Thursday, December 5, 2024–10:30 a.m.
-Adam Carey, Rome News-Tribune-
This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com
An Armuchee man pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing his 82-year-old grandmother and keeping her body stored in a freezer for several months.
Robert Keith Tincher III, 31, forced his grandmother, Doris Cumming, alive into plastic bags then dragged her through the residence before forcing her into a large freezer, breaking several of her bones.
During the hearing, Floyd County Assistant District Attorney Elisabeth Giuliani stated that Cumming was still alive as she was placed in the freezer.
“Tincher stated he could hear his grandmother breathing as he dragged her across the apartment,” Giuliani said. “A few hours later he said he could hear her breathing inside the freezer.”
Despite the plea to malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping and other charges, Tincher denied that he killed his grandmother during the plea hearing on Wednesday.
“No, I don’t believe I caused the death of my grandmother,” Tincher said. “But I want to get out of Floyd County and get on with the rest of my life.”
“When you say you want to get on with the rest of your life,” Judge Sparks replied, “you’re aware that means spending it in prison?”
Judge Sparks expressed concern with Tincher’s answer and stated he could accept a guilty plea from someone who would not acknowledge responsibility for their crimes.
However, after a few more questions, Judge Sparks seemed satisfied that Tincher was accepting responsibility and accepted the plea.
Under Georgia law there are only two possible sentences available for malice murder: life in prison or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Tincher will be sentenced during a hearing in Courtroom B on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.