Death Row Inmate Dies Decades After Hiring Friend to Kill Pregnant Wife Days Before Her Due Date

**Death Row Inmate Jerry T. Bunyard Dies in Medical Facility at Age 76**

Jerry Thomas Bunyard, a convicted murderer who spent decades on death row in California, has passed away at the age of 76 while in custody at an external medical facility. His death was officially recorded on July 10 at 4:44 p.m., with the exact cause yet to be determined by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, as reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Bunyard was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 1979 killing of his pregnant wife, Elaine Bunyard, and their unborn child. This tragic incident stemmed from a chilling plot he orchestrated, involving the hiring of a friend to carry out the heinous crime. The murder took place in the family home, where the couple’s seven-year-old daughter would later discover her mother’s lifeless body.

Court documents revealed that Bunyard had recruited Earlin Popham, a longtime acquaintance described as a “small-time criminal” who struggled with substance abuse. Initially, Popham declined the offer, but it was reported that the two men reached an agreement shortly before the murder. Bunyard promised Popham $1,000 to kill Elaine and misleadingly stage the act as a suicide.

Bunyard’s motives were tied to his belief that Elaine was carrying the child of another man. He became increasingly resentful after she refused to accept a divorce settlement, while he had aspirations of pursuing a new relationship. The murder unfolded on November 1, 1979, when Popham struck Elaine from behind with frying pans to incapacitate her before fatally shooting her with Bunyard’s shotgun in the garage.

Due to evident signs of struggle in the kitchen and a bloody trail leading away from the murder scene, Popham attempted to mask the true nature of the event. He staged the crime scene to resemble a robbery by disturbing furniture and taking a mere £4 from Elaine’s purse. Sadly, the body was discovered later that same day by the couple’s young daughter.

The gruesome details surrounding the murder prompted a close friend of Bunyard, identified as Randy Johnson, to alert authorities after learning about Elaine’s death. Johnson had received multiple requests from Bunyard over the years to kill both his wife and daughter, with Bunyard reportedly offering him up to £16,500 for the heinous acts within the first year of their friendship.

Ultimately, Bunyard faced justice in San Joaquin County, where he was found guilty and sentenced to death for first-degree murder, under the special circumstances of committing multiple murders due to Elaine being imminently due to give birth. In a separate plea arrangement, Popham admitted to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in exchange for his testimony against Bunyard during the trial.

Jerry T. Bunyard had been incarcerated since February 1981, spending much of his time at California State Prison in Sacramento after his transfer from San Joaquin County. His death marks the end of a lengthy legal saga that began over four decades ago, highlighting the persistent issues surrounding domestic violence and the impact of such crimes on families.

The case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic abuse, underscoring the need for awareness and preventative measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Individuals who may be experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to seek help, with resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline available for support. The hotline operates 24/7, providing confidential assistance in over 170 languages.

While Bunyard’s life has come to an end, the inner turmoil and repercussions from this tragic crime continue to resonate within the community, reflecting the profound impact of domestic violence on countless lives.