Driver convicted of murder in teen's '03 death

By Tamara El-Khoury, Times Staff Writer
In print: Sunday, March 30, 2008

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ADVERTISEMENT Pamela Thompson, a former Largo resident, was run over by her speeding car, which had just been stolen.

Pamela Thompson grew up catching minnows and turtles in McKay Creek, which ran through her back yard.

She and her sister rode their bikes to school: first to Mildred Helms Elementary and eventually to Largo Middle School.

Thompson and her sister grew up living with their aunt and uncle in Largo. In many ways, it was an idyllic childhood.

But six years after moving to California to live with her mother and stepfather, Thompson's life was cut short.

On March 25, a jury convicted Paul Anderson, 36, of first-degree murder in Thompson's death.

According to the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2003, Thompson was outside her apartment complex looking for her car, which had been stolen. As she was on the phone with her mother, she saw the car speeding toward her.

Anderson, who said he had used methamphetamine that day, ran over Thompson with her car. Three days later she was taken off life support. She was 19.

According to the Press-Enterprise, Anderson claimed he was speeding to make it through the complex's gate and didn't intend to run over Thompson. He later tried to use her credit card and driver's license.

A jury convicted him of first-degree murder, robbery and receiving stolen property. Anderson's sentencing hearing is set for April 23. He is expected to receive a life sentence without parole.

Thompson's uncle, Paul Einboden, who now lives in St. Petersburg, and his ex-wife, Peggy Gatliff, were Thompson's legal guardians when she was 4 until she was 13. Einboden said Pamela loved spending time outdoors, climbing trees, playing basketball, going to gymnastics classes and attending magic camp and other programs at Largo's recreation centers.

Her favorite magic act was making her pet dove, Peppermint, pretend to fall asleep.

Every year, Thompson and her cat, Tiger, celebrated their birthdays together. Tiger died a month before his 20th birthday. His picture was placed in Thompson's casket.

She wanted to study to become a nurse.

"She loved children, and she was gung-ho on helping people," Einboden said.

Tamara El-Khoury can be reached at (727)445-4181 or tel-khoury@sptimes.com.