Warren Robert Gregory, a former Marine, was convicted in 1993 for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of two women, Bernadine Parrish and Bobbie Jean Hartwig. Gregory was found guilty of first-degree murder on the grounds of premeditation and deliberation, as well as felony murder. He was sentenced to death for the crimes. Gregory and his accomplices, Kendrick Bradford and Richard Gonzales, were drinking and driving to a club in Greenville, North Carolina, when they encountered Bernadine Parrish and Bobbie Jean Hartwig. The Marines robbed them at gunpoint, wounded the man, and forced the women into their car, taking them to a wooded area for the heinous acts of rape and murder. The bodies of the victims were discovered over two weeks later, along with a key to one of the Marines’ barracks rooms.
After defendant raped Bernadine Parrish, he tried to strangle her and snapped her head back sharply.
Gonzales checked her for a pulse but could not find one.
Bernadine Parrish then regained consciousness, *647 and defendant choked her and snapped her neck again.
Bernadine Parrish lost control of her bodily functions and went silent.
Defendant threw Bernadine’s body into a ditch.
Gonzales asked defendant why he killed Bernadine Parrish, and defendant informed him that he choked her
“so we would never have to go to prison.”
Mr. Warren R. Gregory. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Raleigh, NC. August 26, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Detailed Report on Warren Robert Gregory
Background: Warren Robert Gregory, a former Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was convicted of heinous crimes in the early 1990s. His case has been a significant point of discussion due to the nature of the crimes and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Crimes Committed: In 1991, Gregory was involved in the brutal rape and murder of two women, Bernadine Parrish and Bobbie Jean Hartwig, in Pitt County, North Carolina. The crimes were particularly gruesome, involving multiple counts of kidnapping, rape, and murder.
Legal Proceedings: Gregory was tried and convicted in state court in Pitt County. On April 13, 1993, he was found guilty of multiple counts of kidnapping, rape, and murder. The jury returned verdicts of first-degree murder on the theories of both premeditation and deliberation, as well as felony murder. For each of his two murder convictions, Gregory was sentenced to death.
Appeals and Legal Challenges: Gregory’s case went through numerous appeals. In 1995, the North Carolina Supreme Court upheld his convictions and death sentences. Further appeals were made to the federal courts, including the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which also upheld his death sentence in 2006.
Current Status: As of the latest available information, Warren Robert Gregory remains on death row. His case continues to be a reference point in discussions about the death penalty and the criminal justice system in North Carolina.
Impact and Significance: The case of Warren Robert Gregory highlights several critical issues within the criminal justice system, including the handling of violent crimes, the appeals process for death row inmates, and the broader implications of capital punishment. It serves as a stark reminder of the severity of certain crimes and the legal consequences that follow.
Victims: Bernadine Parrish and Bobbie Jean Hartwig
Bernadine Parrish: Bernadine Parrish was a young woman living in Grifton, North Carolina. She was known to be a caring mother, living with her children and her brother, Wesley Parrish. On the night of August 24, 1991, Bernadine, her brother Wesley, and her friend Bobbie Jean Hartwig were walking from Grifton to Ayden, North Carolina. Tragically, they encountered Warren Robert Gregory and his accomplices, who offered them a ride. Bernadine was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Gregory. Her body was discovered on September 10, 1991, in a ditch near a building site on the campus of Pitt County Community College.
Bobbie Jean Hartwig: Bobbie Jean Hartwig was a close friend of Bernadine Parrish. She was also living in Grifton and was with Bernadine and Wesley on the night of the incident. Bobbie Jean shared the same horrific fate as Bernadine, being kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Gregory and his accomplices. Her body was found alongside Bernadine’s, both badly decomposed.
Incident Details: On the night of the crime, the trio was picked up by Gregory and his friends, Kendrick Bradford and Richard Gonzales. After initially refusing the ride, they were coerced into the car at gunpoint. Wesley Parrish was shot and left for dead but managed to survive and later provide crucial testimony. The women were taken to a wooded area, where they were subjected to brutal assaults before being killed.
Gregory was convicted of heinous acts based on personal grudges and fury. His activities were motivated by a desire to control and dominate his victims, aided by the influence of his collaborators, Kendrick Bradford and Richard Gonzales. The opportunistic character of the crimes, which took place while joy-riding, contributed to the rising violence. Gregory exhibited no regret for his conduct throughout the trial and appeals, demonstrating a profound contempt for human life. The motivation for Gregory’s crimes is unknown, however his activities were driven by personal grudges and the ability to impose control over his targets.
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