages from the Bible during her passionate plea. "I've come to beg this court for mercy for my brother. He is a loving brother and a loving and caring soul. It is in your hands to temper justice with mercy."
Munson also heard from Ramsey's mother and sister, who held each other's hands as they each addressed Kimbrough directly.
"It has always been about you," said Ramsey's sister, Samantha, as she faced Kimbrough. "You have been so selfish throughout this entire process. You manipulated and humiliated Kristy by constantly lying, cheating and abusing her. . . . The pain in my heart is indescribable. I lost my best friend. I will forever be haunted by the panic she must have felt as her life was being taken away from her."
Ramsey's mother, Shirley, held a photograph of her deceased daughter, as she spoke to Kimbrough, who did not look at her.
Maximum Term for Bodybuilder / 27 years to life for murdering...
Bodybuilder Sentenced For Murder / Potrero Hill man who killed...
"I just don't understand how you could do this. I just can't stop thinking how she must have suffered. Did she suffer a lot?" she asked Kimbrough before breaking down in tears.
On the night of the murder, Kimbrough tackled Ramsey, wrapped an electrical cord from an iron around her neck three times, knotted it and then stabbed her with a kitchen knife.
Kimbrough maintained throughout his trial that he had killed Ramsey in a fit of passion. But prosecutor Peter Cling argued that the killing was premeditated.
Munson read his sentence after denying a request for a new trial by Kimbrough's attorney, Michael Gaines.
