Eric Holmes

Background

Eric D. Holmes was 21 years old at the time of the murders. He had no prior criminal record. His mother died when he was 7 years old. He suffered from child neglect and abuse as a child. His IQ was 79, and he had adjusted well to jail.

The offence

At closing on the day of his firing, Holmes waited in the parking lot with Michael Vance. Foshee left the restaurant with Charles Ervin, a manager, and Theresa Blosl, a manager. Ervin was carrying the till. Holmes and Vance trapped them in the foyer leaving the restaurant and attacked them, stabbing them multiple times, and grabbed the till. Ervin and Blosl died, but Foshee survived.

Investigation

Holmes conspired and participated with Michael Vance in the attack and robbery.

Trial

Vance was tried separately, convicted, and sentenced to 190 years imprisonment. Holmes’s conviction included Murder (Ervin), Murder (Blosl), Attempted Murder (A Felony), Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. The jury hung on the death sentence.

Sentencing

Holmes was sentenced on March 26, 1993 to death. Aggravating Circumstances included robbery and two murders. Mitigating Circumstances included that he was 21 years old at the time of the murders, an accomplice did not receive death sentence, no prior criminal record, his mother died when he was 7 years old, he suffered from child neglect and abuse as a child, and he had an IQ of 79 and adjusted well to jail.

Outcome

Holmes was sentenced to death on March 26, 1993 and was on death row since 03-26-93.

Other details

Holmes was identified as HOLMES, ERIC D. #78. His date of birth was 08-23-1968. His DOC# was 932132. The Marion County Superior Court Special Judge was Cynthia S. Foshee survived the attack.