KJRH
May 4, 2015
A man who shot and killed his ex-girlfriend last year in front of her three young children pleaded guilty Friday.
Robert Tillotson III will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of 32-year-old Beverly Stratton.
Authorities believed Tillotson and Stratton were romantically involved but ended their relationship shortly before the shooting. Stratton allowed Tillotson to stay at her home after they separated.
On Oct. 25, 2014, authorities say Tillotson shot Stratton, then turned the gun on himself. Her 12-year-old son called 911. When police arrived, Tillotson was unconscious and Stratton was dead.
He survived his injuries and was charged with first-degree murder and several other gun-related charges.
Tillotson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for pleading guilty to first-degree murder. He also pleaded to three counts of feloniously pointing a firearm, for which he received life sentences, and one count of possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction, for which he was sentenced to 10 years.
Tillotson’s sentences will be served concurrently.
Court records show the couple had a history of domestic violence. Tillotson had previously pleaded guilty to domestic assault and battery.