An Alabama youngster was sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering his doctor father’s new fiancée in a fury barely 11 months after his mother passed away.
Ross McFarland, 18, pleaded guilty on Thursday to the murder of 66-year-old teacher Martha Jones ‘Marti’ White on October 17, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama.
He was 16 years old at the time of the murder.
McFarland ‘professed anger’ toward the lady who became engaged to his father, Dr. John McFarland, barely 11 months after his mother died, according to Lee County officials.
Donna McFarland, a scientist, died in November 2018 at the age of 45. She had been married to John McFarland for 22 years and was a microbiology graduate. Aside from Ross, she had two more kids, Avery and Samuel. Donna McFarland’s Facebook profile, which hasn’t been updated since before her death, shows that she was divorced.
Police in Auburn responded to a call and discovered White deceased on the floor with a gunshot wound to her face. White was a mom of two and grandma of five, as well as a retired schoolteacher from the city.
Elizabeth Chaisson, White’s daughter, issued a statement: Today, they took another step toward justice for their wonderful mother, Marti White. She was a devoted and dedicated servant to ALL the kids in her life, from her limitless number of young students to her cherished family, kids, and wonderful grandkids.
She committed her life to loving and caring for those who needed it the most. She gave herself to aid kids in need till the end of her life. While they recognize that this is an important step toward earthly justice, they will never know genuine peace and justice until they meet again, she added.
When officials investigated the matter, they discovered a missing 40-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver from Dr. McFarland’s residence. They ultimately discovered a witness who was a good friend of Ross McFarland and stated they observed McFarland shoot White as she turned her head to look away.
According to the witness, Ross picked up the bullet’s cartridge case and departed.
McFarland revealed to investigators in a statement following his detention that he fantasized about killing other individuals in his neighborhood, including kids.
McFarland received a 50-year jail term. Despite having no past criminal record, he was refused juvenile offender status.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s medical director is John McFarland. He also serves as an emergency room physician at East Alabama Medical Center.
