Jeffrey Don Lundgren, Prophet of Death

Damon Lundgren
(John Kuntz)

Damon Lundgren's trial began on September 11. Defense attorneys tried to show the jury that Damon provided little assistance in the death of the Averys and was in constant fear of his abusive father. The prosecution, however, painted a picture of an unremorseful young man who actively participated in the murders and prior to them had purchased the lime that had been used to cover the bodies.

Damon in court, shown evidence on
the stand
(Duncan Scott, The News Herald)

Following closing arguments, jury deliberation began on September 17 and concluded the following day. The jury found Damon Lundgren guilty of kidnapping and aggravated murder in the deaths of Dennis, Becky, Trina and Karen Avery. However, he was acquitted in the death of Cheryl Avery. Prosecutors later speculated that the jury, for unknown reasons, must have believed Damon did not actively participate in Cheryl's murder. The penalty phase was scheduled to begin one week later.

On September 26, 1990, the jury, after having heard testimony from Damon's friends and family, decided to spare his life. Damon Lundgren was sentenced to twenty years to life for each count of aggravated murder.

Dennis Patrick
(Duncan Scott, The
News Herald)

In mid-October, Dennis and Tonya Patrick pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and were each placed on probation for a period of eighteen months.

Danny Kraft in court
(The News Herald)

On November 5, Danny Kraft pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated murder and five counts of kidnapping. He was promptly sentenced to serve twenty years on each of counts one through five, concurrently with each other, and terms of ten to twenty five years on each of counts six through ten. Terms on counts six and seven were to be served concurrently with each other as well as concurrently with the terms on counts one through five, and the terms on counts eight, nine and ten were to be served consecutively with each other and consecutively with those on the first five counts.

Ron Luff after testifying
(Duncan Scott, The News
Herald)

Ron Luff's trial was moved to Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo due to the overwhelming media attention in Lake County. Ron's trial progressed much the same way as his fellow defendants and just before Christmas, he was found guilty on all counts. Following a brief New Year's break, the jury returned to court with its recommendation: twenty years to life on counts one and two; thirty years to life on counts three, four and five. The presiding judge followed the jury's recommendation and with regard to the aggravated murder counts; made the sentences consecutive; imposed sentences of ten years apiece for counts six, seven, eight, nine, and ten; and caused them to run consecutively with the sentences on the first five counts. Ron Luff would now spend at least one hundred and fifty years behind bars before being eligible for parole.

Kathy Johnson, led to court
(Duncan Scott, The News
Herald)

Kathy Johnson, Richard Brand, Greg Winship, Sharon Bluntschly, Susie Luff and Debbie Olivarez were handed down their sentences at the end of January 1991. Debbie, Sharon and Susie were given seven to twenty five years. Greg was sentenced to twenty years to life, consecutively for each murder count. Richard received fifteen years to life and Kathy was sentenced to one year.

Alice will not be eligible for parole until 2094. The others remain in Ohio prisons and are scheduled to come up for parole as follows: Damon Lundgren, 2098; Daniel Kraft, 2025; Richard Brand, 2003; Greg Winship, November 2004; Sharon Bluntschley, 2015; Susan Luff, 2016; Debbie Olivarez, May 2002; and Ronald Luff, 2148.

On May 5, 1999, Jeff filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (Judge Nugent). On May 27, Lundgren filed notice of intention to file a petition for habeas corpus and a motion for appointment of counsel in U.S. district court. On June 7, the district court issued a case management order. Pursuant to that order, one of Lundgren's attorneys submitted a proposed budget of $131,625. On August 10, the district court found the proposed budget "frivolous and an affront to any responsible person."