The family of Tonia McDonald has found some relief knowing that her 69-year-old husband, Everton “Beachy Stout” McDonald, who orchestrated her gruesome murder, will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
“He will not be coming out; that alone brings closure for us. He will be locked away for life,” said Tonia’s sister, Nicole Hamilton Linton, on Thursday after McDonald was sentenced to life in prison. The Portland businessman, who turns 70 on October 29, was ordered to serve 28 years and 11 months before being eligible for parole. He also received an additional four years and six months for conspiracy, but the sentences will run concurrently.
Oscar Barnes, a 33-year-old tiler and fisherman from St. Mary, who was subcontracted to carry out the murder, received a similar life sentence, along with a pre-parole term of 28 years and 11 months, plus an additional six years and six months for conspiracy.
During the nearly six-month trial, McDonald maintained a nonchalant demeanor, while Barnes appeared smug as they stood before Justice Chester Stamp in the Home Circuit Court for sentencing.
Reacting to the verdict, a visibly emotional Hamilton Linton, who leaned on her husband Haleem for support, expressed a mix of relief and sorrow. “It brings a bit of closure, but unfortunately, my sister is still gone. She will never be with us again,” she said with a heavy sigh. “I’m just glad the justice system was able to remove these dangerous individuals and make the streets a little safer for law-abiding citizens.”
She added, “We just want to mourn now and put this behind us.”
Hamilton Linton agreed with the judge’s description of the case as one of the “worst of the worst.” She reflected on the haunting memories of what her sister endured in her final moments, recalling how hearing one of Tonia’s favorite songs recently brought her to tears.
“This isn’t something you heal from easily,” she said. “It’s something that will stay with me for a long time, maybe forever. I will always remember my baby sister, especially since people used to mistake us for twins. She’ll never truly leave us.”
Tonia McDonald, Everton’s second wife, was found dead on July 20, 2020. Her charred remains were discovered near her burnt Toyota Axio in Sherwood Forest, Portland. She had been stabbed nine times, and her throat was slashed.
The case unraveled with the testimony of Denvalyn Minott, a contract killer serving a 19-year sentence for his involvement in the murder. Minott revealed that McDonald had hired him for $3 million to kill Tonia, but he passed the task to Barnes after several failed attempts. According to Minott, he lured Tonia to the area under the guise of helping her acquire guns, which she sought to avenge her father’s death. McDonald had introduced her to Minott to facilitate the purchase.
Both McDonald and Barnes denied any involvement in the murder or the conspiracy, but a jury found them guilty on both charges in March.
The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing chapter for the family, who now look to find peace in Tonia’s memory.
