Conviction: Second-Degree Murder
DOC#  0230882
Parole Review Date: 4-30-06
Sentence: LIFE
Has Served: 12 yrs 5 mnths to date

Crime Story
On August 18, 1993, Robert Laidla was at his trailer along with Michael Hood, Jerry Bentley, Brian Wyatt and Angela Esparsa on Detroiter Street in Huntersville, NC.  The victim was a known drug dealer and had come to the residents for a cook out.  While the victim was sitting inside the residence, Robert Laidla, along with Michael Hood, Brian Wyatt, and Jerry Bentley took turns beating the victim in the head numerous times with a bowling pin. 

While still alive, Robert Laidla and Michael Hood carried the victim outside the residence.  Michael Hood took out a pocket knife and began stabbing the victim in the neck.  The following day, with the body in the trunk of a car, Laidla, Hood, Bentley and Esparsa drove to Virginia where they dumped the body along side a dirt road.

Robert Laidla pled guilty to second degree murder and received a LIFE sentence.

Return to Inmates for Parole in 2006