Luis R. Rondon, former King of the Society for Creative Anachronism’s East Kingdom, was convicted by a jury today on charges of second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the 2019 murder of Deborah Waldinger reports News 12.
A press release issued by the Orange County (NY) District Attorney says Rondon faces from 25 years to life in prison on the murder charge when he is sentenced on December 15.
Rondon, who was a peace officer and sergeant with the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority at the time of the murder, knew the victim through their activities in the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Prosecutors argued at trial that Rondon had killed Waldinger by repeatedly striking her on the head with a recently-purchased framing hammer. He then flew to California to attend the Great Western War sponsored by the Kingdom of Caid, a regional chapter of the SCA, and was arrested by Taft (CA) police where the event was in progress. Prosecutors argued that his reason for murdering Waldinger was that she had threatened to tell his wife about their relationship and that he feared losing his wife, his house, and his pension.
Rondon was expelled from the SCA soon after his arrest in 2019.
Luis Rondon 
Deborah Waldinger
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Sounds like his fears were realized.
sits in appalled silence
Terrible and sad.
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Another possible argument for selecting SCAdian royals more ways than “by right of arms”? Can’t believe this only warranted second degree, feels underwhelming. Wonder why?
New York code 125.27 says first degree murder applies when the victim is for example a cop or firefighter in the course of their duties, or some other exceptional kinds of victim or circumstances. It looks like in New York second degree would apply to most premeditated murders committed by one person against another.