Stabbed 22 Times With a Screwdriver
Aunt Grace was one of my father’s (Boyd Haston’s) sisters. Because she and Uncle Arthur lived in Akron, Ohio and our family remained in Tennessee, I never knew them as well as I wanted. But my memories of her are special–she was a sweet and kind lady, a lovely woman with beautiful auburn colored hair, and a godly woman who love the Lord Jesus. I admired her.
In September 1979, our Tennessee family was shocked to hear that she had been murdered. And the way in which she was killed was almost unimaginable to us. I have always wanted to know more about that violent crime and the murderer who took the life of my Aunt Grace. Here’s the story.
Grace Haston Rittenour was murdered in this house on Sunday evening, September 16, 1979. This photo of the house was taken 32 years later. The canal is located behind the house.
Myrtle was her first name and also the name of her mother. But she was commonly known by her middle name, Grace.
Arkmael Sales, the murderer, was soon captured, and two days after the murder, details about the crime were revealed. Sales was charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated murder.
Her parents, Charles Beason and Myrtle (Wallace) Haston died in 1953. Her older sister, Edna Haston Moss, died in 1976.
Arkmael Sales (right) talks with lawyer, Tim Killian during trial in Summit County (Ohio) Common Pleas Court
Posted December 29, 2021:
I am A.Ray Sales, 80 years young (born June 15, 1941), Black, 5’9”, wgt 164, single, heterosexual. Have my GED and some college. Love to read, fish, work with animals, children. Hope to be released in March 2023 and plan to start a refurbishing business upon release. Recovered lung cancer patient. Has very little family, all lost during my confinement. Never married. Will respond to all regardless of age. NOTE: I can receive ONLY letters via SNAIL MAIL; otherwise I cannot respond.
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