Bonney Family Genealogy & History

Kathy Carol Bonney, tragically murdered on November 21, 1987, was a 19-year-old resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. Her death at the hands of her father, Thomas Lee Bonney, attracted significant media attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings. Thomas Bonney claimed insanity, citing dissociative identity disorder as his defense, which added a complex layer to the case. This high-profile murder inspired the book "Deadly Whispers" by Ted Schwarz and a television movie of the same name, both exploring the chilling events surrounding Kathy's death.

Kathy was the eldest of six children born to Thomas Lee Bonney and Dorothy Mae. The Bonney family lived in Chesapeake, Virginia, where Thomas ran an auto salvage yard. Kathy's sister, Susan Christine Bonney, described their father as strict and controlling. The family dynamic was troubled, with Thomas Bonney reportedly experiencing abuse during his own childhood and exhibiting mood swings and a tumultuous relationship with his father.

Barbara Bonney, born April 14, 1956, in Montclair, New Jersey, is a renowned American soprano admired for her exceptional performances in lyric soprano roles, particularly in operas by Mozart and Richard Strauss. Her distinguished career includes appearances at prestigious venues like the Royal Opera House, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. Bonney is celebrated for her extensive discography, featuring over 90 recordings with 15 solo recitals. She has also contributed to notable projects such as the compilation album "When Love Speaks." In academia, she serves as a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London and is on the faculty of Mozarteum University Salzburg and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria.

Tabiabuè Bonney, famously known as Tabi Bonney, is a Togo-born rapper based in Washington, D.C., celebrated for his vibrant contributions to the music scene with hits like "The Pocket" and "Doin It." Bonney's career includes directing music videos and launching the clothing line Bonney Runway. He gained prominence with his debut album "A Fly Guy's Theme" in 2006 and continued to build his discography with albums like "The Summer Years" in 2011, which features samples from his father's music. Bonney's creative ventures and collaborations, including work with artists like Raheem DeVaughn and Wale, highlight his dynamic presence in the hip-hop and fashion landscapes.

Tabi Bonney was born in Lomé, Togo, to Itadi Bonney, a renowned afro-funk musician from the 1970s, and Jo, an American teacher stationed there through the Peace Corps. Political unrest in Togo led the Bonney family to relocate to Washington, D.C. Despite his parents' initial reluctance for him to pursue music, Bonney's passion for the arts prevailed alongside his academic achievements, including a Master's degree in biology. His father, Itadi Bonney, remains a significant influence in his musical journey, with his legacy woven into Tabi's work.

Simon Philip Bonney, born in 1961, is a renowned Australian country rock musician and the creative force behind the post-punk band Crime & the City Solution. Formed in 1977, the band has seen various line-ups with Bonney as the consistent member. Notable achievements include the release of albums like "Room of Lights" and "Paradise Discotheque." Bonney transitioned to a solo career in the early 1990s, releasing critically acclaimed albums "Forever" and "Everyman," which explored Americana influences. His musical endeavors have spanned across continents from Sydney to Berlin to Detroit, contributing significantly to the rock and country music genres.