TACOMA, WASHINGTON: In a heinous crime that sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Key Peninsula near Tacoma, Washington, a 29-year-old man has been convicted of a meticulously planned murder scheme aimed at acquiring his grandparents' waterfront property and setting up a commune.

Ezra Fleming Ralston, along with his accomplices, conspired to kill his grandparents, Joanna Gormley, 73, and Ted Ralston, 71, in order to take over their idyllic home.

What are the charges against Ezra Ralston?

The conviction came after a jury found Ezra Ralston guilty on two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and arson in the first degree. The trial concluded in June, and on Wednesday, August 23, he was sentenced to life in prison for his heinous crimes.

The tragedy unfolded in May 2020, when the peaceful lives of Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston were brutally cut short. The couple was found dead in their home on the Key Peninsula, a scene made even more chilling by the subsequent discovery that the house had been intentionally set ablaze to conceal the crime.

Ezra Ralston, who had been living with his grandparents, masterminded the sinister plot in collaboration with his girlfriend and two accomplices.

Who were Ezra Ralston's accomplices?

Authorities' intensive investigation uncovered a web of deceit and manipulation, as Ezra Ralston and his cohorts plotted to eliminate his grandparents for personal gain. A press release issued by law enforcement detailed the painstaking efforts undertaken by detectives to piece together the events leading to the gruesome murders.

The investigation involved numerous interviews, search warrants, and the examination of substantial evidence to identify and apprehend the four individuals responsible for the heinous acts.

Alongside Ezra Ralston, his accomplices were also brought to justice. Sean Higgins, 26, received a life sentence, while Spencer Kleine, 26, was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Ezra Ralston's girlfriend, Rebecka Neubauer, 25, will spend the next 33 years and four months behind bars.

This collective punishment reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the devastating impact on the victims' families and the community at large.

According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, the sequence of events leading to the discovery of the murders was as chilling as it was calculated.

What happened to Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston?

On the night of May 17, 2020, neighbors reported loud explosions, prompting firefighters to respond. The victims, Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston, were found dead in the basement, their bodies positioned in a manner suggesting they had been dragged down the stairs.

The house bore evidence of arson, with multiple gas cans found on the premises and a propane tank explosion adding to the horror.

An autopsy revealed the grim details of the couple's demise. Joanna Gormley had been stabbed multiple times in the neck, while her husband, Ted Ralston, suffered numerous stab wounds to the chest. Detectives also found a gas canister in Ezra Ralston's car, further connecting him to the crime.

As the investigation progressed, additional layers of the conspiracy came to light. Detectives received a call from Ezra Ralston's mother, expressing concern over her son's mental well-being. Furthermore, Ezra's father revealed that his son had concocted a COVID-19 ruse to obscure the true cause of death.

Neubauer, during questioning, admitted to discussing the murder plot with Ezra Ralston on multiple occasions. The duo's conversations included talk of taking over the victims' home to establish a "commune."

Ezra Ralston 'encouraged' by girlfriend Rebecka Neubauer

In the days leading up to the murders, messages between Ezra Ralston and Neubauer showed the escalating tensions and the relentless pursuit of their sinister plan.

“Just prior to the murder, defendant Ralston expressed concerns about the fact that his grandparents were still awake, making it difficult to follow through on the plan to commit the murders,” the affidavit said.

“Defendant Neubauer gave him specific advice on how to proceed to avoid alerting his grandparents. Neubauer also repeatedly encouraged Ralston in the message exchanges whenever Ralston expressed his frustration and stress about committing the murders, telling him how much she loves him and telling him, ‘You’re so amazing you got this,'" it continued.

Even after the killings, their callousness remained evident, as Ezra Ralston mentioned using bleach because the house was smelling like “a science experiment with dead frogs,” per the affidavit.

Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston were beloved members of their community, making the tragedy all the more heart-wrenching. Their sudden deaths left a void felt by many, as they were remembered for their warm personalities and contributions to the Key Peninsula.

Memorial services held in their honor saw community members come together to pay their respects, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.

“Many in the community still have — and will always have — strong feelings and fond memories about Ted and Joanna,” a post on newsbreak.com stated.