Machete-Wielding Killer Pleads Guilty

Friday, December 7th 2007, 7:41 am

By: News On 6

TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) - A man accused of using a machete to kill a mother and her 20-year-old son, then burn their home has pleaded guilty to capital murder and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Twenty-seven-year-old Brandon Gail Stringer pleaded guilty yesterday to killing 61-year-old Carole Ellingburg and her son, Jamie Ellingburg, 20, in their home on November 22, 2006.

Stringer, who was friends with Jamie Ellingburg, also admitted to arson, two counts of abuse of a corpse, burglary and theft. Stringer admitted his guilt during the Thursday hearing, but did little to temper the bad feelings of relatives of the victims.

Steve Rambo, son and brother of the victims, accused Stringer of accepting the plea only because he was afraid of risking the death penalty. Rambo also said his mother had saved money so she could make a Thanksgiving dinner, to which Stringer was invited.

Police say Stringer killed Jamie Ellingburg during an argument, then killed his friend's mother. Court documents show Stringer returned to the house to steal items, and didn't burn it until four days later.