A man who almost decapitated his girlfriend has disclosed the disturbing motive behind the vicious murder as he is sentenced to life in prison.
In 2024, neighbors reported an unusual odor emanating from a nearby apartment, prompting the police to investigate. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the body of 52-year-old Genna Rae LaCombe on the porch, wrapped in blankets, towels, and a shower curtain. The remains had been left there for several days to decompose. Inside the apartment, they discovered Shane Levi Cole Roberts hiding in a closet with a dog, leading to his immediate arrest.
A coroner determined that LaCombe had sustained multiple stab wounds, one of which nearly decapitated her, according to KTVQ. Roberts, aged 46, was handed an 85-year prison sentence after admitting to intentional homicide.
During the sentencing hearing lasting four hours, prosecutors presented a substantial amount of evidence, including Roberts’ callous reason for the heinous crime, as reported by Law & Crime. The police investigation revealed photos on Roberts’s phone depicting his girlfriend’s bloodied body in a bathtub, taken approximately nine days before her remains were discovered. Additionally, the police recovered two bloodied knives, a hatchet, and a hammer.
Moreover, Roberts confessed to his mother over the phone from Yellowstone County Jail, admitting to LaCombe’s murder, citing that she had “pushed him too far.” The couple had been in a relationship for about two years before the tragic incident, sharing a residence in Billings, Montana.
A forensic psychologist who evaluated Roberts concluded that he struggled with substance abuse and major depressive disorder. However, the expert clarified that Roberts was still capable of understanding his actions at the time of the offense.
Prosecutors and Roberts’ defense lawyer had agreed on a 70-year prison term, but Judge Colette Davies extended it by an additional 15 years. Addressing Roberts, she stated, “I’m informed that you had affection for this woman. However, this is not love. This is an atrocity.”
According to LaCombe’s obituary, she leaves behind two children. The obituary highlighted LaCombe’s dedication as a mother and her passion for arts and crafts, particularly painting and beading. She was also fond of cooking, with her chicken noodle soup and pork chop chili being family favorites. Moreover, her love for 80s music filled her home with dancing, even though her sons were not always enthusiastic.
Meanwhile, the mother of a teenager who was brutally dismembered and disposed of in a bin has vowed to continue advocating to keep his killer, Stuart Diamond, incarcerated because he has not disclosed the location of her son’s head. Despite being deemed too dangerous for release after his 1999 conviction, a review panel is considering his potential parole. Christopher’s determined mother will provide evidence to prevent his release.
Jean Hartley, a 74-year-old from Liverpool, expressed the profound impact of her son’s tragic murder on her family and emphasized her resolve to ensure Diamond remains incarcerated. She mourned her son daily and lamented the devastating toll on her family. Despite her fear of encountering Diamond, she remains steadfast in her determination to prevent his release.