The True Story Behind the Murder of Ruthie May McCoy: A Case of Greed, Paranoia, and Tragic Loss

In April 1987, a tragedy unfolded in Chicago's notorious Abbott Homes housing project, a case that would challenge even the most seasoned detectives. Ruthie May McCoy, a woman battling severe mental health issues, was brutally murdered in her own apartment, and the events surrounding her death are still puzzling to this day. The complexity of this case, marked by the struggles of its victim and the murky motives behind her murder, led to a deeply unsettling investigation. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Ruthie May’s murder wasn’t as simple as it first seemed.

Who Was Ruthie May McCoy?

Ruthie May McCoy was a grandmother living in the Abbott Homes projects, a place where crime and poverty had become the harsh realities of daily life. Struggling with paranoia, Ruthie sought help from the Mount Sinai Psychiatric Center, where she enrolled in an outpatient program to manage her mental health. With the center’s help, she began taking steps toward rebuilding her life—she enrolled in high school equivalency classes and even qualified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which gave her the financial means to escape the projects and live in private housing.

However, Ruthie May’s newfound financial stability would become a double-edged sword. The first check she received included retroactive payments totaling nearly $2,000—a sum that, while modest in the grand scheme, was a significant windfall in the context of her life in the projects. Ruthie May purchased a few new items for herself, including a winter coat and other modest luxuries. Sadly, this newfound wealth would soon make her a target.

The Night of the Murder

Ruthie May’s murder took place in the midst of her attempts to escape the grim reality of her life. On the night she was killed, Ruthie was alone in her apartment when someone broke in through a hole in the bathroom wall that connected her apartment to the one next door. The two men responsible—Edward “Monae” Turner and John “White Boy” Hondras—had been discussing how to break into neighboring apartments, and they saw an opportunity in Ruthie May’s home.

Tim Brown, a young man who often hung out in the neighboring apartment, later told police that he had witnessed the two men moving in and out of Ruthie May's apartment. After hearing gunshots, Brown claimed to have seen them leaving with stolen goods: a TV and a rocking chair. The motive, detectives theorized, could have been simple greed—Ruthie May’s recent check had likely made her a target for thieves who knew she had money and nice things in her apartment.

The Investigation Unfolds

Detectives Anthony Manina and Ray Loer were assigned to the case, but solving the mystery was anything but straightforward. The initial difficulties stemmed from the challenging relationship between law enforcement and the residents of Abbott Homes, many of whom were hesitant to cooperate with the police due to fear of retaliation. Despite these obstacles, Manina and Loer began to gather information, speaking with witnesses and piecing together a timeline of events.

Tim Brown’s testimony was crucial. He described how Hondras and Turner had used the bathroom mirror to peer into Ruthie May’s apartment, then allegedly entered through the front door and shot her after a brief exchange. The detectives also learned that Hondras and Turner had tried to stash the stolen items—a TV and a rocking chair—in a woman’s apartment nearby, adding weight to Brown’s account.

The Challenges of the Case

The case against Turner and Hondras was built largely on witness testimony, but there were several complications. Brown’s timeline didn’t align with the official police response, and crucial physical evidence—such as the murder weapon and fingerprints—was never recovered. Furthermore, by the time the police were able to fully investigate, the suspects had already had a head start in crafting their own versions of events.

The detectives’ persistence paid off when they located the stolen items at Turner’s mother’s apartment. Despite the lack of direct physical evidence, the detectives felt confident that they had the right suspects. The two men had been seen leaving with stolen goods, and the testimony from Brown and others seemed to confirm their involvement.

The Aftermath

While Hondras and Turner were eventually identified as the perpetrators, the case raised larger questions about the conditions in the Abbott Homes projects and the struggles faced by those who lived there. Ruthie May McCoy’s death was not just a story of one woman’s tragic end but also a reflection of the desperation and violence that permeated the community.

Ruthie May’s murder may have been driven by greed, but it also highlighted the impact of systemic issues—poverty, mental health struggles, and the lack of adequate support for those trying to escape difficult situations. Her tragic end left an indelible mark on the city and remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those living in poverty.

As Chicago’s detectives continue to search for answers, Ruthie May McCoy’s case remains a haunting example of how the simplest of desires—a better life, a small amount of security—can sometimes lead to the most heartbreaking of consequences.