Ward Weaver III, born on April 6, 1963, in Humboldt County, California, is a notorious figure convicted of a series of heinous crimes that sent shockwaves through seemingly ordinary communities. The crimes involved the kidnapping, rape, and murder of two young girls, Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis. Prior to these tragedies, Weaver had been previously convicted of sexual assault, setting the stage for the horrific events that would soon unfold.
The Unveiling of His Gruesome Crimes
His own son, Francis Weaver, played a significant role in exposing the monster behind the façade of an ordinary man. Francis reported to police in August 2002 regarding his father’s sexual assault and murder of two young girls.
His bravery in coming forward and the overwhelming evidence against Ward Weaver III led to his conviction and sentencing to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in 2004.
The Impact on Ward Weaver’s Daughter, Mallori
Caught in the spotlight of her father’s horrendous crimes was his daughter, Mallori Weaver. She was thrust into the public eye, facing scrutiny and media attention due to her association with the now-infamous Ward Weaver III. Adding to the tragedy, both victims of her father’s crimes, Ashley and Miranda, were friends of Mallori and had visited her at her dad’s house.
The emotional weight of the tragedy, coupled with the relentless public scrutiny, significantly affected Mallori’s mental health, leading her to be admitted to the hospital in 2010. Despite being initially charged with attempted assault, disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, and harassment, Mallori was acquitted of allegedly attacking a hospital security guard at Providence Medical Center. The current details of Mallori’s life remain largely unknown, and we can only hope that she is doing well.
The Relationships of Ward Weaver III
Ward Weaver III and Maria Stout married in 1984 and relocated to Bakersfield, California shortly thereafter.
The marriage, however, didn’t last, ending in divorce in 1993 amidst allegations of abuse, leading Stout to file a restraining order against Weaver. In 2014, Stout found herself in hot water when her apartment was searched by police following allegations of methamphetamine sales.
Following his separation from Stout, Weaver married Kristi Sloan. Though Kristi was victimized by Ward, she chose not to testify against him.
Their marriage lasted for four years, but details about Sloan’s personal life remain sparse.
The Wider Weaver Family and their Troubled History
The family history of Ward Weaver III is one tainted with crime and abuse. His father, Ward Weaver Jr., was a convicted murderer who abandoned his family when Ward III was only four years old. Weaver Jr. was notorious for his abusive behavior towards his wives and children and was implicated in sexual assault and rape cases.
Ward III had two other siblings; Tammi Ward and Robert Budrow (his half-brother). Both siblings accused Ward of physical and sexual abuse, adding more evidence to his already bleak history of violence. Ward and Stout had four children together, with their son Francis playing a crucial role in unveiling the horrific crimes of his father.
Ward Weaver III and his family serve as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can hide behind the facade of ordinary communities and the lasting scars that such tragedies leave on those closest to them.
