Robert Alton Harris American criminal and murderer Date of Birth: 15.01.1953 Country: USA

1. Robert Alton Harris: American Criminal and Murderer
2. The Double Murder
3. Arrest and Conviction
4. Appeal for Clemency and Execution
5. Aftermath

Robert Alton Harris: American Criminal and Murderer

Robert Alton Harris was born on January 15, 1953. He had a troubled childhood, and at a young age, he reportedly killed several neighborhood cats. Later, he was convicted of petty theft and car theft in Florida.

The Double Murder

On July 5, 1978, Harris and his 18-year-old brother, Daniel, decided to steal a car. They encountered two teenagers, John Mayeski and Michael Baker, who were eating hamburgers in a Ford LTD. Harris ordered Mayeski to drive them to a wooded area near Miramar Lake, promising to let them go unharmed. However, he later shot and killed both teenagers.

Arrest and Conviction

Harris and his brother then robbed a bank, netting $3,000. One of the arresting officers was Steven Baker, the father of the murdered Michael Baker.

In 1976, Harris was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances and kidnapping. His brother was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to six years in prison.

Appeal for Clemency and Execution

Harris's appeals for clemency were denied, including a plea from his childhood psychiatrist. He was executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin State Prison on April 21, 1992. His last words referenced the movie "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey."

Aftermath

Harris's execution was the first in California in 25 years. His case sparked debates about capital punishment and the role of childhood trauma in mitigating criminal behavior.