Karu White

Murderer

3known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Powell County, Kentucky, USA
Date of birth: November 18, 1958
Age at first offence: 21
Characteristics: robbery, mentally ill
Victim profile: Charles Gross, 75, his wife Lola Gross, 74 and Sam Chaney, 79
Method of murder: Beating with a wrench, a tire tool and a tree limb
Date(s) of murder: February 12, 1979
Years active: 1979
Date of arrest: J uly 27, 1979
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on March 29, 1980

Case Summary

Background

Karu White was sentenced to death on March 29, 1980 in Powell County for the murder of three Breathitt County residents. His date of birth was 11-18-58.

The offence

On the evening of February 12, 1979, White and two accomplices entered a Haddix, Kentucky store operated by two elderly men, Charles Gross and Sam Chaney, and an elderly woman, Lula Gross. White and his accomplices bludgeoned the men and the woman to death. They took a billfold containing $7,000, coins, and a handgun. After leaving the scene of the murders, they hitch-hiked to a friend's college dorm in Jackson, KY and divided their loot.

Investigation

White was arrested on July 27, 1979.

Trial

White pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but was convicted and sentenced to die.

Sentencing

White was sentenced to death on March 29, 1980.

Outcome

White was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of three people: Charles Gross, 75; Lula Gross, 74; and Sam Chaney, 79.

Aftermath

The victims were buried in body bags due to the brutal nature of the fatal beatings.

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