Man who duct-taped his girlfriend’s head and zip-tied her hands said he needed to ‘get himself together’ when shocked cops asked him about it: Police

A Missouri man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators accused him of kidnapping, restraining, and fatally shooting his former girlfriend in a case that prosecutors describe as a calculated and violent homicide.

According to authorities, Ramello Robinson-Parks has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the death of 26-year-old Elaysha Gilliam. The charges were announced by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office after a lengthy investigation into the killing that occurred in Kansas City, Missouri.

Body Discovered in Vacant Lot After Witnesses Heard Screams and Gunshots

Homeless Couple Made the Grim Discovery

The investigation began on Feb. 19, 2024, when a homeless couple walking through a field near Oakley Avenue and East 36th Terrace in Kansas City discovered a woman’s body in an overgrown vacant lot. The couple later told investigators they had heard a woman screaming and gunshots approximately two nights earlier in the same area.

Police Found Victim Bound and Shot Multiple Times

Officers with the Kansas City Police Department responded to the scene and located the body of a woman who had suffered extensive trauma. Investigators later identified the victim as Elaysha Gilliam.

According to court documents, Gilliam’s hands and feet had been secured with zip ties. Authorities also found duct tape covering her mouth and wrapped around her head. She had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her head, neck, torso, arm, and buttocks. Investigators recovered eight .40-caliber shell casings from the crime scene.

Medical Examiner Ruled Death a Homicide

An autopsy later determined that Gilliam died from multiple gunshot wounds. The medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide. The condition of the body and the restraints used on the victim became central pieces of evidence in the investigation.

Investigators Focused on the Victim’s Former Boyfriend

Gilliam Had Left Home to Meet Robinson-Parks

As detectives reconstructed Gilliam’s final movements, they learned that she left her residence shortly after midnight on Feb. 17, 2024, to meet Robinson-Parks, her former boyfriend. That information quickly made him a person of interest in the case.

Relationship Reportedly Marked by Abuse and Control

Investigators interviewed multiple individuals familiar with the couple’s relationship. According to the probable cause statement, one witness described Robinson-Parks as abusive and recounted previous incidents involving physical violence.

The witness reportedly told investigators that Robinson-Parks had assaulted a woman in the past and caused her to lose a twin pregnancy. Another person described him as “always jealous, insecure, and controlling.”

Seven-Year Relationship Had Ended Months Earlier

Detectives learned that Gilliam and Robinson-Parks had been involved in a romantic relationship for approximately seven years. However, the pair had broken up roughly eight months before Gilliam’s body was discovered. Despite the breakup, the two apparently remained in contact.

Las Vegas Trip Became Part of the Investigation

Former Couple Traveled Together Days Before Death

Investigators also discovered that Gilliam and Robinson-Parks had recently traveled together. Court records indicate the pair went to Las Vegas on Feb. 10, 2024, and returned to Kansas City six days later.

The trip became one of several timeline details examined by detectives as they worked to determine the events leading up to Gilliam’s death.

Suspect’s Conversation With Detectives Raised Questions

Interview Conducted Weeks After Body Was Found

On March 5, 2024, approximately two weeks after Gilliam’s body was discovered, detectives interviewed Robinson-Parks about the case.

During the interview, he reportedly told investigators that Gilliam sometimes disappeared for days after arguments. Authorities said he attempted to explain her absence but did not provide extensive details.

“Need to Get Myself Together”

According to the probable cause statement, Robinson-Parks eventually stopped answering questions and declined to elaborate further.

When investigators pressed him for additional information, he allegedly stated that he needed to “get himself together” before continuing the conversation. That remark later became one of the most widely reported details in the case following the filing of criminal charges.

DNA Evidence Linked the Suspect to the Victim

Crucial Forensic Evidence Emerged During Autopsy

A significant breakthrough reportedly came from forensic testing conducted during Gilliam’s autopsy.

Authorities said a piece of a latex medical-type glove was recovered from the victim’s hair. Subsequent DNA analysis allegedly identified Robinson-Parks as a contributor to DNA found on a swab collected from that glove fragment. Investigators cited the forensic evidence as a key factor connecting him to the crime.

Arrest Came More Than Two Years After the Killing

Robinson-Parks Taken Into Custody in 2026

Although Gilliam was killed in February 2024, Robinson-Parks was not arrested until May 16, 2026, after investigators completed their case and prosecutors approved charges.

Prosecutors Announced Multiple Felony Charges

Following his arrest, prosecutors charged Robinson-Parks with:

• First-degree murder
• Armed criminal action
• Unlawful possession of a firearm

The first-degree murder charge alleges that the killing was deliberate and premeditated, making it among the most serious criminal offenses under Missouri law.

Prior Convictions Added to Prosecutors’ Concerns

Suspect Previously Convicted Felon

Authorities noted that Robinson-Parks had prior felony convictions in Missouri. According to prosecutors, his criminal history includes convictions for involuntary second-degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident causing physical injury.

Firearm Charge Tied to Felony Record

Because of his status as a convicted felon, prosecutors also charged Robinson-Parks with unlawful possession of a firearm. The allegation stems from restrictions that prohibit convicted felons from legally possessing firearms.

Federal Custody Complicated Transfer Process

Suspect Held on Separate Federal Matter

At the time charges were announced, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office stated that Robinson-Parks was already being held in federal custody on an unrelated case.

Officials said arrangements would be made for him to be transferred into Jackson County custody to face the murder charges.

Cash Bond Set at $100,000

Court records indicate that Robinson-Parks’ bond was set at $100,000 cash only. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed additional details regarding the separate federal matter.

Case Highlights Concerns About Domestic Violence

The allegations outlined by investigators paint a disturbing picture of a woman who was allegedly lured to meet a former partner, restrained with zip ties and duct tape, and then fatally shot multiple times. Prosecutors contend that the evidence—including witness statements, relationship history, forensic findings, and DNA recovered from a glove fragment—supports the charges against Robinson-Parks.

The case remains pending, and Robinson-Parks is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.