Former Youth Pastor Who Allegedly Murdered, Dismembered Teenage Boy in 1994 Begins Trial

Ronnie Hyde
Screengrab from WJXT.

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Laster’s brother has claimed that Hyde owned a set of knives matching those found in the dumpster, though the defense has pointed out that the particular set of knives were widely sold around the time of Laster’s murder.  

Laster’s sister also had recounted to police a traumatic evening when she and Laster were spending the night with Hyde and she awoke to find Hyde standing over Laster nude and attempting to wake him. 

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Further, Hyde had allegedly taken nursing classes, which would have given him anatomical knowledge that would prove useful when attempting to dismember a body. Jurors were also shown images of the inside of Hyde’s home, the sordid condition of which lended itself to the suspicion that Hyde is not mentally well. 

Hyde has also been charged with multiple counts of child pornography, but those charges will be heard in a separate trial. This murder trial is expected to last about a week.

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Dale Chamberlain
Dale Chamberlain (M.Div) is Content Manager for ChurchLeaders. With experience in pastoral ministry as well as the corporate marketing world, he is also an author and podcaster who is passionate about helping people tackle ancient truths in everyday settings. Dale lives in Southern California with his wife Tamara and their three sons.

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