Oregon Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Mother Over Belief She Was Possessed

A 38-year-old man from Gladstone, Oregon, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for fatally shooting his mother in November 2024. The tragic incident occurred when Ronald Kirk, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, shot Rosa Leyva, his 61-year-old mother, because he believed she was possessed by a supernatural entity.

Friends and family members became concerned about Leyva's well-being after they were unable to contact her for several days. They alerted the police, prompting officers to conduct a welfare check at her residence on November 20, 2024. Upon arrival, authorities found Leyva deceased from a gunshot wound to the head in the dining room, covered with pillowcases.

According to investigators, Kirk had shot his mother the day before, November 19, 2024. Prosecutors revealed that Kirk's belief in his mother being possessed was fueled by his addiction issues and frequent use of methamphetamine. Prior to the shooting, Leyva had contacted law enforcement for help after asking her son to vacate their home.

During a trial held on October 20, 2025, prosecutors described Kirk as "volatile, dangerous, and frequently drunk or high." The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Kirk was found guilty of second-degree murder. At the sentencing hearing, Leyva's nephew, Tyler Leyva, expressed his shock and grief over his aunt's death at the hands of her own son.

The case highlights the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals and their families. It underscores how addiction can lead to severe mental health issues and violent behavior. The tragic outcome serves as a stark reminder of the need for better access to treatment and support services for those struggling with drug and alcohol dependencies.

Family members and community leaders have called for increased awareness about the dangers associated with untreated addiction. They emphasize the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support systems that can prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The sentencing also reflects the legal system's approach to severe cases involving familial violence exacerbated by substance abuse.

This case has garnered significant attention due to its unusual circumstances, raising questions about how society addresses mental health crises linked to drug addiction and supernatural beliefs. It is part of a broader discussion on the intersection of mental health, addiction, and crime in the United States.