Convicted Killer Charged with Kidnapping and Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend

Jack Waldrop III allegedly told his ex-girlfriend "she was going to die today" while she was in his truck.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A Washington state man named Jack Waldrop III, a convicted felon who spent two decades in prison for killing a former girlfriend, has been charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, and violating a court order after allegedly offering his ex-girlfriend a ride, then threatening to kill her while she was in his truck. Waldrop is expected to take a plea deal that would result in up to 8 years in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for victims, especially those with prior histories of abuse. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to rehabilitate violent offenders and prevent them from reoffending.

The details

According to court documents, in March 2022, Waldrop offered to give his 63-year-old ex-girlfriend a ride to run an errand. While in his Ford F-150 truck, Waldrop allegedly told the victim "she was going to die today" and then proceeded to physically assault her, stomping on her, yanking her hair, and punching her in the back. The victim fell out of the truck at one point, but Waldrop pulled up and forced her back inside. He then drove her against her will, continuing to threaten and attack her, before stopping at a gas station where she was able to seek help from a bystander.

  • In March 2022, Waldrop offered the victim a ride and the alleged assault occurred.
  • Waldrop was apprehended in California several weeks after the incident.

The players

Jack Waldrop III

A 57-year-old convicted felon who spent two decades in prison for killing a former girlfriend in 1998.

Angela Walker

A woman Waldrop was convicted of killing in 1998, for which he served over 21 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“They know what to do with vicious animals like you,”

— The victim's father (Statesman Journal)

“This is the most classic case of battered woman syndrome I've ever seen. He's dangerous and I wish we could have given him more time. If you have a spouse or a boyfriend who's abusive, get the hell out before it's too late.”

— The deputy district attorney, who prosecuted Waldrop for the 1998 killing (Statesman Journal)

What’s next

Waldrop is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to change his plea to guilty on the kidnapping and court order violation charges in exchange for the assault charge being dropped. He is expected to face up to 8 years in prison as part of the plea deal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for victims, especially those with prior histories of abuse. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to rehabilitate violent offenders and prevent them from reoffending.