Windi Thomas/FacebookA 300lb woman from Pennsylvania, US, pleaded guilty to third degree murder after crushing her boyfriend to death.
44-year-old Windi Thomas murdered 44-year-old Keeno Butler at their home in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 18, 2018, following an argument.
Thomas initially attacked the much lighter Butler by hitting him over the head with a table leg.
It was then she crushed him using her body, sitting on his chest. Thomas weighs over 300lbs, while Butler weighed significantly less at just 120lbs.
Thomas had reportedly been drinking at the time of the murder, and had been looking to buy crack cocaine, as reported by Erie News Now.
According to the affidavit, Butler’s death was ’caused by respiratory insufficiency secondary to blunt force trauma to the neck and thoracic compression, exacerbated by blunt force trauma to the head’.
As reported by Go Erie, police officers discovered Butler’s body in the living room of the apartment, following a 911 call from Thomas who reported she’d killed someone.
Windi Thomas is in Erie County Court today for a preliminary hearing. Police say she admitted to killing her boyfriend. The judge held all charges for court, including criminal homicide. pic.twitter.com/mTFioNnxmi
— Jackie Roberts (@JackieRoberts22) June 6, 2018
As a result of her plea deal, the recommended 20-to-40 year prison sentence was reduced to a shorter sentence of 18-to-36 years.
Thomas’ court-appointed lawyer, Mark Del Duca, has reportedly said:
It’s a good result based upon the facts of the case, I think it’s fair for both sides.
However, according to Go Erie, Butler’s sister Sandra Butler, believes Thomas should serve a longer sentence:
I feel like she should have 40 or more. She deserved life.
She also spoke about the effect her brother’s death has had on her family:
My mother, she calls for him every night.
According to an obituary published in The Meadville Tribune:
He [Butler] was a member of St. John Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church Meadville.
A graduated of Meadville Area High School, Keeno will be remembered as a person who was full of love, energy and had a smile that would light up a room. [sic]
He enjoyed pets, music, dancing and working. The greatest part of Keeno’s life was when he was with his family, especially his daughter and grandchildren. He was loved by many.
Sandra Jean Butler remembers her brother, Keeno Butler, during a Take Back the Site vigil at 1018 East Avenue on Tuesday. Keeno Butler was killed here at his eastside apartment one month ago. #ErieLive pic.twitter.com/qWdXV6ATjQ
— Matthew Rink (@ETNrink) April 17, 2018
"It was very, very hard to keep quiet. It was an awful killing." — Keeno Butler's sister, Sandra Jean Butler, commenting after Windi Thomas' preliminary hearing. pic.twitter.com/5hTwiGfKfn
— Jackie Roberts (@JackieRoberts22) June 6, 2018
Minutes ago, about 50 people gathered at 1019 East Avenue in Erie to honor the memory of Keeno Butler, 44, who was killed on March 18. Family members, including Keeno's older sister, attended the Take Back the Site vigil. #ErieLive pic.twitter.com/Dd8xxau2fp
— Matthew Rink (@ETNrink) April 17, 2018
Thomas will now remain at Erie County Prison without bond while awaiting her sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 21, 2018.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Keeno Butler at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.