Logo

13 Facts About Romell Broom

1.

Romell Broom was sentenced to death for the 1984 murder of 14-year-old Tryna Middleton.

2.

Romell Broom died from COVID-19 in prison before the sentence could be carried out.

3.

Romell Broom was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and moved to Ohio with his mother when he was five years old.

4.

Romell Broom committed numerous non-violent crimes as a juvenile, for which he was repeatedly committed to the Ohio Youth Commission.

5.

On September 18,1984, Romell Broom attempted to abduct 12-year-old Venita McKenney, but was interrupted by two neighbors and fled.

6.

On December 6,1984, Romell Broom physically assaulted and abducted 11-year-old Melinda Grissom.

7.

The icy road made it harder for Romell Broom to drive, allowing Grissom's mother to hang on.

8.

Romell Broom was charged with numerous crimes, including aggravated murder.

9.

Romell Broom offered to plead guilty in exchange for a sentence of 30 years to life, but his offer was rejected.

10.

Romell Broom was scheduled to be executed on September 15,2009.

11.

In March 2016, the Ohio Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Romell Broom and ruled that the state could again try to execute him.

12.

On December 12,2016, the US Supreme Court declined to give Romell Broom a hearing on his appeal.

13.

Romell Broom died from suspected COVID-19 complications at Franklin Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, on December 28,2020, at age 64, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio.