35 Facts About Randy Roth

Early Life and Family

Randy Roth's early years set the stage for his later actions. His upbringing was far from ideal, shaping his future behavior.

1. Randy Roth was born on December 26, 1954, in Bismarck, North Dakota.
2. He was one of five children born to Gordon and Lizabeth Roth.
3. The family moved to Washington state shortly after his birth.
4. Randy's father, Gordon, was described as strict and abusive.
5. In 1971, Gordon and Lizabeth Roth divorced.

Troubled Youth and Early Crimes

Randy's teenage years were marked by bullying and early signs of criminal behavior. His actions during this time hinted at the darker path he would later take.

6. Randy had a reputation for being a bully and a misogynist.
7. He only chose male friends who would bow down to him.
8. Randy robbed a service station where he had previously been employed.
9. He was not charged with the crime at that time.

Military Service and Disappointment

Randy's brief stint in the Marine Corps did not go as he had hoped. His experience there was a far cry from the action he had fantasized about.

10. After graduating from Meadowdale High School in 1973, Randy enlisted in the Marine Corps.
11. He ended up serving as a file clerk in Okinawa.
12. Randy was discharged after less than a year due to his mother's letter protesting the hardship of his absence.

Marriages and Suspicious Deaths

Randy's marriages were marked by tragedy and suspicion. Each relationship ended in either divorce or death, often under mysterious circumstances.

13. Randy's first marriage was to Donna Sanchez in the late 1970s.
14. The marriage lasted five years and produced one son.
15. Randy's second marriage was to Janis Miranda in 1981.
16. Janis was found dead following a hiking trip to Beacon Rock in Washington.
17. Randy claimed Janis fell to her death, but the exact details were questioned by authorities.
18. Randy quickly had Janis cremated and filed a claim on her life insurance policy.
19. Randy's third marriage was to Donna Clift.
20. Donna filed for divorce after a rafting trip to the Skykomish River.
21. Randy's fourth and final marriage was to Cynthia Baumgartner Roth.

The Death of Cynthia Roth

Cynthia's death was the final straw that led to Randy's conviction. The circumstances surrounding her death were highly suspicious and ultimately led to his downfall.

22. Cynthia was a single mother with two children, Tyson and Rylie.
23. The couple married in the spring of 1990.
24. Randy quickly became suspicious of Cynthia's financial independence.
25. Cynthia changed the beneficiary of her life insurance policy to Randy.
26. On July 23, 1991, Randy and Cynthia took a family trip to Lake Sammamish.
27. Randy claimed that a speedboat wake had capsized their raft, causing Cynthia to drown.
28. Randy wasted no time in trying to collect on Cynthia's life insurance policy.
29. He emptied out her safe deposit box just two days after her death.

Legal Consequences and Imprisonment

Randy's actions finally caught up with him. The investigation and trial revealed the true extent of his manipulative and murderous behavior.

30. Randy Roth was arrested on suspicion of murder.
31. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
32. As of 2023, Randy is serving his time at Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Washington.
33. He will be eligible for parole in 2029.

Psychological Profile and Impact

Randy's lack of empathy and controlling behavior had a profound impact on those around him. His actions left a trail of devastation and highlighted the importance of recognizing early warning signs of abuse.

34. Randy's psychological profile is marked by a lack of empathy and a history of controlling behavior.
35. His crimes have been documented in several true crime books, including A Rose for Her Grave by Ann Rule and Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith.

The Dark Legacy of Randy Roth

Randy Roth's life is a chilling tale of manipulation, control, and murder. Born in North Dakota, his early years were marked by a strict, abusive father and a troubled family dynamic. His marriages ended in tragedy, with each wife either dying under suspicious circumstances or escaping his control. Roth's pattern of deceit and manipulation, especially regarding life insurance policies, highlighted his lack of empathy and dangerous behavior. His conviction for the murder of his fourth wife, Cynthia, and the subsequent 50-year prison sentence, brought some justice. However, his potential parole in 2029 raises concerns. Roth's story serves as a grim reminder of the importance of recognizing early signs of abuse and the devastating impact of controlling behavior. His legacy is a stark warning about the dangers lurking behind a facade of normalcy.