Columbus, OH: Man says he killed ex-flame's mother

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 3:09 AM
BY BRENDA JACKSON
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The minimum sentence that Casey Pigge, of Chillicothe, could receive is 20 years to life.

A Ross County man pleaded guilty yesterday to aggravated murder and other charges in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend's mother in Chillicothe last year.
Casey Pigge, 21, could be sentenced to life in prison without parole, said Ross County Prosecutor Michael M. Ater.

Pigge, of Chillicothe, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated murder, as well as aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, arson, tampering with evidence, escape and possession of a deadly weapon while under detention, Ater said.

Pigge admitted his role in the slaying of Rhonda Sommers, 52, who was stabbed to death on Sept. 5, 2008.

Authorities say he then set fire to Sommers' apartment on W. 2nd Street, with her body inside, to cover up her death.

Ater said that Pigge killed Sommers because he wanted to run away with her daughter to Texas. The robbery charge involved Pigge stealing money from Sommers, as well as her car.

Ater said the daughter wasn't involved in the slaying.

Pigge is to be sentenced Nov. 6.

Ater said the minimum sentence Pigge could receive is 20 years to life, and the maximum is life without parole.