Robert Crater Sentenced to 10 Years for 1997 Murder of Tami Tignor

Cold Case Murder and Sentencing

• 📌 A cold case dating back to 1997, involving the murder of Tami Tignor, has reached a sentencing conclusion after 27 years.
• 💔 Tami Tignor, who was 23 at the time of her death, was found murdered in Washington Valley Park.

Victim Impact Statements

• 💬 Tignor's mother spoke directly to the confessed killer, Robert Crater, describing the pain of her daughter's death and the years of suffering.
• ⛓️ She expressed that for 27 years, her daughter's killer was free while the family felt imprisoned by grief and fear.
• 🗣️ Friends and family shared their enduring pain, with one stating they do not sleep without nightmares of her death.

Technological Breakthrough and Confession

• 🔬 Advanced DNA technology, specifically DNA from under Tignor's nails, led to Crater's arrest in 2023.
• 🎤 Crater, who has a history of convictions including sexual assault, confessed to the murder.

Killer's Statement and Plea Deal

• 😔 Crater addressed Tignor's family, stating he would take that day back if he could and that the situation got out of hand.
• ⚖️ He was sentenced to 10 years in prison as part of a negotiated plea deal, with parole eligibility in 8 and a half years.
• 🚫 Tignor's family expressed disbelief in his apology and remorse.

Judge's Remarks and Family's Grief

• 🏛️ The judge stated she was bound by the plea agreement but hoped Crater would not be released on parole due to the likelihood of re-offending.
• 😔 Tignor would have been 50 years old today, and her family noted her killer was free longer than she was alive.
• 🌟 The family had prayed for decades to find out who was responsible for the mystery surrounding her death.