Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Opera Star's Son Nabbed in '91 Rape/Murder

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2009 1:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – Some 18 years after a Pennsylvania camp counselor was shot in the head and raped as she died, cops have charged the son of a famed Metropolitan Opera bass with the brutal murder, the New York Post reports. Jeffrey Plishka, 46, has long been suspected of the crime, and the body of 24-year-old Laura Ronning was found near the farm of his father, Paul Plishka. New DNA evidence led to his recent arrest.

Insiders say the elder Plishka, who's been with the Met since 1967, helped his son evade prosecution by funding a 2-decade hopscotch around the US. “His leaving town certainly didn't make things easier for the investigation,” says a source. Authorities have long known Plishka was the last person to see Ronning alive—he told them that “bitch never waved to me” at a local waterfall—and now they have her DNA on a rifle found at the farm in 1992.

In this photo released Friday July 31, 2009 by the Wayne, Pa. Co. District Attorney's office, Jeffrey Plishka is shown.
In this photo released Friday July 31, 2009 by the Wayne, Pa. Co. District Attorney's office, Jeffrey Plishka is shown.   (AP Photo)
Ben Heppner as Ghermann, Paul Plishka as Sourin, center, and Alan Oke as Tchekalinsky performing in the final dress rehearsal of Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades in New York.
Ben Heppner as Ghermann, Paul Plishka as Sourin, center, and Alan Oke as Tchekalinsky performing in the final dress rehearsal of Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" in New York.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I knew he'd eventually get caught—we are very grateful. I just want him locked up where he can't hurt anyone else. - Pat Gicking, Laura Ronning's mother

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
bravenew86
Oct 1, 2009 5:21 AM CDT
THIS is why I hate Operas; their actors begot rapist murderers....and they're pretty boring too.
Doctor-Zaius
Aug 11, 2009 12:28 PM CDT
Steel bowl of starving rats strapped to his stomach.
Bubblebee
Aug 10, 2009 10:58 AM CDT
What kind of sick world do we live in? She never waved at him because she more than likely saw him for who he truely is not worthy of her time or anyone elses, scum!
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne