A 55-year-old man has been sentenced to nearly 29 years in prison after admitting to strangling his ex-wife in her Bonney Lake home. The tragic murder followed years of threats and abuse, despite the victim’s efforts to seek legal protection.
Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Killing Ex-Wife
Ronald Eugene Krier was sentenced on January 30 in Pierce County Superior Court for the murder of his ex-wife, Lisha Krier. He pleaded guilty to first-degree domestic violence murder and two counts of violating a no-contact order. The judge gave him the highest sentence within the standard range—28 years and 11 months.
Krier changed his plea just as jury selection for his trial was beginning.
Victim Sought Protection for Years
Court documents show that Lisha Krier had filed for divorce and multiple protection orders between 2020 and 2023. She reported repeated death threats and harassment by Ronald Krier during their long and troubled relationship. The couple married in 1989 and divorced in June 2024, just a month before the murder.
The last protection order she filed expired only two days before her death. She had reported a chilling incident at her workplace in June 2023, where Ronald threatened her life and made a slitting motion across his throat. Although this was reported to the police, felony harassment charges were not filed until after she was killed.
Murder Caught on Surveillance, Daughter Alerted Police
On July 5, 2024, deputies found Lisha Krier, 53, dead after her daughter called 911. The daughter reported that her father had sent her a disturbing message saying he had killed her mother or that she would be dead soon.
Home surveillance footage showed Ronald Krier arriving at Lisha’s home, arguing with her on the porch, and following her inside. Sounds of a struggle were recorded. He left about 15 minutes later. Police arrested him the same day in Auburn after a search alert was issued.
While being taken to jail, Krier reportedly said, “I’m just glad that [expletive] is dead. She deserved it.”
Defense Points to Mental Health and Addiction Issues
Krier’s lawyers had requested a lower sentence of 21 years and nine months. They submitted a psychological report that diagnosed him with major depressive disorder, anger control problems, and alcohol-use disorder.
They argued that his long-term alcohol abuse had affected his thinking and behavior. While not an excuse, they said it provided context for his actions. Krier also said he pleaded guilty partly to spare his children the trauma of testifying in court.
Heartbreaking Impact on the Family
In a victim-impact statement, Lisha Krier’s grandson expressed his pain and confusion. He said he loved his grandfather but was angry that he took his grandmother away.
“All I can do is sit here and stare at her dead ashes,” he wrote. “That’s what makes me so mad…”
Plea Deal Avoids Life Sentence
Before Krier pleaded guilty, prosecutors had charged him with aggravated first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence without parole. The plea deal downgraded the charge to first-degree murder, which allowed for the 29-year sentence.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lena Berberich-Eerebout said the deal was made to avoid forcing the victim’s children to testify and because Krier accepted responsibility.
System Backlogs and Delays Under Review
Prosecutors admitted there had been delays in pressing earlier charges due to a backlog of domestic violence cases. They have since increased staff in the Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking unit to prevent future delays.
This case highlights the devastating consequences when warnings go unheeded and legal protections fail. It serves as a painful reminder of the need for faster responses in domestic violence cases and stronger enforcement of protection orders.
