Woman Found Guilty Of Murdering Her Sister In Rodeo

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A Washington woman was found guilty Monday of murdering her sister in Contra Costa County, prosecutors announced.

Linda Thomas was convicted of five felony counts for shooting and killing her sister, Zonna Thomas, on Oct. 17, 2015. Thomas is facing a potential life sentence without the possibility for parole.

The defendant traveled from Washington to visit her sister in Rodeo on Oct. 16, 2015. The next day, prosecutors said she shot her sister in the kitchen and attempted to shoot her brother-in-law after he responded to the shooting.

Prosecutors said she paid for her own obituary in a Washington newspaper before she left town and brought with her packing tape, syringes, zip ties, a flash light, pills, ice tea laced with vodka, a utility knife and
a chain.

Deputy District Attorney Rachel Piersig said the murder was planned as a double-murder suicide and Thomas "carefully waited for the perfect opportunity."

"I hope this brings some semblance of closure to the victims involved in the case, especially Zonna's husband Donald."

Thomas' sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 27 in Contra Costa County Superior Court.

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock