Attorney General's News Release

August 8, 1996

Federal appeals court again affirms death sentence given to Jefferson County man who dismembered girlfriend

Jefferson City, Mo. — The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed the conviction and death sentence of Ralph Cecil Feltrop for the murder of his live-in girlfriend in Jefferson County in March 1987.

The case had been remanded to the federal appeals court for further consideration by the United States Supreme Court last December; the appeals court previously affirmed the judgment of the district court in January 1995.

Feltrop stabbed Barbara Roam in the throat, causing her to bleed to death. He dismembered her body before dumping various parts in St. Charles and Jefferson counties. Feltrop's defense at his original trial was self-defense.

“This was a murder of an extremely brutal nature,” said Attorney General Jay Nixon, whose office represented the state. “We will continue to oppose any legal efforts by Feltrop to avoid the sentence given him by a jury of 12 Missourians.”

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818